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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Rare moth back from the brink in Kent
The Black-veined Moth has seen a bumper year in East Kent thanks to the restoration efforts of local famers.
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Butterfly numbers increased this summer
The results of the Big Butterfly Count 2023 are in, revealing a better picture for butterflies than had been feared. However, new 13-year trend figures show a worrying long-term decline.
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Rare species in Northamptonshire set to benefit from new funding announced
Butterfly Conservation has been awarded a share of £14.5 million by Natural England to help recover butterflies and moths in Northamptonshire.
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Locally extinct butterfly makes remarkable return to Stirlingshire
Northern Brown Argus discovered in Stirlingshire after 100 year absence.
Events
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Moth Trap Morning
Saturday 23rd September 2023
Downhill Demesne National Trust, Castlerock
Explore the moths of Downhill Demesne with moth and invertebrate enthusiasts Rosie Irwin and Leah Cox (Butterfly Conservation).
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