Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Butterfly and Moth Society?
A: We are a new organisation, dedicated to the conservation of butterflies, moths and their habitats within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Q: What type of entity is the society?
A: We are an unincorporated association that is "set up through an agreement between a group of people who come together for a reason other than to make a profit".

Q: How do I join the society and become a member?
A: By subscribing you automatically become a member.

Q: How is the society funded?
A: We do not intend to charge a membership fee at this stage and currently rely solely on donations to support our work.

Q: How can I support the society?
A: As we grow, there will be various roles that we’ll be looking to obtain support with. As long as you’re subscribed, then you’ll hear more about this. In terms of financial support, we’re in the process of getting a bank account set up, after which we’ll implement a mechanism for donations.

Q: What is the society's relationship with other conservation-related organisations?
A: In addition to our own initiatives, we aim to deliver on our objectives by working with other conservation-related organisations that have some focus on Lepidoptera, such as the Wildlife Trusts, the National Trust, Forestry England, the RSPB and Butterfly Conservation.

Q: How does the society measure success?
A: We are singularly focused on the conservation of Lepidoptera and measure our impact in terms of an increase in their abundance and/or distribution.

Q: How does the society deliver on its objectives?
A: We are, first and foremost, an organisation that has local presence and provides 'on the ground' support to initiatives that we feel contribute to our goals.

Q: How does the society operate?
A: We have a minimal committee that supports our volunteers, such as developing meaningful connections with key individuals such as landowners.