Butterfly Conservation Dorset and EuCAN CIC - Duke of Burgundy habitat enhancement project on Red Post Hill
Red Post Hill, Up Sydling
Two of Dorset’s most threatened butterflies – Marsh Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy (below) (photo: Luc Mitchem)
We have another exciting chance to help to improve the survival chances of one of Dorset’s most endangered butterfly species: the Duke of Burgundy. We are gathering together a team to carry out emergency habitat management on a range of local sites. Please get in touch if you can help.
Red Post Hill in October 2025
Duke of Burgundy butterfly in Dorset
This butterfly is now reduced to six small colonies in the county, all of which require careful management to maintain suitable habitat. The work is funded under a Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) grant awarded to Hilfield Friary, in conjunction with the Dorset Branch of Butterfly Conservation and EuCAN CIC.
We are looking for practical support from as many people as possible at this site and the others too. Please let us know if you can join us (email: nigel@eucan.org.uk )
Please get in touch with Martin Warren if you would like to find out more about the project this season: martinswarren@btinternet.com
The other sites which we shall be visiting over the coming weeks are: Black Hill at Cerne Abbas, Telegraph Hill near Hilfield, and Langford Hill near Stratton; and sites near Plush, Godmanstone and Sydling St Nicholas.
For the Up Sydling work, we shall be meeting for a 9am start at the parking place marked on the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1PWLHA_sVWOPo-KV4AWQHSco0daPb39o&ll=50.83119235511019%2C-2.5250725195872303&z=15
What3Words for parking place: watchdogs.likening.confronts
then walking down to the worksite below Red Post Hill (marked on the google map). Please bring your refreshments and lunch with you and PPE if you will be working with power tools (certificated users only). It should be possible to carry all the tools and bags in the 4×4’s.
It will help us with the planning (though not essential) if you let us know that you are hoping to join us.