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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Butterfly species hard hit by changeable weather patterns
Where have the butterflies gone? Butterfly Conservation launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count with urgent appeal for public’s help after disastrous spring weather.
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Exciting species discoveries made as locked-down UK public takes up mothing
A surge in enthusiasm for observing moths during the lockdowns has resulted in some UK counties recording their first sightings of rare species. Scientists are now hoping there will be similar exciting finds during this year’s Moth Night (8 to 10 July), and are calling on the public to submit their daytime and nighttime sightings of species, as well as photographs.
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Felt your own Large Blue Butterfly
Butterfly Conservation has teamed up with expert crafters The Makerss for a special online event to show you how to needle felt your own Large Blue butterfly.
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New population of one of UK’s rarest butterflies found in Kent
The Heath Fritillary, one of the UK’s rarest butterflies, has been discovered for the first time at the Woodland Trust’s Victory Wood in east Kent.
Events
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Cumbria Field Trip, Scotch Argus at Smardale Gill Nature Reserve, Kirkby Stephen
Tuesday 3rd August 2021, 10:00am-3:00pm
Off Great Asby road
Target Scotch Argus plus hopefully another dozen common species.
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The Moths of Brantwood Coniston Water
Friday 27th August 2021, 8:30am-11:59am
Brantwood east of Coniston Water
Next morning viewing of late summer moths collected overnight
Please note change of date from Sunday 22 August to Friday 27 August
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
