Welcome to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Branch of Butterfly Conservation

Butterfly Conservation was formed by a small group of dedicated naturalists in 1968 following the alarming decline of many beautiful butterflies. Most British butterfly species remain in decline.

We aim to halt and reverse these declines. Our vision is of a world rich in butterflies for future generations to enjoy. We are also committed to the conservation of moths, which are close relatives of butterflies and are in rapid decline.

Butterflies and moths you can see now

The last month of winter brings the first small increase in the number of butterflies and moths on the wing. The number of butterfly species recorded in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight rises to just over 7 species. There is also a rise in the number of recorded moth species to around 70. Listed below are selections of those that can be seen this month. Most of the moths will only be seen when attracted to light.

Red Admiral
Brimstone
Peacock
Painted Lady
Small Tortoiseshell
Comma

Common Quaker
Spring Usher
Pale Brindled Beauty
Chestnut
Small Quaker
Early Moth
Hebrew Character
Dotted Border
March Moth
Small Brindled Beauty
Oak Beauty
Yellow Horned

Butterflies are beautiful and intrinsically valuable. Together with moths, their sensitivity to environmental change makes them valuable indicators of the health of the countryside. We are dedicated to the conservation of:

Butterflies	Moths	Reserves

There are 46 species of butterfly occurring in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Of these 35 can be seen on our reserves. More about our butterflies...	Around 1950 species of moth have been recorded in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Over 600 of these on our reserves. More about our moths...	Butterfly Conservation has over 25 reserves across the UK, including 3 in Hampshire, Yew Hill. Magdalen Hill Down and Bentley Station Meadow. More about our reserves...

NEWS

Read HERE... Lynn Fomison's report on the English Moth Recorder's Conference.

Ashley Whitlock has written an account of his butterfly adventures over the last 25 years. Read it HERE...

Andrew Brookes has provided an updated list of suppliers of disease resistant elm cultivars, see HERE for full details.

Kate Dent has sent the December 2009 Volunteer Newsletter. available HERE...

Butterfly migration mystery solved. See how you can help, HERE...

Information on the new South Downs National Park HERE...

Martin Warren, BC Chief Executive, encourages support of Marks and Spencer's Copenhagen Patchwork initiative. Details HERE...

2009 Photographic Competition Results HERE...

The Autumn 2009 Reserves Update (2263 KB PDF) is available HERE... It includes the new work party dates.

See Lynn Fomison's report on her visit to Longstock Park Nursery HERE...

Lynn Fomison and Tim Norris review Chris Manley's book "British Moths & Butterflies a Photographic Guide" see HERE...