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
An orange butterfly with black and yellow markings on a tree trunk
Large Tortoiseshell, Hengistbury Head, March 2026. Photo: Mike KIrby

Large Tortoiseshell – Dorset statistics

Following the press release from Butterfly Conservation HQ, suggesting the Large Tortoiseshell may be going to be counted as a UK species again, we have been looking at our data. Read more...

An orange butterfly with black and yellow markings on some brown vegetation
Large Tortoiseshell. Photo: Shona Refoy

Large Tortoiseshells in Dorset now

To our suprise, we’ve had not one, but two reports of Large Tortoiseshells, both on 5 March, but some way apart. Read more...

A dark brown, black and reddish orange butterfly with black and white markings
Red Admiral. Photo: Lynda Lambert

The butterfly season is underway

The sunshine we’ve had recently has been welcomed not just by we humans but by the butterflies too. Read more...

Group of people sitting round a table
Dorset Branch Committee Meeting 2025

Newsletter Editor wanted

Could you be our Newsletter Editor? Jane Smith has decided that after nearly ten years of undertaking this role for Dorset Branch, it is time to hand over to someone new. Read more...

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Events diary

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Recent sightings

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Photo gallery

An orange butterfly with black and yellow markings on a tree trunk
Large Tortoiseshell, Hengistbury Head, March 2026. Photo: Mike KIrby

"I finally got to see the Large Tortoiseshell at Hengistbury Head today, 05/03/2026. It didn’t hang around for too long and was very active – a long lens was essential to be able to photograph it without spooking it." Read more...

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Species spotlight

Side view of dark brown butterfly with spots formed of yellow rings filled iwth black, then a white spot in the centre. See profile

Ringlet

  • Family: Browns
  • Size: Medium  Wingspan: 50mm
  • Regional priority: Low

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