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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Butterflies find safe haven in UK gardens, new research reveals
New research published by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) reveals how the UK's gardens are acting as a safe haven for butterflies.
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Europe's grassland butterflies in steep decline
A new report on the trends of grassland butterflies across Europe has shown numbers have declined by 36% over the last decade.
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Coul Links - again!
If you have been following the saga of Coul Links in East Sutherland you will know that the original proposal for a golf course was turned down by the Scottish Government. In July last year another application was submitted. Here's an update on our objection.
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More evidence of the harm pesticides are having on our natural environment
A new study, published today by the science journal PNAS, has found that increased use of pesticides and fertiliser is driving bird population declines across the UK and Europe.
Events
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Mountain Ringlet at Irton Fell: Event fully subscribed 28 May
Saturday 3rd June 2023, 11:00am-3:00pm
Car park Santon Bridge Eskdale Green Road
Target species Mountain Ringlet. We're sorry that this field trip is now fully subscribed
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The Butterflies of Howe Ridding and Witherslack Woods
Sunday 16th July 2023, 10:00am-2:00pm
Witherslack Woods and Howe Ridding
Target Silver-washed, High Brown and Dark Green Fritillaries, Common Blue and possibly late Northern Brown Argus
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The Butterflies of White Scar and Farrers Allotment, Whitbarrow
Monday 24th July 2023, 10:00am-2:30pm
White Scar and Farrer's Allotment, Whitbarrow
Target species: On a good day, many summer species including four types of Fritillaries, Northern Brown Argus, Grayling and other late Summer species.
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