Welcome
The county of Cumbria is located where the boundaries of southern and northern species of butterfly overlap which goes some way to explaining why 41 species are recorded, rather high for a county this far north.
We have the Mountain Ringlet and Scotch Argus that cannot be seen anywhere else south of the Scottish border. Large Heath is found on the Solway and Morecambe Bay Mosses, the Small Blue is present on Brownfield sites on the west coast and Marsh Fritillary fly on a few grassland sites in the north and west.
The limestone woodlands and grasslands bordering Morecambe Bay are the UK stronghold of the rare High Brown Fritillary and are also home to Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus, Silver-washed Fritillary and Duke of Burgundy butterflies.
Species to look out for
Learn more

Submit your sightings
Let us know what you have seen.

See our latest sightings
View the latest butterfly and day-flying moth sightings in Cumbria.
Get involved
News
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State of Nature 2023 reveals devastating declines for UK wildlife
Moths and butterflies amongst UK wildlife in decline, State of Nature 2023 report reveals.
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Moth once presumed extinct in the UK found in the Chilterns
Butterfly Conservation has recorded over 40 sightings of the rare Downland Plume moth in an area of the Chilterns in recent months.
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Butterfly Conservation calls for ban on neonicotinoids
New research shows neonicotinoid pesticides are threatening the UK’s wildlife, including butterflies and moths.
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Rare moth back from the brink in Kent
The Black-veined Moth has seen a bumper year in East Kent thanks to the restoration efforts of local famers.
Events
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Cumbria Conservation Work Party Graythwaite, Finsthwaiite
Wednesday 4th October 2023, 10:00am-3:30pm
Graythwaite Finsthwaite
Cutting, clearing and stacking brash
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Kendal Fell
Wednesday 18th October 2023, 10:00am-3:30pm
Kendal Fell, Kendal.
Planting cowslip and primrose.
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Upper Gillbirks, Whitbarrow Scar
Wednesday 1st November 2023, 10:00am-3:30pm
Upper Gillbirks, Wakebarrow
Ride clearing and scallop making. Cutting and stacking scrub pror to planting cowslip
Volunteer with us
Butterfly Conservation relies on the support of thousands of volunteers, and we are always looking for more help inside the office and out in the field. Whether you want to volunteer at a local branch, get outside and help manage our nature reserves, or help with one of our events, we have something for everyone to get involved in! Your time can make a real difference.
Branch information
In your area
Contact branch
- Chairman:
Chris Winnick - Treasurer:
David Eastlick