Conference on the conservation of butterflies in France

[Roger Gibbons]

As there is a strong focus here on European species and conservation issues, UKB members may be interested to know that the UK Butterfly Conservation European Interest Group (EIG) and the French butterfly organisation Proserpine are holding a conference on the conservation of butterflies in France on 29-30 June in Digne-les-Bains in the southern French Alps. The conference brochure and registration form can be viewed and downloaded here http://www.bc-eig.org.uk

A host of expert British and French speakers includes Tristan Lafranchis and the conference programme includes field trips to local sites including the exceptional Jardin des Papillons, which has recorded 137 species. The conference fee is a very modest 25 euros (£22). The conference presentations will be in French, but with simultaneous English translation.

As the region around Digne is superb butterfly territory, why not stay a few extra days and enjoy the richness and diversity of species that can be seen here? A guide to some suggested hot-spots can be viewed/downloaded from the link above; a week in this region, especially if visiting the locations suggested, should produce close on 100 species.

Roger
(conscripted to help with the publicity)