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.

Visit branch website

Species to look out for

Large Blue (upperside) - Pete Withers

Large Blue

Heath Fritillary (upperwing) - Ryszard Szczygieł

Heath Fritillary

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Silky Wave

Brown Hairstreak (female/upperwing) - Iain Leach

Brown Hairstreak

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Chalk Hill Blue

Grizzled Skipper (male/upperwing) - Bob Eade

Grizzled Skipper

Find out more 

Red Admiral on Ivy - Iain Leach

Butterfly first sightings

View this season's first confirmed sightings of butterflies in Somerset & Bristol

For the latest moth sightings, visit the Somerset Moth group website.

Chalk Hill Blue - Peter Eeles

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

  • Has the ‘COVID effect’ worn off for nature lovers?

    Big Butterfly Count sees a drop in participants compared to 2020 and 2021, and urges the public not to forget the benefits of being connected to nature – and it’s not too late to take part!
     

    Chris Packham with ID guide
  • Migratory monarch butterfly now Endangered - IUCN Red List

    Gland, Switzerland, 21 July 2022 (IUCN) – The migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus), known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometres across the Americas, has entered the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM as Endangered, threatened by habitat destruction and climate change. 
     

    Migratory Monarch Butterfly, Joe Schelling
  • Butterfly scientists call on public for help.

    Butterfly Conservation launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count with a warning that time is running out to help save species.

    Holly Blue Male - Allestree 15th April 22 - Ken Orpe.JPG
  • Butterflies, heatwaves, and drought

    The heatwave currently being experienced by some southern and eastern parts of the UK is of concern for human health and the welfare of pets and livestock, but what about our butterflies?

    Green-veined White (female/spring brood) - Dean Morley
Catch up on all our news

Events

See all our upcoming events

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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.

Find out how to get involved.

Branch information

Reserves

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

Full Contacts List