UKBMS Transect Surveyor (Ringstead Downs, Hunstanton, Norfolk)

Our Transect Walkers help us to understand butterflies in their local area and, by extension, across the UK. They inspire people to better understand the butterflies that they see. Transect recording is an important aspect for monitoring the status of our butterflies. Its value lies in the fact that butterflies are recorded over a specific route over many years. In this way, we produce scientifically important data which can be used in official statistics.

We are looking for volunteers to continue data collection for the 2026 recording season that starts on the 1st April at Ringstead Downs near Hunstanton, Norfolk. The site has a long history of butterfly monitoring. Transect walks involve a walk once a week (ideally) over a prescribed route to record sightings. Ringstead Downs is one of the largest remaining areas of chalk grassland in Norfolk; the nature reserve is managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. The butterfly transect was established in 2010 to monitor the butterflies of the site, and several species occur there including Green Hairstreak and Brown Argus.

You can find out more about what is involved in undertaking a butterfly transect by visiting the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) website.

To find out more about this opportunity please contact the Transect Coordinator for Norfolk, David Cooling via david.cooling@butterfly-conservation.goassemble.com.

At Butterfly Conservation, we want to create a world where butterflies and moths are enjoyed by everyone, forever. We need people to walk transects to collect data. This data is used to inform decisions which help to conserve butterflies, both locally and nationally. You will be volunteering with a wide range of people helping us to monitor butterflies in your local environment.

• Conduct regular surveys for butterflies or moths, in one or many locations.
• Identify all butterflies/moths encountered, to the best of your ability.
• Seek assistance/advice in identifying species as appropriate, including the use of BC apps such as iRecord Butterflies.

• Ability to identify butterflies or moths, 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 on area and scheme).

• Develop or apply your knowledge of butterflies, moths and the environment.
• Contribute directly to the scientific knowledge base of our butterflies and moths in the UK.
• Improve your identification skills.
• Improve your understanding of the distribution and ecology of those species encountered.
• Increase your social circle with like-minded people, boosting your wellbeing.

Disclaimer: Surveying a transect involves recording butterflies and day-flying moths along a set route every week between April and September. The route can be shared with other volunteers to reduce the time commitment from each person. We ask that you commit to a minimum of 6 months in this role and complete training when you start. 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 unaccompanied.