wendy | 
12 22nd, 2011| 
If you hire a car with DVR and your around the Sturminster Newton area then why visit the Alners Gorse Butterfly Reserve.
Butterfly Conservation was formed by a small group of dedicated naturalists in 1968 following the alarming decline of many beautiful butterflies.
Most British butterflies remain a cause for concern, with three quarters of our native species in decline. Four butterflies and over 60 moths became extinct last century. We aim to halt and reverse these declines. Our vision is of a world rich in butterflies for future generations to enjoy.
Butterflies are beautiful and intrinsically valuable. Together with moths, their sensitivity to environmental change makes them valuable indicators of the health of the countryside. Falling numbers are an early warning to all wildlife that cannot be ignored.
We have more than 16,000 members in the UK and 31 volunteer Branches throughout the British Isles.
Butterflies to look out for:
- Brown Argus
- Brown Hairstreak
- Common Blue
- Dingy Skipper
- Green-veined White
- Grizzled Skipper
- Marsh Fritillary
- Purple Hairstreak
- Silver-washed Fritillary
- White Admiral
- White-letter Hairstreak
Moths to look out for:
- Dingy Mocha
- Sallow Clearwing
Notable Birds
- Nightingale
For more information visit - www.butterfly-conservation.org.