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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Fascinating facts about winter moths
Most insects in the UK take a break in the winter months. Unlike mammals and birds they can't easily heat themselves up, and their sources of food from plants dwindle. But a few hardy butterflies and moths can be seen during this time, with some moths only appearing as adults during the months when few other insects are on the wing.
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New Red List of British butterflies
A new Red List assessment of the extinction risk of butterfly species in Great Britain has been produced by Butterfly Conservation.
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Woodland and hedgerow creation will be crucial to support pollinators in Wales
The largest survey of pollinator abundance in Wales has found that woodland and hedgerow creation can play a crucial role in action to reverse declines in insects that are essential for crop yield and other wildlife.
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The use of data in policy
The use of data in our policy and advocacy work - the Quinquennial Review of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (QQR) and the Oak Processionary Moth.
Events
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party Holme Stinted Pastures, Burton-in-Kendal
Sunday 5th December 2021, 10:00am-3:30pm
Holme Stinted Pasture, Clawthorpe
Cutting and burning scrub using bow saws, loppers.
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Township Plantation, Whitbarrow Scar
Wednesday 15th December 2021, 10:00am-3:30pm
Township Plantation, Whitbarrow Scar
Ride maintenance and clearing using hand tools
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Wart Barrow, Allithwaite
Sunday 2nd January 2022, 10:00am-3:30pm
Wart Barrow, Allithwaite
Join a group of volunteers to improve and extend the habitat on Wart Barrow
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
