During 1995-2004, a detailed survey of butterflies was undertaken in South West Scotland as part of a national survey throughout Britain and Ireland. This book summarises the results.
Some species of butterfly experienced a decline, some have remained stable, and some have increased their distribution, mainly in response to climate change.
There are colour maps for each of the 32 species showing distribution and abundance. The book is however more than a series of maps. It is beautifully illustrated with over 150 colour photographs showing all the butterflies recorded in our branch area. Some of the images are of butterflies in flight thanks to the photographic skill of Norman Tait. The book is worth getting just to see these, especially the images of the Dark Green Fritillary and Grayling in flight.
A site guide describes many of the best places to see butterflies in South West Scotland. It is separated into the regions Dumfries & Galloway, Ayrshire, Greater Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire and Argyll & the Isles.
Butterflies of South West Scotland was researched by the Glasgow and South West Scotland branch of Butterfly Conservation.