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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UK moths battling unfair reputation
Around three quarters of the UK population (74%) have some negative opinion of moths, with many people believing the majority eat clothes and are pests, a study has revealed.
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The Blackdowns Butterfly Project
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Somerset and Bristol BC branch, in collaboration with the Devon BC branch will be funding ‘The Blackdowns Butterfly Project’ which will be looking at four species of butterfly.
We are keen to try to prevent any further decline or loss to the Duke of Burgundy and the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and to see if it is possible to re-establish the Marsh Fritillary and the Wood White in the Blackdown Hills
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New Transect Coordinator for Somerset & Bristol branch
Somerset & Bristol branch has a new Transect Coordinator. Committee member Peter Bright has taken over from Liz Marsden.
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Butterflies bounce back in heatwave summer
UK butterflies bounced back in 2018 following a string of poor years, thanks in part to last year’s heatwave summer, a study has revealed.
Events
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Devon: All the Moor Butterflies Exmoor Celebration
Tuesday 2nd July 10am - 3pm
Hunter's Inn, Heddon Valley, EX31 4PY
A series of short talks followed by a guided walk in celebration of the threatened butterflies of Exmoor and the work that has gone in to saving them.
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Somerset & Bristol: Lords Wood, Pensford (Guided walk)
Wednesday 10th July 2019, 11:00am-1:00pm
Lords Wood, Chew Valley
A visit to the Chew Valley and a privately owned mature woodland with open access.
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Somerset & Bristol: Walk Farm, Nr Bruton (Guided walk)
Saturday 13th July 2019, 11:00am-1:30pm
Walk Farm, South Brewham, Bruton
A walk around Walk Farm, amongst flower-rich meadows and pastureland.
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