The Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch of Butterfly Conservation celebrated its 21st birthday at its annual members' day in Winchester.

The branch was founded by Matthew Oates and Pat Torrie.

Pat became the first chairman and Matthew the first treasurer and branch organiser.

During its 21 years, Hampshire Butterfly Conservation's membership has grown from two to almost 800, a figure undreamed of by its founders.

The branch has acquired and manages three butterfly reserves: Magdalen Hill Down and Yew Hill, both on the outskirts of Winchester, and Bentley Station Meadow near Alton.

Much of the credit for the acquisition of these reserves, says the branch, is due to the vision and energy of former chairman, George Yorke. Their management is the responsibility of reserves officer, Lynn Fomison and volunteer managers and wardens, Phil Budd, Pat Fleet, Colin Matthews, Ken Willmott and Peter Beale.

Every year the branch produces an illustrated butterfly and moth report, edited by John Taverner, and three newsletters, edited by Juliet Bloss.

During 2002 members have been offered no fewer than 57 field meetings, organised by Peter and Pat Gardner.

Commenting on the success of the branch, national chief executive, David Bridges, told members: "Don't underestimate yourselves. The Hampshire branch has become a model for many other counties. It's success is entirely due to the commitment and hard work of you, its members."

During the now-traditional tea party, a celebration iced cake featuring a red admiral butterfly on a buddleia blossom was cut by Linda Barker, one of the branch's longest-serving officers.

Looking toward the future, Matthew Oates suggested that Butterfly Conservation's long-term aims will require nothing less than a restructuring of the landscape, "a goal that will be achieved only after first changing our prevailing human values. But we can console ourselves," he added, "that naturalists in this country are no longer regarded as freaks. They have become socially acceptable."

He ended his address with the advice that members must always aspire and dream, but that the dreams must be practical.

It seemed like an appropriate starting point for the next 21 years.