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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Butterfly Conservation welcomes the recently published EU Nature Restoration Law.
Butterfly Conservation welcomes the recently published EU Nature Restoration Law. Grassland ecosystems are one of the most damaged and threatened ecosystems and populations of butterflies and other wild pollinators are in decline.
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Big Moth Safari in Kent...Are there elephants in your garden?
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is launching a Kent-wide moth spotting week next week (20th-27th June 2022), urging people across the county to get outdoors and take part in spotting an array of important and surprisingly colourful moths.
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Resources for LGBTQ+ Conservationists
In honour of PRIDE, we recognise that LGBTQ+ people can benefit from networks in order to feel safe, welcome, and have a sense of belonging. We have compiled a list of LGBTQ+ community networks and resources for those working in Conservation and STEM.
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Moth motorways could help resist climate change impact
Moths struggling to move north to adapt to climate change in the UK could be assisted by pinpointing areas where habitat restoration can give them a smoother journey.
Events
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Peatlands Park Field Trip
Saturday 25th June 2022, 10:30am-1:00pm
Derryadd Car Park, Peatlands Park
Ian Rippey will lead a trip to Peatlands Park looking for Red-tipped clearwings and Lunar honet moths using lures. Other species might include large heath.
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Killard Point Field Trip
Saturday 2nd July 2022, 10:30am-12:30pm
Mill Quarter Bay layby
A Field trip to the wonderful Killard Point Nature Reserve. The banks in July and August are alive with butterflies such as common blues, meadow browns, and in some years painted ladies. What else will you spot?
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Marble Arch Caves Field Trip
Saturday 6th August 2022, 10:00am-5:00pm
Marble Arch Caves car park
A leisurely walk with Ian Rippey from Killykeegan along the base and middle slopes of the large limestone hill at Coaghan. Target species include Grayling, Dark Green Fritillary, Holly Blue and Silver-washed Fritillary.
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
Adam Mantell - Branch Contact & Membership Secretary
Hannah Fullerton - Treasurer
Cliff Henry - General Enquiries
@email
