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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Big Butterfly Count 2020: The Results
Big Butterfly Count 2020 sees lowest numbers of butterflies recorded in 11 years.
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HS2 on Calvert Jubilee nature reserve: Statement from Butterfly Conservation
HS2 on Calvert Jubilee nature reserve: Statement from Butterfly Conservation
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The Extinction Crisis – now is the time to act
Nature is in crisis with extinctions happening at unprecedented rates as a result of our abuse of the planet. But this is no longer just about nature. As Butterfly Conservation President, Sir David Attenborough made clear on Sunday's ‘Extinction – The Facts’ on BBC One, we are not apart from nature, we are an integral part of it.
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First Purple Hairstreak butterfly recorded in South Lanarkshire for 175 years
First Purple Hairstreak butterfly recorded in South Lanarkshire for 175 years by conservation volunteer
Events
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BCNI AGM
Thursday 19th November 2020, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Via Zoom
BCNI AGM - Thursday 19th November 19:30 via Zoom
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BCNI Christmas Quiz!
Thursday 3rd December 2020, 8:00pm-10:00pm
BCNI Christmas Quiz 3rd December 8pm via Zoom
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