Butterfly Spotting and Identification

Butterfly Spotting and Identification

*Kids go free! (Under 16s, accompanied by an adult)*

Join us as we explore the Forest of Flowers nature reserve at peak butterfly season, with the help of our expert guide from Butterfly Conservation Yorkshire, Nick Hall.

Thanks to the wildflower meadows and woodland habitat here, the Forest of Flowers nature reserve is home to a large number of butterflies. Between 2020 - 2022, we had the highest number of butterfly sightings of all sites surveyed in Yorkshire - over 3,000 butterflies on average each year across 23 different species.

At this time of year, we expect to see a wide range of species, including: 

• Ringlet
• Meadow brown
• Small skipper
• Gatekeeper
• Burnet moth

We will look at:

• The butterfly species present at the Forest of Flowers 
• Identification tips, including looking at behaviour, flight patterns and appearance
• Types of butterfly habitats - host and food plant species, and how to support butterflies in your area

After an initial talk, our guided tour will let you experience our butterflies in their natural habitat and develop your skills for identifying them elsewhere.

Moth Trapping 

We hope to set up a moth trap the night before the event. As a group we can then open the trap together to discover the various moth species living on the Forest of Flowers reserve. Over the last 2 years, we have had rare sightings of spotted a Scarlet Tiger moth, one of over 160 species recorded here.

Refreshments and homemade cakes will be provided after the walk.

Please note: 

• Our walk will be approximately 1.5 miles through flat but uneven terrain - we recommend sturdy/waterproof footwear such as walking boots.
• Butterfly activity is weather-dependant as they prefer warm, sunny days. 

About Forest of Flowers

The Forest of Flowers project has created 74 acres of new woodland and wildflower meadows, with the sole aim to provide a thriving natural sanctuary for wildlife.

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The land, previously a mixed arable and sheep farm, was re-purposed in 2016 when over 42,000 trees and shrubs were planted, alongside 35 native wildflower species. This is part of a vision to create a thriving ecosystem to benefit pollinators, birds and a diverse range of native wildlife. 

All ticket sales will support our conservation work here on the Forest of Flowers nature reserve. Thank you!

Visitor Comments from Previous Events

"Thank you for a most enjoyable, relaxing, varied and informative event. It was a very special, unique and memorable afternoon. The structure was excellent as it was so varied and the activities linked together so well. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we arrived and the setting under the gazebo in the orchard was absolutely perfect... and your friendly cat was an added bonus!" - August 2022

"From our perspective it was just the right balance, giving people a chance to learn, share their stories, mix with others, ask questions. As always, your knowledge and enthusiasm shone through and I’m sure everyone found the afternoon useful and interesting." - August 2022

Tickets are limited and booking is essential.