Welcome
Gloucestershire is a wonderful county for nature and offers something for everyone. We have a wide range of habitats including urban areas in Gloucester and North Bristol, wild areas in the Forest of Dean, open commons such as Minchinhampton and Rodborough, old quarries like Breakheart near Dursley.
There are well over 100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) containing a variety of rare and interesting plants, insects and other wildlife. Butterfly Conservation owns three reserves in the county - the Bill Smyllie Reserve, the Masts Reserve and Rough Bank.
Nearly 50 species of butterfly and over 1700 species of moth have been recorded in the county.
Species to look out for
Find out more
Discover moths at Rough Bank Reserve
Moth recording has been taking place at Rough Bank since Butterfly Conservation purchased the site in 2012. We now have records for hundreds of species, so take a look at our list of what you can find at the site.
Butterfly walks booklet
Sale now on - save up to 33%
The 2nd Edition of the Butterfly Walks in Gloucestershire booklet is now available. As well as walks, we've added an extra list of good butterfly sites around the county and a guide to the flight times of our butterflies to help you decide which walk to do and when.
Get involved
News
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Boost garden butterfly numbers by up to 93% with one simple step, new study reveals
Letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass can increase butterfly numbers by up to 93% and attract a wider range of species, according to new research from leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation.
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Double your donation today with the Big Green Match Fund!
From today, for just 7 days, your donations to support our critical conservation work will be doubled!
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More than 26,000 people help Kent moths in biggest project of its kind
Volunteers counted moths on White Cliffs of Dover, created new habitat and even found new moth populations.
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Winning big with the Butterfly Conservation Lottery!
Congratulations to Chris from Derby who recently scooped £1,000 in the Butterfly Conservation lottery.
Events
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Minchinhampton Marking Day.
Saturday 18th May 2024, 11:00am-3:00pm
The Old Lodge Minchinhampton Common
Traditionally May is when the cows are brought from the overwintering fields and sheds and released back onto the commons to roam and graze. From as far back as anyone can remember, livestock owners would gather with their animals beside The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common where each cow would be tagged or marked for identification before being released. It's no surprise that this day became known locally as Marking Day. National Trust staff and other local organisations will be on hand to answer questions about the age-old tradition and the way in which the Commons are managed. There will be guided walks and fun activities for children. Parking on the Common near the Old Lodge. SO852008, GL6 9AQ, What3Words leafing.nowadays.geek.If bad weather is forecast you might like to check if the event or walk is cancelled. All events are free unless stated otherwise. We are also looking for volunteers to help at events. Please contact events leaders, Rosie and Christine @email if you think you can help.
Some of the walks are on rough ground so please wear suitable footwear and come prepared for the weather.
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Oakley Wood, Bathurst Estate
Sunday 12th May 2024, 11:00am-3:00pm
Field trip around Oakley Wood by kind permission of Bathurst Estate to see Pearl-bordered Fritillary and woodland moths. Bring lunch so you can make a day of it and have the best opportunity of success. Meet on Overley Road at the north end of Overley Ride at SO 970044, nearest postcode GL7 6LS, What3words edgy.erupted.expecting from where you may be redirected to a better parking area
If bad weather is forecast you might like to check if the event or walk is cancelled. All events are free unless stated otherwise. We are also looking for volunteers to help at events. Please contact events leaders, Rosie and Christine @email if you think you can help.
Some of the walks are on rough ground so please wear suitable footwear and come prepared for the weather.
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Prestbury Hill Reserve
Sunday 19th May 2024, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Walk to seek out Duke of Burgundy, Marsh Fritillary, Small and Adonis Blues, Dingy Skipper and Green Hairstreak. The site is steep and surface uneven so sturdy footwear advisable.
Meet at SO993244 What3words hometown.blissful.scrub Postcode not given as satnavs can direct you to the wrong place.
If bad weather is forecast you might like to check if the event or walk is cancelled. All events are free unless stated otherwise. We are also looking for volunteers to help at events. Please contact events leaders, Rosie and Christine @email if you think you can help.
Some of the walks are on rough ground so please wear suitable footwear and come prepared for the weather.
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.