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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Ready, Steady, Quiz!!
Our brand new Butterfly Conservation quiz launches today, test your knowledge on a wide variety of butterfly and moth related questions!
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Get creative for nature for a chance to win!
Do you love nature and want to make sure it’s protected? Enter our competition to design a banner for the Restore Nature Now demonstration in London.
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Treasure hunters wanted to help find one of the rarest jewels in Northern Ireland wildlife
Nature lovers asked to get photos of beautiful ‘colour-changing’ moth.
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The Butterfly Conservation Craft Club returns: Inky Butterflies with Kate Moby
Join us online on Saturday 1 June at 10am where we will be joined by the incredible artist Kate Moby for the return of Butterfly Conservation’s online craft club.
Events
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Prestbury Hill Reserve
Sunday 19th May 2024, 2:00pm-4:30pm
Please note that the road leading up to the reserve from the roundabout near Sainsbury's (Harp Hill) is closed at present. The route from Sixways in Charlton Kings is open.
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.
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Cleeve Common and Prestbury Hill Reserve
Friday 31st May 2024, 11:00am-2:00pm
Family Fun Friday: Bug Hunting & Butterfly Spotting
Join us and Cleeve Common Trust for a walk to discover the butterflies, moths and other insects of Prestbury Hill and Cleeve Common. We’ll have art and craft activities, spotting challenges and bug hunting! Bring a picnic with you and enjoy the view.Booking for walk required or just turn up for the activities. Parking by the Masts SO993247, postcode not given as unreliable, W3W often.indicate.timer.
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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Cinderford Linear Park
Saturday 1st June 2024, 2:00pm-4:30pm
A walk along mainly level woodland tracks (just one quite long uphill section) to see Wood White, and if we are very lucky, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. You are advised to wear long trousers and sleeves, socks and shoes due to the quantity of ticks present in the woodland.
Meet in the parking area at SO649127, nearest postcode GL14 3EZ, What3words unpacked.castle.teaching.
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.