We are currently looking to recruit Volunteer Butterfly Surveyors across our Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserves for the Spring/Summer 2026 season. 

We are looking for volunteer Butterfly Surveyors across our Yorkshire reserves for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, particularly in:

• Ripon City Wetlands (North)
• Brae pasture (North-west Yorkshire) – and other nearby sites
• Grass Wood (North-west)
• Ashberry (North-east)
• Ellerburn Bank (North-east)
• Fen Bog (North-east)
• Wheldrake Ings (East)
• Hetchell Wood (West)
• Townclose Hills (West)
• Rothwell Country Pasture (West)
• Sprotborough Flash (South)

However, if a reserve you are interested in is not listed, please do get in touch, as we may be able to arrange this.

Butterflies have rapid life cycles and often a high sensitivity to environmental conditions, meaning they are uniquely placed to act as indicators to environmental changes. As a result, butterfly surveys are a key ecological monitoring program on our reserves. Collecting data on the species present, as well as the abundance of these species over time, allows us to identify trends. These trends help to inform us on how best to manage reserves, for example:

•  If data shows a species is in decline; we can investigate what may have caused this and consider what actions might be needed to halt or even reverse it e.g, habitat creation, or changes in management practices.
• If data shows a species is thriving; this may prompt research into why that might be and if there are lessons we can take and apply at other reserves.

Additionally, the data collected through the butterfly surveys is shared with Butterfly Conservation through entry into the UK BMS (United Kingdom Butterfly Monitoring Scheme) database, making an important contribution to a national monitoring initiative. The result of this important work is a knowledge base that, amongst other things, informs government policies addressing environmental issues.

Our butterfly monitoring is done is partnership with the Butterfly Conservation Trust and therefore it is necessary for us to share some our volunteer’s data with them. The volunteer butterfly surveying and monitoring programme will involve the collection of volunteer data via volunteer registration and/or application forms. The data shared includes your name, telephone, and email address for the purpose of setting up some of the monitoring transects and for the annual results meeting invitations. If you do not wish to be contacted by the Butterfly Conservation Trust, please make us aware on your application. 

Butterfly surveying is a great way to learn about and enjoy nature, get some exercise, and fill your lungs with fresh air! So whether you're a life-long butterfly enthusiast or someone who has only recently come to appreciate their beauty and importance, we would love to hear from you.