Dorset butterfly updates
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Bloxworth Snout. Photo: Paul Harris
On 23/12/25 Paul tells us:
Unless the weather forecast changes, that was probably my last trap of the year. It ended on a high though with this stunning Bloxworth Snout, which really should be hibernating at this time of year.
Cerne Giant Hill, while known for its giant picture of a giant on the hillside, is a great butterfly site, and we have just had the excellent news that the National Trust is hoping to buy it – but they need help raising the money. Continue reading
The Duke of Burgundy is one of the most endangered butterfly species in Dorset, and we are looking for help with practical conservation work at various sites in central Dorset. Martin Warren, ex Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation will be leading the project. Continue reading
Our AMM will be held in Cerne Abbas on Saturday 8 November – see our Events page for full details.
You may be able to help… Continue reading
Adonis Blue. Photo: Mark Pike
Three different Adonis Blues seen yesterday, 31/08/2025, by Mark Pike on a very windy morning at Ballard Down at the base of the hill side feeding on knapweed. Continue reading
Light Emerald. Photo: Mark Pike
Poplar Hawkmoth. Photo: Mark Pike
Mark sent us two moth photos from his Motcombe trap on 11/08/25.
A light Emerald, at the end of its flight period , May-Aug and a Poplar Hawkmoth which has two generations in the south.
Georgie Laing tells us that Chalkhill Blue numbers on Portland are amazing at the moment, but may they not last much longer. She says: “to see them Continue reading
