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: Colin Burningham
- Phone: 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 921594
- Email: colinburningham@hotmail.com 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
Thursday 21 May
Guided Walk - Lydlinch Common
Lydlinch Common, North Dorset
DUE TO POOR WEATHER PROSPECTS FOR WEDNESDAY, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RE-ARRANGED 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. For further information or updates on this event contact the walk leader
- Contact: Jon Bellamy
- Phone: 01929 450182
- Email: jrwbellamy@aol.com 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
Monday 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: Nigel Spring
- Phone: 07981 776767
- Email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk 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 30 May
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. 11.00 am - 1.00 pm Butterflies and other wildlife - a guided walk with Dr Martin Warren, aimed particularly at the Marsh Fritillaries which should be on the wing. We shall endeavour 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 . If the weather is unsuitable, we will move this event to Sunday 31st May instead. Please text or email to book for this event so that we have your contact details in case arrangements change.
- Contact: Paul Butter
- Email: paulndbutter@gmail.com Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet at 10.30. Leaving the A35 5km east of Bridport on the Askerswell signed road proceed, carrying straight on at the first junction, on up the same road past the Spyway Inn. Carry on uphill until the incline lessens then look out for the small lay-by on the left. We can either park here if there are cattle in the field opposite or enter the field if no stock are present. I will be at the lay-by to assist, it may be some cars will need to park at the larger lay-by further up the hill on the right.
- Grid ref.: SY539935
- w3w: ///providing.flock.shoelaces
Saturday 6 June
Butterfly Walk at Haydon Down, West Dorset
Haydon Down
The downland is approached by traversing the first field and through a gate. We will try and cover as much of the site as possible. It is steep so stout footwear essential.There are different suites of species at different levels so we will do the upper slopes in one direction and return via the lower slopes.Target species will include Small Blue, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Adonis Blue, Forester and Cistus Forester, possibly Marsh Fritillary. There is a very rich flora for the botanists. Please note booking is essential by contacting Paul Butter paulndbutter@gmail.com
- Contact: Nigel Spring
- Phone: 07981 776767
- Email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk Event booking information
- Meeting point: We shall be meeting at 10.30am at the southern end of Park Road ; if you would like to stay for a picnic afterwards (around 1pm), please bring your lunch with you. See site map for details. #374
Saturday 6 June
Guided walk to see the wildlife on Bottom Coombe Quarry
Bottom Coombe Easton Portland
An opportunity to see some of the special flora and fauna that this wildlife conservation site is renowned for. A lot of practical work has been carried out on this Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) since the Portland Nature Community Interest Company were given responsibility for it, and the habitat has responded very positively. Species we may encounter.Adonis Blue,these stunning butterflies should be on the wing at this time.Chalkhill Blue the larvae of this species feed on Horseshoe Vetch which is abundant at Bottom Coombe and should be in flower. The adult butterfly is on the wing in August.The Dingy Skipper is another early flying species the larvae may be seen on Birdsfoot Trefoil. It always helps us with our planning if you can let us know if you are aiming to join us (though not essential). ALL WELCOME!
- Contact: Nigel Spring
- Phone: 07981 776767
- Email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk Event booking information
- Meeting point: Behind the farm buildings at Wyke Farm
- Grid ref.: ST500070
- w3w: ///career.runs.fuses
Saturday 13 June - Sunday 14 June
Moth Trapping
Wyke Farm, Chedington, West Dorset
We will be setting up the moth traps on the Friday and Saturday evenings and meeting behind the farm buildings to analyse the catch at 8.00 am on the Saturday and Sunday mornings. This 800+ acre estate has been undergoing considerable changes since 2000 and the biodiversity of the great range of habitats there has benefited hugely. The moth species list is well in excess of 600 now. All are welcome but numbers are limited so please text or email to book for this event so that we have your contact details in case arrangements change.
- Contact: Andy Stafford
- Phone: 07882 533828
- Email: andy.stafford@butterfly-conservation.goassemble.com Event booking information
- Meeting point: Directions - take a left turn off of the A354 dual carriageway section (Salisbury to Blandford Forum road) into the village of Martin. Take the second right turning in the village (Sillens Lane). This will take you to the parking location.
- w3w: ///soucepan.providing.shark #367
Sunday 14 June
Meet 11am for guided walk at Martin Down NNR
Martin Down (south of Salisbury)
This is a joint walk with the Wiltshire Branch. Martin Down National Nature Reserve is worth a visit at any time during the butterfly season. Estimated end time about 2:00pm. Bring a packed lunch if you wish. Target Species: Early-summer species such as Small Blue, Marsh Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary and Marbled White. Martin Down is also renowned for its Orchids. Booking recommended via walk leader
- Contact: Nigel Spring
- Phone: 07981 776767
- Email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk Event booking information
- Meeting point: Please meet by the reserve entrance (by the blue gates) for an 11am start; we shall aim to have lunch at 1pm then drive to Perryfield Quarry Butterfly Reserve for a 2pm start if the weather is good enough. See site map for details. #373
Saturday 20 June
Guided Walk at Broadcroft and Perryfield Quarries, Portland
Broadcroft and Perryfield Quarries, Portland
Many of the flowers should be at their best and we hope that we might see some Silver-studded Blue butterflies. We shall visit Perryfield Butterfly Reserve after lunch if the weather is fine This former Butterfly Conservation reserve is now being managed by the Dorset branch of BC, the Portland Nature CIC and EuCAN, with the help of ponies belonging to a local enthusiast which graze parts of the reserve in winter. We shall visit as much of the reserve as we can, hoping to see some of the wealth of flowers and insects that are present here. At this time of year, the scarce calcareous race/subspecies of the Silver-studded Blue butterfly should be on the wing, along with many other species, and we should see a good variety of bees and wasps. ALL WELCOME!
- Contact: Wren Franklin
- Phone: 07776 100613
- Email: wrenfranklin@yahoo.co.uk Event booking information
- Meeting point: Parking and camping are in 'R' Field
- Grid ref.: ST663108
- w3w: ///compliant.signed.proudest
Friday 26 June - Saturday 27 June
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: Richard Norman
- Phone: 01258 472887
- Email: richard@bagber.co.uk Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet 12.00 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 4 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. Please note booking through the organiser is essential for this event as numbers are limited to 20
- Contact: Brian Arnold
- Phone: 07740 980056
- Email: brianarnold666@gmail.com Event booking information
- Meeting point: 11.00 am at Durlston Castle (not the educational centre). Follow the brown signs to the car park where charges apply.
- Grid ref.: SZ034772
- Postcode: BH19 2JL
- w3w: ///deposits.chew.cherished
Sunday 12 July
Guided Walk - Durlston National Nature Reserve
Durlston Country Park near Swanage
In 'Discover Butterflies in Britain', Newland puts Durlston as No. 4 in his top 10 sites to visit in Britain. There are 3 National Butterfly Transects based at Durlston and there should be up to 15 species on the wing, including Lulworth Skipper. This is a morning walk of approximately 2 miles including a couple of steepish descents, although an easier alternative is available. It will take approximately 2 and a half hours. The cafe at the Durlston Castle should be open for refreshments after the walk. Park and meet 11.00 am at the entrance to Durlston Castle (not the educational centre) map reference SZ 0342 7725. Contact is Brian Arnold on 07740 980056 on the day, but note that mobile reception is patchy at Durlston.
- Contact: Nigel Spring
- Phone: 07981 776767
- Email: nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk Event booking information
- Meeting point: For Moth trapping meet 8am in the reserve wooded area or 10am at the reserve entrance for the Butterfly walk
- Grid ref.: ST736100
- w3w: ///frozen.expansion.echo
Saturday 25 July
Moth Trapping and Butterfly walk
Alners Gorse Butterfly Nature 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 26th instead. 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 at map reference ST 736 100. Please text or email to book for this event so that we have your contact details in case arrangements change.
- Contact: Martin Warren
- Phone: 07775 590750 Event booking information
- Meeting point: Sandy Hill Arts
- Grid ref.: SY962821
- Postcode: BH20 7JF
- w3w: ///episodes.princely.saying
Sunday 26 July
Marvellous Moths
Sandy Hill Arts, Corfe Castle
Come and discover the wonderful world of moths at Sandy Hill Arts with local expert Martin Warren! 09.30 to 11.00 am Sandy Hill Arts is next to Boilerhouse Gallery. Either go over the footbridge from Corfe Castle railway station; or under the railway arch on the underhill road and take an immediate right down a track. The moth trap will be opened next to the big marquee.
- Contact: Andy Martin
- Phone: 07552 779099
- Email: andrewmartin802@gmail.com Event booking information
- Meeting point: Meet 11.00 am at the top of Bloxworth Road, off Alder Road, Talbot Heath, map reference SZ 055939, postcode BH12 4BN.
- Grid ref.: SZ055939
- Postcode: BH12 4BN
Sunday 9 August
Guided Walk - Bourne Valley Nature Reserve
Poole
On our last visit to this heath in 2023 16 species of butterfly were recorded. One of the species seen was the Grayling which once again is our main target species. There will be a lot of dragonfly interest as well. The Bourne Valley Nature Reserve consists of urban heath along the valley of the Bourne Stream. Walking is fairly easy with slight slopes and some uneven ground. Booking is advised via walk leader
- Contact: Andy Martin
- Phone: 07552 779099
- Email: andrewmartin802@gmail.com 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 16 August
Guided Walk - Stour Valley Water Meadows
Throop, Bournemouth
Due to the good response at last years event we will re-visit the Stour Valley Water Meadows SANG. Prior to the walk there will be a brief update on progress at 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. Booking advised via walk leader
- Contact: Lorraine Munns
- Phone: 07973 853628
- Email: lhmunns@hotmail.com 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 23 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.