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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Moths threatened by climate change could be saved by better water management
New research from wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation and Northumbria University has shown that moths adapted to cooler conditions are being lost from parts of Britain as a result of climate change.
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Did you spot the moth that looks like a Hummingbird in your garden?
A beautiful and unusual moth that looks like a Hummingbird in flight appears to have had a bumper year in 2022, with an estimated ten-fold increase in sightings reported across the UK.
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Free Wills Month
This March, Butterfly Conservation is offering free and discounted will writing services to make it easier for people to support the butterflies and moths they value and the ensure everyone, whatever their circumstance, has the chance to shape the future for the next generation to enjoy.
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Species to spot in March
March 3rd is World Wildlife Day and to mark the occasion we've put together some information about the butterfly and moth species you might see if you venture out this weekend.
Events
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Northern Ireland Recorders Day (NIRD)
Saturday 1st April 2023, 9:30am-3:30pm
Meet and connect with other biodiversity recorders cross the country. Learn new skills - moth ID, butterfly ID, track lizards and amphibians.
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