The legacy gifts we receive are used to help fund some of our most important work, which currently includes:

- Over 70 landscape-scale conservation projects in key butterfly areas throughout the UK

- Ongoing management of Butterfly Conservation's 37 nature reserves covering 750 hectares, and the acquisition of new sites

- Advisory services and specialist training in conservation management for butterflies and moths for farmers, foresters and land owners

- Educational activities including over 700 public events every year and the development of learning materials for school to encourage a new generation of butterfly conservationists

- Vital research into the reasons behind the rapid declines of some species and the best methods of countering these worrying losses.

Alners Gorse Nature Reserve

The purchase and management of this nature reserve in Dorset was made possible by a generous legacy given by Miss Lewis. Alners Gorse is a wonderful remnant of the old Blackmore Vale Commons, with Marsh Fritillary, Brown Hairstreak, White Admiral, Dingy Mocha and Nightingales among the many notable species present.