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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Top tips for helping butterflies and moths this winter
Our guide to helping butterflies and moths through the coldest months of the year.
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Doing nothing for nature? Some ideas for alternatives to tidying the garden this winter...
We're asking people to help butterflies and moths by leaving leaf litter, keeping branches and letting plant stems go uncut in the garden this winter. So here are some ideas for alternatives to gardening this winter.
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What's in your leaf litter?
The leaves in your garden could be hiding a multitude of insects this winter.
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Fascinating facts about winter moths
Most insects in the UK take a break in the winter months. Unlike mammals and birds they can't easily heat themselves up, and their sources of food from plants dwindle. But a few hardy butterflies and moths can be seen during this time, with some moths only appearing as adults during the months when few other insects are on the wing.
Events
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Work Party at Montiaghs Moss…with mince pies! Thursday 16th December at 10:30am
Thursday 16th December 2021, 10:30am-3:30pm
Work Party at Montiaghs Moss…with mince pies! Thursday 16th December at 10:30am
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An update on the re-introductions of the Large Blue and Chequered Skipper into England and the lessons learned’ by Nigel Bourn Tuesday 11th January at 7:00pm
Tuesday 11th January 2022, 7:00pm-9:00pm
An update on the re-introductions of the Large Blue and Chequered Skipper into England and the lessons learned’ by Nigel Bourn Tuesday 11th January at 7:00pm
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Winter Work Party for Cryptic Wood White
Thursday 20th January 2022, 10:30am-1:00pm
Eastway, Craigavon BT66 6SA (parking on the hard-shoulder)
Habitat Management for Cryptic Wood White at Craigavon Lakes, Co. Armagh
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
