Join as an individual
Volunteer your time, skills, local knowledge, photography, communication, or field experience.
Volunteer with BCI
Get involved
Bring what you know. Learn what you do not. Act where you are.
You do not need to be a scientist to make a meaningful contribution to butterfly conservation.
Ways to take part
Choose a pathway that fits you.
Until dedicated application forms are available, each pathway opens an email to the BCI team.
Become a Walk Leader
Guide a local butterfly walk, welcome beginners, and help your community observe responsibly.
Express interestCoordinate your district
Connect local leaders, support events, and strengthen regional participation in BBM and BCI.
Become a coordinatorContribute observations
Photograph butterflies, record place and date, and submit sightings through trusted citizen-science platforms.
Find observation toolsBecome a partner
Join as a community, regional, or knowledge partner and collaborate on conservation and learning.
Discuss a partnershipEngage a school or college
Organise a campus count, guided walk, awareness session, or ecological-learning programme.
Plan a programme
No expertise required
Curiosity is a good place to begin.
Beginners, naturalists, students, teachers, researchers, photographers, organisations, and communities all bring different strengths.
BCI is a collective, not a closed group. Responsible observation, a willingness to learn, and respect for habitats and communities matter more than professional credentials.
Read participation FAQsField practice
Observe without harm.
Good participation protects the butterfly, its host plants, and the surrounding habitat. Avoid handling butterflies, disturbing larvae, damaging plants, or sharing sensitive locations carelessly.
- Keep a respectful distance
- Record accurate date and location information
- Photograph natural behaviour without staging it
- Follow local access rules and community guidance
- Ask for help when identification is uncertain
Start a conversation
Tell us where you are and how you would like to help.
The BCI team can connect your interest to the most relevant participation pathway.