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
Netted Carpet Moth - Larval Count (September 2019)
Surveys of the larvae and food plant are conducted annually in late summer. More information here.
News
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The Year of the Painted Lady
In just three weeks this summer, nearly half a million Painted Lady butterflies were counted as part of the 10th UK-wide Big Butterfly Count, run by Butterfly Conservation and sponsored by B&Q.
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On the verge of something big
UK wildlife charities have teamed up with England’s government advisor on natural environment to persuade local councils and landowners to help save our pollinators.
At the first event of its kind, local authorities and other organisations will be asked to change the way they manage road verges, roundabouts and other valuable grassland habitats to benefit wildlife.
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Mediterranean Blue Butterfly Invades Britain
Climate change is causing a striking butterfly from southern Europe to appear in record-breaking numbers across the south of England, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation can reveal.
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Winnie the Pooh takes part in the Big Butterfly Count
Winnie the Pooh is encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors this summer by joining Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count.
Events
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Wakebarrow, Whitbarrow Scar
Wednesday 25th September 2019, 10:00am-3:00pm
Wakebarrow Whitbarrow Scar
Join a group to improve the habitat by planting cowslip plants
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Wakebarrow, Whitbarrow Scar
Wednesday 2nd October 2019, 10:00am-3:00pm
Extra Work Party. Wakebarrow Whitbarrow Scar
Join a group to improve the habitat by planting cowslip plants
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party Halecat Woods
Wednesday 9th October 2019, 10:00am-3:00pm
Halecat Witherslack
Join a group to improve and extend the habitat for early summer butterflies at Halecat Woods
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