Welcome
Welcome to the Northern Ireland Branch of Butterfly Conservation, which was first formed in 1988 and currently has more than 300 members.
If you live in the region and are a member of Butterfly Conservation you automatically become a member of the Northern Ireland branch.
Northern Ireland is home to around 1000 species of moth and 25 species of butterfly, with almost half of these being priority species.
One of these, the Cryptic Wood White (thought to be Real's Wood White until recent research proved it to be a new species entirely) is only found in Northern Ireland. Craigavon Lakes Local Nature Reserve in County Armagh is the very best place to visit to see this butterfly on the wing during May and June.
Species to look out for
Get involved
Volunteering
Volunteers are hugely important to Butterfly Conservation. Getting involved with surveying and monitoring butterfly and moth species in your garden or out in the wider landscape directly helps inform our work and projects.
Branch events
Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland’s Branch run events throughout the year, mirroring the season that’s in it. From summer field trips, winter talks and lectures to practical conservation, the varied and interesting programme is worth investigating and everyone is welcome.
Do it yourself
There is an awful lot that you can do yourself, or with your friends and family for butterflies, moths and the environment. Starting at home, in your community or workplace makes your practice more sustainable in every sense and your projects are more likely to succeed too.
Find out more
News
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More than 1,000 people help create Wild Spaces in Scotland
Communities discover weird and wonderful wildlife living on their doorstep.
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Government outline plans to end use of butterfly-killing pesticides
The Government has set out plans to end the use of neonicotinoid pesticides – a pesticide that is known to be lethally toxic to butterflies, moths, bees and other vital pollinators.
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Extinct butterfly brought back to England from Belgium
Innovative project shows one way to undo decades of environmental damage.
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Hardy volunteers wanted to join Christmas butterfly egg hunt
Helpers explore hidden countryside and have wild encounters.
Events
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Marsh Fritillary Winter Work Party - Montiaghs Moss, Co. Armagh Part 2
Tuesday 14th January 2025, 10:00am-1:30pm
Come and make a difference for Marsh Fritillary Butterfly!
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Lepidoptera and Plants
Wednesday 15th January 2025 7:30pm - 9:00pm
On line - Zoom
Rose Cremin, Conservation Manager, Northern Ireland will talk to us about generalists and specialists, making it in the plant world. Understanding the relationships between butterflies, moths and the many plants they rely on.
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Cryptic Wood White Winter Work Party - Craigavon Lakes Part 3
Saturday 18th January 2025, 9:30am-1:00pm
Eastway, Craigavon BT66 6SA (parking on hard-shoulder)
Join us to manage habitat for the special Cryptic Wood White Butterfly!
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
- Chair
Rosemary Mulholland - Branch Contact & Membership Secretary
Hannah Fullerton - Treasurer
Cliff Henry - General Enquiries
[email protected]