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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Managing land for butterflies and moths
Our work seeks to help the development of new land management support schemes by combining the latest scientific evidence and Butterfly Conservation’s practical experience of working with farmers and land owners on the ground.
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Make your vote count!
The campaign for the Westminster General Election is now well and truly in full swing! This time it feels different, and not just because of the intense debates around Brexit. After years of trying to secure political attention, the environment has finally burst through onto the political stage.
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British and Irish moths are on the move
Scientists from Britain and Ireland who have been involved in compiling the newly published Atlas of Britain and Ireland’s Larger Moths have revealed that our moths are on the move.
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Dig It – Gardening tips for November
As gardeners, we always tend to have one eye on the present, while looking forward to the future. It rarely stops, except in the depths of winter when everything that can be done, is done.
Events
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Somerset and Bristol: Practical Conservation Day (Exmoor)
Tuesday 14th January, 9.30am - 3pm
Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre, TA22 9NU
Help improve habitat for butterflies at this work task at Wimbleball Lake.
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