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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Good News for Rare Butterfly on Dartmoor
One of the UK’s rarest butterflies is having a welcome comeback to its Dartmoor stronghold, wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has revealed.
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Has the ‘COVID effect’ worn off for nature lovers?
Big Butterfly Count sees a drop in participants compared to 2020 and 2021, and urges the public not to forget the benefits of being connected to nature – and it’s not too late to take part!
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Migratory monarch butterfly now Endangered - IUCN Red List
Gland, Switzerland, 21 July 2022 (IUCN) – The migratory monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus), known for its spectacular annual journey of up to 4,000 kilometres across the Americas, has entered the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM as Endangered, threatened by habitat destruction and climate change.
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Butterfly scientists call on public for help.
Butterfly Conservation launches this year’s Big Butterfly Count with a warning that time is running out to help save species.
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