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 second month of winter brings little change to the number of butterflies and moths on the wing. The number of butterfly species recorded in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight remains at its winter low of 4 species. The number of recorded moth species also remains at its low of around 50. Listed below are selections of those that can be seen this month. Most of the moths will only be seen when attracted to light.

Winter Moth
Mottled Umber
Spring Usher
Pale Brindled Beauty
Chestnut
Light Brown Apple Moth
Early Moth
December Moth
Common Quaker
Dotted Border
Satellite

Red Admiral
Brimstone
Peacock
Small Tortoiseshell

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...

HAMPSHIRE MOTH CONFERENCE - 14th January - Littleton. Full Details HERE...

NEWS

23-01-12: Botanical Trends at Magdalen Hill Down Extension - a New Report. HERE...

23-01-12: Hampshire Moth Conference - report HERE...

12-12-11: The Autumn Reserves Bulletin can be read HERE...

12-12-11: Winter work parties at Mottisfont, details HERE...

07-12-11: PRESS RELEASE *DECADE OF DECLINE FOR UK BUTTERFLIES*. Read HERE...

05-Dec-11: Giant Silkmoths Colour, Mimicry & Camouflage - a book review by Lynn Fomison. HERE...

13-Nov-11: 2011 AGM Minutes now available for download in the Members' Area

02-Nov-11: 2011 Photographic Competition winners and runners up displayed HERE...

01-Nov-11: Moth Night returns in 2012!! Details HERE...

25-Oct-11: A Full Review of the 2011 AGM and Mambers' Day available HERE ...

25-Oct-11: A review of Paul Brock's "A Photographic Guide to Insects of the New Forest and Surrounding Area" can be found HERE...

21-Oct-11: The October edition of e-moth can be found HERE...

09-Oct-11: The 2010 AGM minutes are available HERE.... Many thanks to Cressida Wheelwright.

30-Sep-11: A Farewell Message From Lynn can be found HERE...

29-Sep-11: Migrant Monarch makes landfall. See HERE...

23-Sep-11: Priority Moths Email Newsletter Number 221. See HERE...

21-Sep-11: Boost for rare Barberry Carpet. See HERE...