Welcome
The Somerset & Bristol Branch covers the ceremonial county of Somerset and the city and county of Bristol. If you live in the region and are a member of Butterfly Conservation you automatically become a member of the Somerset and Bristol Branch.
For the purpose of recording Lepidoptera the region is divided into two Vice Counties (VC5 & VC6). There is an informative page and map explaining the Somerset Vice Counties on the Somerset Moth Group website.
We have four reserves – Stoke Camp and Westbury Beacon in the Mendips, Haddon Moor on the edge of Exmoor and Mount Fancy in the Blackdown Hills.
As well as the information available here, why not visit our branch website where you can learn more about butterflies and our activities in Somerset and Bristol.
Species to look out for
Find out more
Butterfly first sightings
View this season's first confirmed sightings of butterflies on the branch website.
For the latest moth sightings, visit the Somerset Moth group website.
Butterfly Walks in Somerset and Bristol (guidebook)
This beautifully illustrated guidebook provides everything you need to know on where to spot every species of butterfly this part of the country has to offer, including the previously extinct Large Blue.
Get involved
News
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Winnie the Pooh takes part in the Big Butterfly Count
Winnie the Pooh is encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors this summer by joining Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
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Blue Butterfly Boom in Summer Heatwave
A beautiful blue butterfly which has been struggling for the last 40 years could be making a comeback.
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Spot a once in a decade butterfly phenomenon
Chris Packham is urging wildlife lovers to take part in the world’s largest insect citizen science survey to help reveal if the UK is experiencing a once in a decade butterfly phenomenon.
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Extinct butterfly breeds in English first
A previously extinct butterfly has bred successfully in an English woodland for the first time in more than 40 years as part of the ambitious conservation project, Back from the Brink.
Events
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Somerset & Bristol Branch: Bristol Autumn Meeting
Sunday 20th October 2019, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery , Queens Road, Bristol. BS8 1RL
The Secret Life of Butterflies - an entertaining and informative talk by Richard Fox - Associate Director of Recording & Research, Butterfly Conservation.
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Somerset & Bristol: Branch AGM
Saturday 30th November 2019, 2:30pm-5:30pm
Ruishton Village Hall, Cheats Road, Ruishton, Taunton TA3 5JD
Somerset & Bristol branch Annual General Meeting.
All members welcome.
Volunteer with us
Butterfly Conservation relies on the support of thousands of volunteers, and we are always looking for more help inside the office and out in the field. Whether you want to volunteer at a local branch, get outside and help manage our nature reserves, or help with one of our events, we have something for everyone to get involved in! Your time can make a real difference.
Branch information
In your area
Contact branch
- Chairman & acting Treasurer
John Andrews - Transect Coordinator
Peter Bright - Butterfly Recorder
Ross Harley - Macro Moth Recorder
Chris Iles