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
Find out more
Butterfly and moth sightings
Spotted a butterfly in Northern Ireland and want to tell us? You can view or add your own butterfly and moth sightings here.
If you want to take a recording sheet out with you the next time you go on a walk, you can download one for Moths or one for Butterflies.
You can also contact our recorders directly:
- Ian Rippey - Butterfly Recorder: 028 3833 3927
- Andy Crory - Moth Recorder: 07921 467901
We work with the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording to collate all of our online records.
Moths of Ireland
If you want to ID a moth you've seen or to find out more about the moths you can find all over Ireland, please visit the Moths of Ireland website.
Publications
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Get involved
News
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Man the ramparts for marching butterflies
History fans are being asked to take a closer look at castles this summer in a bid to track the changing fortunes of one of the UK’s most striking and overlooked butterflies.
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The Prince of Wales takes part in Big Butterfly Count
The Prince of Wales has recorded dozens of butterflies while taking part in the world’s largest butterfly survey at his home in Highgrove, Gloucestershire.
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Attenborough: ‘Watching butterflies is good for you!’
Sir David Attenborough has spoken of the mental health benefits of watching butterflies as he urged the public to take part in the world’s biggest butterfly survey over the next three weeks.
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Latest trends in butterfly indicators revealed
In the UK, since 1976, the habitat specialists butterflies index has fallen by 77%, whilst wider countryside abundance is down by 46%.
Events
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Northern Ireland: Butterfly Walkers Workshop
Saturday 15th September 2018, 9.45am-3.00pm
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, Craigavon
Our third annual ‘Thank You’ to volunteers and recorders who support the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme through walking transects and undertaking surveys, although anyone with an interest in butterflies is welcome!
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Northern Ireland: Beginners leaf-miners workshop
Saturday 29th September 2018, 10.30am-3.30pm
Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre, Belfast
Join us for an introduction to leaf miners for beginners
Ways to Get Involved!
Butterflies and moths can bring the whole family together, especially during the school holidays. Check out our family-friendly resources:
Get involved in the Ireland Butterfly Atlas project!
Make your own Moth Trap
Butterfly & Moth Life Cycle Chart For Children
Children's ID Guide For Moths And Their Caterpillars
Create A Butterfly Fuel Station In Your Garden
Create A Munch Box For Caterpillars In Your Garden
Make Your Own Plant Labels