Working to save Dorset's butterflies and moths

75% of British butterflies and 66% of common moths have declined in living memory. Our efforts include conservation work, monitoring butterflies and moths, and raising awareness of the problems they face. There are lots of ways you can help.  Find out more

For Butterfly Conservation’s national HQ visit butterfly-conservation.org
A red, black and browni butterfly with some white markings on some brown, rotting apples
Red Admiral. Photo: Stewart Balmain

First Dorset butterfly of 2025

We are delighted – if somewhat surprised, given the recent weather – to have had a Red Admiral reported, seen on 2 January 2025 in Broadstone. (Not the one in the photo above, which is from our archives). Read more...

A red, black and brown butterfly with some white markings on a green leaf
Red Admiral (not the one seen in November). Photo: Sue East

Four White Holes to fill with only 29 days left

As we said in an earlier article, we are trying to beat our previous record of filling 2609 (89.5%) of the kilometre squares in Dorset with at least one butterfly record. As of now (1 December) we are up to 2,606: just 4 squares short of beating our record. Read more...

AGM coming up – help needed

We will be having our annual AGM/AMM on 2 November. We need help with various tasks and committee roles. Read more...

A red, black and browni butterfly with some white markings on some brown, rotting apples
Red Admiral. Photo: Stewart Balmain

36 to go!

Our very grateful thanks to all of you who have been out filling our “white holes” – kilometre squares where no butterflies have been reported to us in since 2020. We still haven’t quite matched our record in 2015-19, but it’s not too late. Read more...

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Events diary

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Recent sightings

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Photo gallery

Scarce Bordered Straw. Photo. Paul Harris

Paul was surprised to find his latest ever trapping of this migrant, pale, Scarce Bordered Straw in his Weymouth trap on 29/12/24. Surely due to the mild weather for the time of year. Read more...

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Species spotlight

Small orange butterfly on a grass seedhead See profile

Small Skipper

  • Family: Skippers
  • Size: Small  Wingspan: 30mm
  • Regional priority: Low

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