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
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Let us know what you have seen.

See our latest sightings
View the latest butterfly and day-flying moth sightings in Cumbria.
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News
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State of Moths: New Report shows Britains moths decline by one third
New report shows Britain's moths decline by one third: A crucial indicator of the health of our wider environment.
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State of Nature: Help us put nature’s recovery in law!
Butterfly Conservation is teaming up with a coalition of environmental organisations to put nature’s recovery in law and we need your help.
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Threatened moth brought back from the brink of extinction
Threatened moth is being brought back from the brink of extinction thanks to a project in Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire
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Butterfly Conservation launches Spring Auction
There are over 60 unique and exciting experiences and items available in Butterfly Conservation's Spring Auction. Bid to help give butterflies and moths a boost!
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