Photo by Dave Brown
The Wood White butterfly is one of the UK’s rarest species.
In the southeast, it is found in just a few areas of woodland in Surrey and West Sussex.
In 2025, three new colonies were discovered in West Sussex, bringing the total number of known colonies to five. Single Wood Whites were also encountered in some surprising locations.
To learn more about Wood Whites look at our species guide 👉 Wood White.
This year we are organising a coordinated survey of woodlands (and other suitable habitats) in the northwest of West Sussex. We would welcome the help of Sussex branch members!
(Please note: we plan to work with landowners and forest/woodland managers to improve and increase Wood White habitat in Sussex, so if you do go looking for Wood Whites, do not venture off public rights of way as we wish to maintain good relations with our potential project partners).
Please will you help us to learn more about this butterfly in West Sussex?
For our new ID guide to our ‘white’ butterflies 👉 ID guide to our white butterfly species
If you find Wood White larval foodplants in suitable habitat in the northwest of West Sussex, they will provide useful clues as to where we should be searching. We have a guide to help you 👉 A quick guide to Wood White larval foodplants.
For details of a Wood White Field Trip on Sunday 10th May 2026, details TBA.
To sign up for the 2026 Wood White Survey or for more details, email woodwhite@sussex-butterflies.org.uk
Survey organisers: Dr Alan Birch and David Bridges
