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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No let-up in net loss of UK’s nature
The UK’s wildlife continues to decline according to the State of Nature 2019 report. The latest findings show that since rigorous scientific monitoring began in the 1970s there has been a 13% decline in average abundance across wildlife studied and that the declines continue unabated.
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Holy Grail of moth recording reappears in Britain
Numerous recent sightings of a moth that became extinct in the UK in the 1960s, suggest that it has recolonised and is now breeding across southern Britain.
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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.
Events
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Wakebarrow, Whitbarrow Scar
Wednesday 23rd October 2019, 10:00am-3:00pm
Wakebarrow Whitbarrow Scar
Join a group of volunteers to improve and extend the habitat at these rich sites
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Township Plantation, Whitbarrow Scar
Wednesday 6th November 2019, 10:00am-3:00pm
Township Plantation, Whitbarrow Scar
Join a group of volunteers to improve and extend the habitat at this rich site
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Wakebarrow, Whitbarrow Scar
Sunday 10th November 2019, 10:00am-3:00pm
Wakebarrow Whitbarrow Scar
Join a group of volunteers to improve and extend the habitat at these rich sites
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