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 white butterfly with black markings on a yellow flower.
Large White. Photo: Penny Hawes

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 brown butterfly with ceamy whitee and yellow markings on a brown leaf
Speckled Wood. Photo: Ann Barlow

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

A red, black and brown butterfly with some white markings on a brick wall
Red Admiral. Photo: Shona Refoy

"I saw my first butterfly of the year today, 16/01/2025 during an unexpected spell of sunshine this morning" Read more...

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Species spotlight

Side view of roange and green butterfly with white makings on hindwing and dark markings on forewing See profile

Dark Green Fritillary

  • Family: Fritillaries and Metalmarks
  • Size: Large  Wingspan: 66mm
  • Regional priority: Medium

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