Butterfly events at Box Hill and beyond

With its chalk downlands and ancient woodlands, Surrey has always been one of the best counties in which to spot butterflies, and thanks to the work of our rangers and tenant farmers in maintaining and restoring vital habitats, many species are thriving. This summer is an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful butterflies across all our Surrey countryside sites.

Peacock Butterfly

Summer of Butterflies Podcasts 

As part of our Summer of Butterflies programme come for a ramble and look for the 8 new butterfly signboards dotted about the Surrey Hills. Scan the QR codes and listen to podcasts about the rare and beautiful butterflies at Box Hill, Denbies Hillside, Headley Heath and more.

Get butterfly spotting
Dark Green Fritillary butterfly

Butterfly walks at Denbies Hillside  

Wed 1 June and Wed 3 Aug, 11am – 2.30pm

Join butterfly conservation expert Bill Downey from the Surrey & SW London branch of Butterfly Conservation for a walk on Denbies Hillside in search of the dark green fritillary and chalkhill blue butterflies.

£12pp including parking, booking essential

Book your place
Purple Emperor (female)

Emperors and admirals at Bookham Common 

Sat 25 Jun, 10am – 12pm

In the summer the commons are buzzing with butterflies. Silver-washed fritillaries patrol along rides, and white admirals gracefully glide over bramble flowers. If you’re very lucky, a magnificent purple emperor might swoop down near you. Ian Swinney, our ranger, has been looking after Bookham Commons for over 50 years, and what he doesn’t know about the Commons isn’t worth knowing!

£12pp including parking, booking essential

Book your place
walkers in the distance at Box Hill

Discovering chalk grassland at Box Hill  

Sun 3 July, 10am - 12pm

Enjoy the stunning landscape at Box Hill on this ranger-led walk in which you'll learn more about our chalk grassland and the huge diversity of wildlife it supports. The ranger will explain about the particular ingredients which make up this rare and protected landscape, whilst pointing out some of the fabulous flora and fauna along the way.

£12pp including parking, booking essential

Book your place
How many butterflies can you spot?

Family fun

Box Hill will be the hub for our younger members of the family to learn more about the beautiful butterflies that live in the Surrey Hills. There is a dedicated podcast to listen to and an installation to learn about the lifecycle of the butterfly.

Children can also pick up a butterfly activity sheet at Box Hill and the Devil's Punch Bowl to complete whilst enjoying a treat in the café or at home.