Butterfly Conservation is searching for volunteers for the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS) in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire - no experience needed, just an interest in butterflies and a willingness to walk a transect a couple of times in July or August.

Although squares are allocated randomly by Butterfly Conservation, we have squares throughout the county but are particularly looking for someone in the areas shown in the lists.

If you would like to help this year and would like more information please contact Clare Topping the Wider Countryside Co-ordinator.

The WCBS, a national survey, began in 2009 and contributes to both the local and national records helping BC monitor the state of the country’s butterflies.

A joint project with the BTO, in 2015 there were 34 transects walked at least twice with over 6,200 butterflies, moths and damselflies recorded.

The top three butterflies were Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Ringlet, but we did have Clouded Yellows, Fritillaries and Purple Emperors for a bit of colour!

Squares available in Northamptonshire:

• SP5645 Sulgrave
• SP6367 Long Buckby
• SP7084 East Farndon
• SP7870 Pitsford
• SP8186 Sywell
• SP9283 Brigstock
• SP9287 Station, Nr Corby
• SP5634 South of Brackley
• TL0687 Oundle
• SP5543 Greatworth, Nr Brackley
• SP6670 Ravensthorpe
• SP9593 Bulwick, Nr Deene
• SP6647 Fuscote, Silverstone
• SP6051 Adstone, Canons Ashby
• SP8992 Brookfield Plantation, Corby
• SP7651 Roade
• SP6350 Blakesley

Squares available in Bedfordshire:

• TL0123 Houghton Regis
• TL0330 Nr Toddington Services
• SP9824 Tilsworth
• TL0152 Oakley
• SP9827 Tebworth
• SP9628 Battlesdon
• SP9952 Stevington