"Britain's butterflies are a rich part of our natural and cultural heritage, and most of us would admit to feeling uplifted at the sight of a butterfly dancing across a sunny meadow or delicately feeding from a garden flower. Many people's first memories of butterflies go hand in hand with recollections of warm summer days in a colourful, heavily scented garden complete with bumblebees and a trimmed lawn."

"The butterflies attracted to nectar-rich garden flowers are only some of the 59 species that can be found in Britain and Ireland. This compact and beautifully illustrated guide has everything you need to identify the wild butterflies you may encounter in gardens, oakwoods, heathlands, downlands, and even the highest mountain moorlands. With its help you will be able to get the most from your butterfly observations from wingless juveniles through to spectacular adults."

"This wonderful book is ideal for anyone who would simply like to be able to put a name to the butterflies they see, as well as being an excellent reference for the more dedicated naturalist or rambler. I hope it will inspire you to get out, as I do, and observe butterflies throughout the summer."

"It's a sad fact that five of our native butterfly species are now extinct, and many, many others are in serious decline. But there is so much that each of us can do to help secure a future for butterflies, for example through butterfly-friendly gardening. Butterfly Conservation is the UK charity taking action to save our butterflies, moths and their habitats. Call 01929 400209 for more information about how you can get involved with their work and help conserve these fascinating creatures, or visit the website www.butterfly-conservation.org."

"If you're anything like me, butterfly spotting will become an addictive and wonderfully fulfilling pastime. Without these bright insects, our world would be a duller place."

Alan Titchmarsh MBE, DL
Vice-president, Butterfly Conservation