Matthew Oates
Butterfly expert and naturalist
Matthew Oates is a naturalist, writer and poet who has been obsessed by Britain's butterflies since he was at school. He is intimately acquainted with all Britain's native species, but no butterfly has entranced him as much as the elusive purple emperor – a butterfly we now understand much better thanks to his detailed and tireless observations.
Recent articles by Matthew Oates
British moth guide: common types, amazing facts and why they matter
Our moth guide looks at how to identify UK species, why they are so important and the best plants for attracting moths to your garden
British butterfly guide: how to identify and the best places to spot
Britain is home to 59 species of butterfly, which all play an important role in pollination. In our expert guide, we take a look at butterfly identification, common butterfly species, how long butterflies live, and where to see them in the UK.
Arnside and Silverdale guide: walks, where to stay and things to do
Between the shimmering sandflats of Morecambe Bay and the high crags of Hutton Roof lies the forgotten Eden of Arnside and Silverdale, where birds and butterflies thrive in the meres and woodlands.
Caterpillars guide: common UK species, what they eat and are they poisonous?
Caterpillars in the UK come in many shapes and sizes, from little green ones to striking yellow and black ones. But which is which, and what butterfly or moth do they turn into? Learn how to to identify some of the UK's most common and spectacular species, what they eat and whether they're poisonous with our beginner's guide to caterpillars.
Great Drought of 1976: what happened and what was the impact on Britain?
In the summer of 1976, a heatwave held Britain in its shimmering, searing thrall. The land cracked, gardens withered and reservoirs lay parched and bare. We look back on the Great Drought of 1976 and the impact it had on British people, wildlife, farming and the landscape.
South Downs in winter: where to stay, best places to visit and walks
The diadem of magical places that we call the South Downs reaches out from the chalk lands of southern Hampshire deep into the kingdom of Sussex. Here is our guide to exploring the South Downs in winter, with the best historic houses and heritage sites to visit, country pubs and places to stay