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
-
TV Gardener Alan Titchmarsh calls on people to create a Pit Stop for Pollinators this spring.
TV gardener, and Butterfly Conservation's Vice-president, Alan Titchmarsh, calls on people to create a Pit Stop for Pollinators this spring, and provide butterflies and moths with the plants they need for survival.
-
Working to save Scotland's peatlands
Scotland’s lowland bogs are vital habitat for butterflies and moths, but sadly many are in poor condition due to historic drainage for agriculture and forestry.
-
Butterfly Conservation: Interview with Dr Richard Fox
Dr Richard Fox has been part of Butterfly Conservation for almost 24 years. Now Head of Science, we met with Richard to discuss his role and the importance of recording and collecting data, as well as his own love of butterflies and moths.
-
Threatened butterfly species cope well in below-average butterfly year
Results from the annual UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) show that while the overall picture for butterflies in 2021 was poor, species that are the focus of targeted conservation efforts have fared well.
Events
-
Cumbria Field Trip, The Butterflies of Halecat Woods and Nicholls Moss
Monday 16th May 2022, 11:00am-2:30pm
We regret that this event is now fully booked
Targeting Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Green Hairstreak and a range of Spring butterflies
-
Cumbria Branch National Moth Night at Latterbarrow Nature Reserve
Thursday 19th May 2022, 9:15pm-11:59pm
Latterbarrow Nature Reserve
Moth trapping and identification at this popular nature reserve
-
Cumbria Branch National Moth Night at Bowder Stone Car Park Borrowdale
Saturday 21st May 2022, 9:15pm-11:59pm
Bowder Stone Car Park Borrowdale
This area has magnificent habitat but very few moth records.
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