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 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...

Posted: 5 March 2026
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...

Posted: 31 January 2026
A green caterpillar amongst some green vegetation
Clouded Yellow Caterpillar Photo. Gary Holderness

Clouded Yellow Caterpillars at Southbourne

Gary Holderness has just sent in these photos telling us that along with fellow volunteers he has been monitoring the Southbourne butterfly transect this winter specifically looking to see if they could find any Clouded Yellow larvae. Read more...

Posted: 27 January 2026
Corner of an area with fences hung with poppy wreathes, with memorial in front
The memorial on the day of the Ceremony of Dedication

Memorial at Alners Gorse

If you go to our Butterfly Reserve at Alners Gorse this year, you will see the carpark now contains a memorial to six Canadian airmen killed in the Second World War. Read more...

Posted: 18 January 2026
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Events diary

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Recent sightings

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Photo gallery

A colourful tiny moth with clear orange wings and black and white markings on rear
Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Photo:, Clare Slade

"My friend Clare sent me this photo this morning  1/03/26 from her Poole town centre garden." Read more...

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Species spotlight

One butterfly with open wings and one with closed wings, showing the huge difference between them See profile

Small Tortoiseshell

  • Family: Vanessids
  • Size: Medium  Wingspan: 54mm
  • Regional priority: Low

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