Devon Branch Butterfly Conservation

Open Day 2025 

Saturday 18th October 

10am - 4pm (doors open at 9:30am) 

The Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton EX17 2 AH Join us for a day of community, curiosity and conservation 

EVERYONE WELCOME 

This year's guest speakers include:

Sam Ellis The new European butterfly Red List 2025 and the role of Butterfly Conservation's European Butterflies Group 

Sam is an expert in butterfly conservation, known for shaping international strategies to protect butterflies, moths, and their habitats. He has held leadership roles within Butterfly Conservation Europe, including a term as Chair, and currently serves as a board member and advisor, contributing to policy initiatives like the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

John Nightingale The Habitat group - community conservation in action

John is co-ordinator of The Habitat Group in the South Hams. The group was started with the mission to protect and improve our local habitats. Since its inception they have initiated a series of projects from encouraging gardeners to make space in their gardens for wildlife to reintroducing water voles.

Will Leo Hawkes The most remarkable migrants - a moth and other insect migration story 

Will is an insect migration scientist and conservationist from North Wales. He's had a life-long love of wildlife and the natural world. Currently working for Buglife Cornwall, on the 'People for Pollinators' project.

Jonah Corren Spoken word and Songs

Jonah is a multiple-slam-winning poet and alt-folk singer-songwriter from West Dorset. They have performed at festivals and on stages across the Southwest, and their work has been widely published. Their latest alt-folk EP 'The Trees Apart' released in June 2025, received coverage from The Indie Scene, Americana UK and BBC Introducing, and drew comparisons to Belle & Sebastian and Stornoway

Meet old friends and new as we celebrate Devon's moths and butterflies. Learn, explore and share all the hidden lives of these incredible insects.

 Our engaging guest speakers will share inspiring insights into the conservation efforts from across the county, from habitat restoration to species monitoring, showcasing how your support makes a real difference.

 Whether you're a lifelong lepidopterist or simply curious about nature, this is a fantastic opportunity to hear from experts, discover the work of Butterfly Conservation in Devon, and see how you can get involved. 

The running order of the day, all timings are approximate:  

09:30 - Doors Open, Tea and Coffee on Arrival 

10:00 - Welcome, Chairmans Report, Elections

             Devon Butterfly Report - Pete Hurst

             Devon Moth Report - Barry Henwood 

10:45 - Coffee and Biscuits  

11:00 - The Most Remarkable Migrants, a moth and other insect migration story - Will Leo Hawkes 

12:15 - Jonah Corren - Spoken Word 

12:30 - Lunch, attendees to bring own lunch 

13:30 - The New European Butterfly Red List 2025 and the Role of Butterfly Conservation's European Butterflies Group - Sam Ellis 

14:30 - The Habitat Group, Community Conservation in Action - John Nightingale 

15:00 - Jonah Corren - Acoustic Set 

15:15 - Tea and Cake  

16:00 - End of Day  

We hope to see you there.  

Best wishes, 

Devon Branch