To help us record butterflies across the whole of Dorset, we put the sightings we receive on a map, which builds up to show us where each species has been recorded, and how many species are in each area. This also shows where few or no species have been recorded.

We use the kilometre squares as shown on Ordnance Survey maps to show these records.

View White Holes map

This map is as much in real time as we can achieve. A large number of our records outside of our transect walks (which only represent a small number of squares) come from this website, and we are able to show these on the map as soon as they are verified. Sightings from other sources can only be added annually.

We record butterflies nationally over a five-year cycle, e.g. 2020-2024. All those records are then brought together and published in the form of an Atlas.

You can help

Going out to spot butterflies in under-recorded squares is a great excuse to get out into the glorious Dorset countryside (or towns) and do some butterfly spotting.

How to get started

  1. Explore our interactive White Holes map.
  2. Pick an area where additional recording is needed.
  3. See what roads or footpaths give you legal access to the area.
  4. Go spotting!
  5. Send us your results
Note: While it’s good to concentrate on the White Holes please don’t ignore other squares, especially those with fewer than 10 species recorded.

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