Events

European Butterfly Reports Tuesday 22nd October (Postponed from 8th October)

Katy Bell, Simon Gray, and Sam Millar will open our winter talks programme with presentations on Croatian and Swiss butterflies.  Come along to be reminded of the colour and beauty of summer as the autumn nights start to draw in. 

Scrub Control for Cryptic Wood White 
Craigavon Lakes, Co. Armagh Thursday 21st November, 10:30–15:30 

Meet at Eastway, Craigavon BT66 6SA (parking on hard-shoulder) 

An important Cryptic Wood White population, a grassland species, is under threat as the habitat it needs is being encroached by scrub. We’re going to target some key areas using hand tools. We hope to get better weather than our Day of Action last year! Please contact Rose Cremin for more information at @email  

Scrub Control for Cryptic Wood White 
Craigavon Lakes, Co. Armagh Saturday 23rd November, 10:30–15:30

Meet at Eastway, Craigavon BT66 6SA (parking on hard-shoulder) 

An important Cryptic Wood White population, a grassland species, is under threat as the habitat it needs is being encroached by scrub. We’re going to target some key areas using hand tools. We hope to get better weather than our Day of Action last year! Please contact Rose Cremin for more information at @email  

BCNI Christmas Dinner Thursday 5th December, 19:00 for 19:30 Malone Golf Club 

Expect warmth, laughter, maybe a quiz, maybe a sing-along – who knows? – and of course mince pies!  

Scrub Control for Marsh Fritillary  
Montiaghs Moss SAC, Co. Antrim Tuesday 10th December, 10:30–15:30

Meet at RSPB’s Portmore Lough Reserve1 Georges Island Rd, Aghalee, Craigavon BT67 0DW 

Through the CABB project, Butterfly Conservation and the RSPB are working to manage habitats at the Montiaghs for a number of species, including the Marsh Fritillary. We are returning again this year to manage occasional scrub scattered across a core site for the Marsh Fritillary. Please contact Rose Cremin for more information. 

Scrub Control for Cryptic Wood White - Quoile Pondage, Co. Down

Saturday 25th January 2020, 10:00 
Meet at the Quoile Countryside Centre 

We’ll be holding back the flood of brambles at the beautiful Quoile River to preserve habitat for the Cryptic Wood White at one of our few single-species transects. Please contact David Nixon for more information at @email 

Invertebrates of the Burren

Adam Mantell

Tuesday 4th February 2020 

The Burren in County Clare is famous for its plants and the sweeping vistas of limestone and lakes.  The invertebrate communities are perhaps less celebrated but are just as important.  Adam will talk about surveying of two sites owned by NPWS in 2018, explaining how he went about it, why the Burren supports so many species not found elsewhere and finally will discuss the management challenges presented by this landscape now and into the future. 

Herbal Leys at the Giant’s Causeway – Cliff Henry

Tuesday 3rd March 2020 

National Trust Ranger Cliff Henry explains the demonstration project of pollinator-friendly farming next door to NI’s top tourist attraction. 

NIRD2020 Saturday 4th April, 10:00–16:00, Peatlands Park 

Northern Ireland Recorder’s Day! Our annual pre-season get-together will include a breakdown of the data from 2019, and a chance to hear from our partners about what’s happening in the world of recording as we head into the new season. 

As usual, craic, light refreshments and good company guaranteed, free of charge – just bring your own lunch! We look forward to seeing you there! 

Not a Lot of People Know… – Ian Rippey

Tuesday 7th April 2020

...that in excess of 50 species of butterfly have been recorded in Ireland over the years! Ian tells the stories of the lesser-known visitors and introductions to our shores.