Hartlebury Common (Worcestershire)

The largest and most important area of heathland remaining in Worcestershire. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) especially noted for its wild plants and the many species of moths and butterflies that have been recorded.

Hartlebury Common Local Group provides ongoing conservation work on the common. Some of their volunteers walk a butterfly transect there and 2025's results were presented at a meeting in October. As seen elsewhere, numbers of Large White were exceptional but Gatekeeper is generally the most common species: Whites, Gatekeeper and Speckled Wood make up over 80% of the count. Notably down in 2025 were Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath - all rely on grassy habitats, which were probably too dry. Another dozen or so species were seen less often, some only infrequently.

Walk Details

Walk number 35 in Walking with Butterflies (Available in our Shop)

Key Species

Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak, Small Heath, Small Copper, Marbled White