Our guided walks are aimed at everyone interested in butterflies - not just UTB or Butterfly Conservation members.

Each year we assemble an extensive programme of walks to allow you to see some of our beautiful butterflies. Walks take place across all three counties, so there should be something of interest locally. The programme gives you the chance to enjoy each of the common butterfly species of our region, most of the rarer ones, and some day-flying moths.

You do NOT need to be an expert to come on one of our walks. They can be enjoyed by anyone with any level of knowledge (or none). First-time participants, children (with adult supervision), photographers - you are ALL welcome.

PLEASE BOOK if you are planning to attend one of our walks. This helps us to manage parking, limit our impact on the visited sites, and ensures the Leader does not turn up unnecessarily.

Walks are subject to amendment, particularly if the weather forecast is unfavourable. Please check the Events calendar for any last-minute changes.

Don't forget that butterfly activity depends a great deal on the weather, and they may emerge earlier or later than normal. We cannot guarantee to see a particular species (or, indeed, any), but our trips visit some lovely countryside and there will always be something interesting to see.

Walks take place at a variety of sites, some remote, whilst others may be steep, wet, or full of rabbit holes, ruts, brambles and gorse. Please make sure you are prepared, you are fit and able to cope with the walk, and that you know how to seek help in an emergency.

Please be aware of the following:

• Group sizes vary between about 5 and 16, occasionally more.
• Most walks last around 2 hours, depending on the weather, butterfly activity and the interests of those attending.
• For your safety and comfort wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, use sunscreen, carry a drink and maybe a snack.
• Heed all safety advice, watch out for hazards such as rabbit holes, roots and brambles; and check for ticks after the walk.
• It is advisable to carry a mobile phone in case of emergencies.
• Please inform the leader if you wish to leave a walk early.
• A butterfly field guide and a pair of close focusing binoculars may help.
• You are welcome to bring a camera. Where practical we try to give everyone the opportunity to take photographs, as long as it does not disturb butterflies or other wildlife, or inconvenience other participants.
• NO DOGS please.

None of our guided walks would happen without the dedication, knowledge and commitment of our team of volunteer Leaders. Many thanks to them all. We would also like to thank the owners and managers of the sites we visit for allowing us access; and for safeguarding these special places of wildlife interest.

We are always looking for new Leaders to join our team. If you have the enthusiasm, knowledge and skills to lead one of our guided walks, and would be happy to help out, please get in touch. It is a great way of getting out in the fresh air and getting some exercise, whilst helping like-minded individuals learn more and enjoy our butterflies and moths. If you have a current First Aid certificate and would be willing to undertake a small amount of online training, that would be a bonus.

Please contact the walks co-ordinator (Peter Philp) at guided-walks@upperthames-butterflies.upperthames-butterflies.org.uk if you are interested in becoming a Leader.