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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Ministers urged to step in and save Coul Links
Highland Council votes to grant permission for golf course development despite overwhelming opposition.
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Coul Links golf course development deemed too damaging for nature to go ahead
Controversial plans to build a golf course on one of Scotland’s last undeveloped dune systems have suffered a significant set-back this week. Planning Officers from Highland Council have recommended the plans be refused by the North Planning Applications Committee at its 6 December meeting, a move welcomed by the Conservation Coalition campaigning to save Coul Links.
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Dr Amir Khan becomes new Vice President of Butterfly Conservation
We are thrilled to announce that Dr Amir Khan has joined Butterfly Conservation as one of its Vice Presidents.
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Create your own needle felted Jersey Tiger moth
Give yourself or a loved one the gift of craft this Christmas with a Jersey Tiger moth needle felting kit from The Makerss. With a live craft along at 10am on 20 January 2024, treat yourself or someone special, all whilst helping to secure the future of the UK’s butterflies and moths.
Events
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Scrub Control for Marsh Fritillary - Montiaghs Moss, Co. Antrim
Tuesday 12th December 2023, 10:00am-1:30pm
RSPB Montiaghs Moss
Winter work Party
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Scrub Control for Marsh Fritillary - Montiaghs Moss, Co. Antrim
Saturday 6th January 2024, 10:00am-1:30pm
RSPB Montiaghs Moss
Winter Work Party
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The Coastal and Saltmarsh moths of Castle Espie, Comber with Stewart Rosell
Wednesday 10th January 2024, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Winter Talk Zoom Webinar
Winter talk
Keep in touch with us on our Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/ButterflyConservationNI
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