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
Six shots of girls enjoying butterfly activities in a hall
Girls of the 3rd Christchurch Brownie pack

Butterflies for Brownies

Our indefatigable Chair, Steve Brown, spent an evening with the 3rd Christchurch Brownie pack recently. Read more...

Posted: 29 June 2026
An orange butterfly with some black markings and a white fringe to the wings on a green leaf
Large Copper. Photo: Pete Lewis

Rare Butterfly spotted in Dorchester

We at Dorset BC have just been sent a most unexpected photo – Read more...

Posted: 14 June 2026
An orange butterfly with black and white markings on some green vegetation
Painted Lady. Photo: Mark Pike

Painted Ladies galore

We are seeing a magnificent number of Painted Ladies being reported to us: 961 in the last seven days! Read more...

Posted: 30 May 2026
An orange and brown butterfly with a white fringe to the wings and black markings on a green plant
Glanville Fritillary. Photo: Tracy Whincup

Glanville Fritillary, Compton Down

Tracy took these photos of Glanville Fritillaries at Compton Down on 08/05/2026 and sent them in as she had noticed Read more...

Posted: 13 May 2026
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Events diary

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Recent sightings

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Photo gallery

A brown butterfly with white and orange markings on a green leaf
Brown Hairstreak. Photo: Derek Fowler

Derek sent in this photo of a Brown Hairstreak which was just one of the butterflies he saw on 04/07/2026 at Alner’s Gorse. Read more...

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Species spotlight

Samll butterfly with lots of brown markings on a pale orange background See profile

Duke of Burgundy

  • Family: Fritillaries and Metalmarks
  • Size: Small  Wingspan: 30mm
  • Regional priority: High

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