Please book with the event leader in advance – anytime up to the afternoon before the event. Please include your mobile phone number and email address, as we may have to contact you if numbers on the walks are limited, or if we have to cancel the event due to the weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please don’t forget to let us know if you wish to change your plans. We will only use your personal details to contact you about the events you have booked for.
If you enjoy the event, we would be very grateful if you would consider a donation to the Dorset Branch of Butterfly Conservation. You can donate online or if you would rather not use an online payment, please see our ways to donate page.
- Contact: Paul Butter
- Phone: 07807 680455
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 11.00 am in the picnic area car park opposite the village hall in Kettle Bridge Lane
- Grid ref.: ST663015
- Postcode: DT2 7GY
Saturday 17 May
Guided Walk - Cerne Giant Hill
Cerne Abbas
A visit to this splendid, dominantly ancient grassland habitat to view abundant wild flowers and numerous spring butterflies. We will search for colonies of Duke of Burgundy and look to discover other species typically expected at this time such as Adonis Blue, Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak, Dingy and Grizzled Skippers and Marsh Fritillary. Please note there are steep slopes in places and do bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink as we will be on the hill until about 3.00.
- Contact: Stephen Brown
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Cerne Abbas Village Hall
- Postcode: DT2 7GY
- w3w: ///storming.graced.evolution
Saturday 17 May
Butterfly Identification Workshop
Cerne Abbas Village Hall
In Dorset we run more than 60 transect walks for 26 weeks a year. That is more than 1500 walks each requiring a skilled walker to record all the butterflies seen. We also take part in the national Wider Countryside Recording Scheme, garden recording and casual recording. This means that we are always looking for more recorders and to help you get started, we offer a workshop for beginners and those who would like to improve their skills in order to take part in recording. The workshop will be held at Cerne Abbas Village Hall from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. Weather permitting, the workshop will consist of an indoor session including learning from specimens, photos and presentations, followed by an outdoor field visit to nearby butterfly-rich Giant Hill where we hope there will be plenty of opportunity to put your ID skills into practice. Please note that the hill, like many butterfly sites, is very steep in places and you will need sturdy footwear. We do request a donation of £10 to cover the cost of the hall. Any money left over will be donated to Butterfly Conservation to save Dorset's butterflies and moths. Numbers are limited, so to book a place, please contact Stephen Brown by emailing [email protected]
- Contact: Colin Burningham
- Phone: 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 921594
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 2.00 pm in the lay-by outside the village on the north side of the A357 near the turning to Sherborne.
- Grid ref.: ST737137
- Postcode: DT10 2JD
- w3w: ///enchanted.cursing.cardinal
Wednesday 21 May
Guided Walk - Lydlinch Common
Lydlinch Common, North Dorset
This is a key site for the Marsh Fritillary and our winter work programme here is designed to maintain the habitat for this species. With luck, there will be nightingales singing as well as Marsh Fritillaries flying.
- Contact: Jon Bellamy
- Phone: 01929 450182
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: 11.00 am at Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road.
- Grid ref.: SZ022809
- w3w: ///anchorman.skies.aquatic
Sunday 25 May
Butterfly Walk
Ballard Down, Swanage
A walk along the lower slopes of Ballard Down to enjoy this chalk downland site with its stunning views and the spring butterflies. Target species are Green Hairstreak, Wall, Dingy Skipper and the first broods of Adonis Blue and Brown Argus. The walk is steep in places.
- Contact: Stephen Brown
- Phone: 07748 730399
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Park at the National Trust car park at the top of Spread Eagle Hill or on the north side of the triangle near the airfield and meet at 1.00 pm in the National Trust car park
- Grid ref.: ST885187
- w3w: ///soil.classic.consoled
Saturday 31 May
Guided Walk - Compton Down
Compton Down near Shaftesbury
This event is ideal for anyone new to butterflies and who would like guidance in identification. The site has populations of Marsh Fritillary, Small Blue, Dingy and Grizzled Skipper as well as Adonis Blue and most should be on view. NB The walk has slopes and a stile.
- Contact: Arthur Bryant
- Phone: 01747 228252
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet 1.00 pm in the car park (not on the roadside) by the track that leads up to the wood.
- Grid ref.: ST817223
- Postcode: SP7 8RU
Thursday 3 July
Guided Walk - Duncliffe Wood
West of Shaftesbury
Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral will be among the target species in this extensive wood owned by the Woodland Trust. There is a short steep climb after entering the wood.
- Contact: Richard Norman
- Phone: 01258 472887
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet 1.30 pm at Down Farm. From the nearby crossroads, take the road signposted to Wimborne St Giles and then after about 100 yards, turn right up a road to the farm.
- Grid ref.: ST999149
- Postcode: SP5 5RY
- w3w: ///lighters.riot.rumble
Saturday 5 July
Field Trip - Down Farm
near Sixpenny Handley
Today, we are the guests of Martin Green, a keen amateur archaeologist, who will be guiding us around the many archaeological features on his farm and we will be looking for the butterflies on his land which is managed sympathetically for wildlife. After the walk, Martin will open his museum containing local archaeological finds for us.
- Contact: Tom and Jean Smith
- Phone: 07717 437250 or 07855 711281
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 1.00 pm in Corfe Mullen at the footpath beside the Gurney Road sign near the junction with South Road.
- Grid ref.: SY991969
- Postcode: BH21 3NQ
- w3w: ///archduke.sued.parsnips
Thursday 10 July
Butterfly Walk
Corfe Barrows Nature Park
Join us for a walk based on Rushcombe Bottom and Happy Bottom Nature Reserves in the Corfe Mullen area. Our route is approximately 2.3 miles and the walk will last about 3 hours. It will take us through a variety of habitats including woodland, heathland and grassland, so there should be a good range of butterfly species. Bring a pair of binoculars as we will also be looking for Purple Hairstreaks. Meet at 1.00 pm in Corfe Mullen at the footpath beside the Gurney Road sign. Please park considerately in South Road or Gurney Road. If travelling by bus, the nearest stop is for the number 3 bus at Corfe Mullen Co-op on Wareham Road. Leaders: Tom and Jean Smith 07717 437250 or 07855 711281
- Contact: Andrew Graham
- Phone: 07411 048180
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 1.00 pm in the Martin Down car park off the main A354 Salisbury to Blandford Road
- Grid ref.: SU037201
- w3w: ///newsstand.back.appetite
Saturday 19 July
Guided Walk - Vernditch Chase
near Martin Down
Joint with Wiltshire Branch A walk in search of woodland butterflies through mixed conifer and mature woodland that straddles the Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire county borders. Targets include Dark Green and Silver-washed Fritillaries and White Admiral
- Contact: Nigel Spring
- Phone: 07981 776767
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: The reserve entrance is on the road from Kings Stag to Hazelbury Bryan beside the Hazelbury Bryan village sign and 30 mph sign. Park on the wide straight road verge on the Kings Stag side of the village sign, well away from the dangerous bend.
- Grid ref.: ST736100
- w3w: ///frozen.expansion.echo
Saturday 26 July
Moth Trapping and Butterfly Walk
Alners Gorse Butterfly Reserve
We are setting up the moth traps on the Friday evening and will be meeting in the wood to analyse the catch from 8.00 am on the Saturday morning. All are welcome. 10.00 am - 1.00 pm Butterflies and other wildlife - a guided walk with Dr Martin Warren, aimed particularly at the the Brown and Purple Hairstreaks, along with other summer species like the Silver-washed Fritillary. There may still be White Admirals and White-letter Hairstreaks on the wing too. We will aim to visit the neighbouring land at Rooksmoor if there is time after lunch. Bring lunch if you would like to picnic in the Alners wood . NB If the weather is unsuitable, we will move this event to Sunday 27th instead. Please text or email to book for this event so that we have your contact details in case arrangements change.
- Contact: Bernard Franklin
- Phone: 07711 304412
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet 2.00 pm at Perryfields/museum car park in Easton. If parking is full, use nearby kerbsides.
- Grid ref.: SY695712
Sunday 27 July
Guided Walk - East Weares, Portland
Easton, Portland
An afternoon walk on the remains of 19th century military defences. Target species on this 2 hour walk will include Lulworth Skipper, Chalkhill Blue and Wall. Meet 2.00 pm at Perryfields/museum car park in Easton map reference SY 695 712. If parking is full, use nearby kerbsides. Stout footwear is recommended as the path is uneven In places.
- Contact: Wren Franklin
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Parking and camping are in 'R' Field
- Grid ref.: ST664108
- w3w: ///compliant.signed.proudest
Friday 1 August - Saturday 2 August
Moth Trapping and Guided Walk - Ryewater Nursery
Ryewater Nursery, Holnest, North Dorset
The Dorset branch of BC has been invited back to Ryewater for a weekend of mothing and a butterfly walk on this fascinating and inspiring estate. We will be setting up moth traps in a number of different places on the Friday evening - meet at 7.00 pm and bring a tent if you would like to stay overnight. Please bring your own food if you intend to camp. On the Saturday morning we will be going through the moth traps from 8.00 am. The guided walk to look at the butterflies and other wildlife will start at 11.00 am. There will also be access to the greenhouses to see the tropical butterfly collection.
- Contact: Bernard Franklin
- Phone: 07711 304412
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 2.00 pm at the cafe in Sandsfoot Castle gardens, Old Castle Road, Weymouth.
- Grid ref.: SY675775
- Postcode: DT4 8QE
Sunday 3 August
Rodwell Trail - Butterfly Identification Walk
Weymouth
A walk along the old railway line between Weymouth and Portland. This walk is ideal for families and those wishing to improve their butterfly identification skills.
- Contact: Adrian Neil
- Phone: 01305 832937
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 1.30 pm at the truncated end of the Broadmayne road where it meets the relief road. N.B. Access is only possible from the eastern side of the relief road.
- Grid ref.: SY674859
- Postcode: DT3 5PR
- w3w: ///blushes.flinches.forgiven
Saturday 9 August
Guided Walk - Weymouth Relief Road
Weymouth
During the construction of the road, an imaginative plan was devised to create new herb-rich downland on the slopes alongside it. Informal monitoring of butterflies started in 2012 and a formal transect was set up in 2018. Last year 26 species were recorded including Wall, Adonis Blue and there were good numbers of Small Blue.
- Contact: Andy Martin
- Phone: 07552 779099
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet 11.00 am at the Stour Valley Meadows SANG car park, 24 Taylor Drive, Bournemouth
- Postcode: BH8 0PZ
- w3w: ///cards.pitch.stuck
Sunday 17 August
Guided Walk - Stour Valley Water Meadows
Throop, Bournemouth
Come and enjoy an informative and enjoyable walk around the Stour Valley Water Meadows SANG. There will be a brief talk on the SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace) by Frankie Gamble BCP Lead SANG ranger. Following this, you will be taken on a guided walk around the SANG to observe the wildlife on show including several Butterfly and Dragonfly species. Walking is easy with mostly level constructed pathways. Families welcome.
- Contact: Colin Burningham
- Phone: 01935 873219 or 07849 921594
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 11.00 am outside Osmington church.
- Grid ref.: SY725830
- Postcode: DT3 6EJ
- w3w: ///classmate.captions.situates
Wednesday 20 August
Guided Walk - Osmington
Osmington, East of Weymouth
A downland and country lane walk on which we should find at least 15 species of butterfly. The targets will include Adonis Blue and Wall. There is a choice to return to the start making a 2 hour walk or then have a picnic lunch if you wish to continue to make a total of 4 hours walking and watching. Children are very welcome.
- Contact: Lorraine Munns
- Phone: 07973 853628
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: 11.00 am at Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road.
- Grid ref.: SZ022809
- w3w: ///anchorman.skies.aquatic
Sunday 31 August
Butterfly Walk
Ballard Down, Swanage
A return visit to the lower slopes of Ballard Down to enjoy this chalk downland site with its stunning views and butterflies. Target species will be the second brood of Adonis Blue, Wall and Brown Argus which will now be on the wing. The walk is steep in places.
- Contact: Arthur Bryant
- Phone: 01747228252
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: 11.00 am in the public car park in Worth Matravers
- Grid ref.: SY974776
- Postcode: SP7 8RU
Wednesday 3 September
Guided Walk - Winspit
Worth Matravers, Purbeck
Our traditional end of season coastal walk for late butterflies and migrating birds. Wear stout footwear and bring packed lunch. The walk will be steep in places.
- Contact: Andy Martin
- Phone: 07552 779099
- Email: [email protected] Event booking information
- Meeting point: 11.00 am at Warren Edge BCP Pay & Display car park, 5 Southbourne Coast Road, Southbourne. There may be free parking available in the surrounding streets.
- Grid ref.: SZ147911
- Postcode: BH6 4BE.
Tuesday 16 September
In Search Of Late Summer Migrants
Southbourne Seafront
Spend a couple hours walking along the beautiful Southbourne Seafront observing both the overcliff and undercliff for butterflies nectaring on the many flowers. Last year during September we were lucky to have a small influx of the rare migrant Long-tailed Blue Butterfly - fingers crossed for a return. The Clouded Yellow is a more common migrant at this site and should be seen on the undercliff along with other species. An easy walk with tarmac paths and gentle slopes all the way. For further details or to register please contact Andy Martin.