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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Agriculture Bill: A Big Day for Farming and Wildlife
The long-awaited publication of a landmark Agriculture Bill in parliament is a crucial piece of legislation which will have profound implications for the butterflies, moths, wildlife and wider environment of England.
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Managing land for butterflies and moths
Our work seeks to help the development of new land management support schemes by combining the latest scientific evidence and Butterfly Conservation’s practical experience of working with farmers and land owners on the ground.
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Make your vote count!
The campaign for the Westminster General Election is now well and truly in full swing! This time it feels different, and not just because of the intense debates around Brexit. After years of trying to secure political attention, the environment has finally burst through onto the political stage.
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British and Irish moths are on the move
Scientists from Britain and Ireland who have been involved in compiling the newly published Atlas of Britain and Ireland’s Larger Moths have revealed that our moths are on the move.
Events
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Cumbria: Conservation Work Party, Kendal Fell
Wednesday 5th February 2020, 10:00am-3:00pm
Kendal Fell
Join a group of volunteers to maintain the habitat at this site for Scotch Argus
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Cumbria Work Party, Yewbarrow, Witherslack
Sunday 9th February 2020, 10:00am-3:00pm
Witherslack Woods, Witherslack Hall
Join a group of volunteers to extend and improve the habitat on Yewbarrow above Witherslack
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Cumbria Work Party, Yewbarrow, Witherslack
Wednesday 19th February 2020, 10:00am-3:00pm
Witherslack Woods, Witherslack Hall
Join a group of volunteers to extend and improve the habitat on Yewbarrow above Witherslack
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