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).
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.
The Somerset Moth Group also have their own website.
Species to look out for
Find out more
Butterfly first sightings
View this season's first confirmed sightings of butterflies in Somerset & Bristol (click here)
For the latest moth sightings, visit the Somerset Moth group website.
Somerset & Bristol Branch website
Visit the Branch website for more information about what is happening in Somerset & Bristol.
Get involved
News
-
Butterflies find safe haven in UK gardens, new research reveals
New research published by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) reveals how the UK's gardens are acting as a safe haven for butterflies.
-
Europe's grassland butterflies in steep decline
A new report on the trends of grassland butterflies across Europe has shown numbers have declined by 36% over the last decade.
-
Coul Links - again!
If you have been following the saga of Coul Links in East Sutherland you will know that the original proposal for a golf course was turned down by the Scottish Government. In July last year another application was submitted. Here's an update on our objection.
-
More evidence of the harm pesticides are having on our natural environment
A new study, published today by the science journal PNAS, has found that increased use of pesticides and fertiliser is driving bird population declines across the UK and Europe.
Events
-
Somerset & Bristol: Stoke Camp, Mendip Hills (Guided walk)
Tuesday 6th June 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm
Stoke Camp BC Reserve, Mendip Hills
Back in the Mendip Hills and the first walk to one of our branch reserves.
For further information, please click on the link above or on the photo.
-
Somerset & Bristol: Halse Combe, Exmoor (Guided walk)
Wednesday 7th June 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm
Halse Combe, Exmoor
A walk around Halse Combe, Exmoor looking for Heath Fritillary (National Trust's Holnicote Estate)
For further information, please click on the link above or on the photo.
-
Somerset & Bristol: Priddy Mineries (Guided walk)
Sunday 11th June 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm
Priddy Mineries (Stockhill Wood)
A joint walk with Wiltshire BC branch.
For further information, please click on the link above or on the photo.
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
Post vacant - Treasurer
Nick Redman - Secretary
Alison Uren - Membership Secretary
Sue Davies - Transect Coordinator
Peter Bright - Butterfly Recorder
Ross Harley - Macro Moth Recorder
Chris Iles - WCBS Champion
Andy Danford