Butterflies have been a lifelong interest of the book’s author, Peter Eeles, who spent his childhood roaming the Cotswolds in search of its hidden natural wonders.

In 2002 he combined the skills applied in his day job, his passion for butterflies and his interest in photography to create the acclaimed UK Butterflies website that has fostered a thriving community of butterfly enthusiasts, later adding the Dispar website as its publishing arm. An ardent supporter of the Butterfly Conservation charity, Peter held various positions in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch, including a spell as chairman from 2010 to 2013. In 2016 he created Butterfly Conservation’s Garden Butterfly Survey website and, in 2016, was presented with the ‘Marsh Award for the Promotion of Lepidoptera Conservation’ at Butterfly Conservation’s AGM and Members’ Day in Nottingham.

Photo © Nigel Symington