Threatened Species Surveyor - Chequered Skipper (Fineshade Wood)
The Chequered Skipper flight period will begin in May 2026 and we need volunteers to record the butterfly at Fineshade Wood in Northamptonshire.
When
Volunteers will be asked to walk woodland rides at Fineshade between May 10th–June 10th 2026 and record any Chequered Skipper they see using dedicated UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme forms.
Please follow the link at the bottom of this advertisement for blank forms and guidance materials and get in touch if you have any questions.
Wood White!
What's more, in 2024, Butterfly Conservation reintroduced Wood White to Fineshade using adult butterflies collected from South Northamptonshire. When you visit to record Chequered Skipper, please record any Wood White you see in the same way.
Signing up
Once you have signed up to Assemble through this opportunity, please DM Butterfly Conservation staff member Jamie Wildman, who will link you to an editable online Survey Rota on Google Sheets on which you must enter the date(s) you intend to survey the site. The rota allows BC staff to keep track of who is visiting to survey and when. Remember: a majority of the core release area (off the hard track) is private and no public access is otherwise permitted. You will be asked to leave the site if you are found trespassing.
WhatsApp group
A dedicated WhatsApp volunteer group is also available for Chequered Skipper and Wood White surveyors. Once you have signed up on Assemble and selected a time slot on the Survey Rota, please DM me with your phone number through Assemble if you consent to be added to it.
Submitting your forms
Once you have completed your timed count, please email your completed form to David James, BC Beds & Northants Acting Chair and County Butterfly Recorder, at dave.b.james@outlook.com.
Please do not email it to the Butterfly Conservation staff contact below to avoid duplicating data, and don't forget: no data is still good data!
Butterfly Conservation staff contact
Volunteer role
Threatened Species Surveyor - Chequered Skipper
Volunteer manager
Conservation Manager, Landscape Officer or Ecologist
Where you will be based
Fineshade Wood, Fineshade, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 3BB, United Kingdom
Why we want you
To support and input into Butterfly Conservation’s recording and monitoring projects for the Chequered Skipper.
What you will be doing
* Identify all to the best of your ability the species (including the use of BC apps such as iRecord Butterflies).
* Conduct regular or ad-hoc surveys for the Chequered Skipper, in one or many locations.
* Seek assistance/advice in identifying species as appropriate.
The skills you need
* Ability to identify the species, at a level appropriate to the relevant survey or scheme.
* Desire to learn and improve identification skills.
* Understanding of the basic attributes of a biological record.
* Own transport required to access survey locations, if required (this will depend of area and scheme).
What's in it for you
* Develop or apply your knowledge of the Chequered Skipper and the environment.
* Contributing directly to the scientific knowledge base of our butterflies in the UK.
* Improve your understanding of the distribution and ecology of those species encountered.
* Increase your social circle with like minded people, boosting your wellbeing.
Disclaimer
The amount of time the role takes will vary according to each scheme. Most people spend a couple of hours a week in this role, but you can do as much or as little as you like. We ask that you commit to a minimum of 6 months in this role and complete training when you start. May involve accessing steep slopes, uneven ground, or remote sites. Please check with the named contact for this opportunity. Children aged 13-15 must be accompanied by an adult whilst volunteering. If you are aged 16 or 17, your parent may give written permission for you to volunteer. Please be aware that our insurance cover differs slightly for people aged 75 or over. Please contact the Volunteering Team for more information. Photo credit: Bob Eade.
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