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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Extinct butterfly breeds in English first
A previously extinct butterfly has bred successfully in an English woodland for the first time in more than 40 years as part of the ambitious conservation project, Back from the Brink.
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UK moths battling unfair reputation
Around three quarters of the UK population (74%) have some negative opinion of moths, with many people believing the majority eat clothes and are pests, a study has revealed.
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Butterflies bounce back in heatwave summer
UK butterflies bounced back in 2018 following a string of poor years, thanks in part to last year’s heatwave summer, a study has revealed.
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Street lights affect wildflower pollination
Street lighting operating all night can alter the natural pollination of a common wildflower, a study involving Butterfly Conservation (BC) has revealed.
Events
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Northern Ireland: Big Butterfly Count Family Day Out!
Friday 26th July 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Creggan Country Park, Londonderry BT48 9NU
Join the NI Branch for our Big Butterfly Count family day out at Creggan Country park!
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Northern Ireland: Allotment Safari and Big Butterfly Count
Tuesday 30th July 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Nunnery Hill Allotments in Dungannon Park, Tyrone
Join the NI Branch at the Nunnery Hill Allotments in Dungannon Park to explore what wildlife can be found and to look out for summer butterflies!
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BCNI outing to The Burren & Big Butterfly Count
Saturday 10th to Sunday 11th August 2019, 10:30am-4:00pm
The Burren, County Clare, southwest of Ireland
This is the best butterfly site in search of Brown Hairstreak, Brimstone and Wall to name a few.
It's also a great opportunity to take part in The Big Butterfly Count!
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
Claire Hempsey - Treasurer
Cliff Henry