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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Time to ban neonicotinoids for good
Neonicotinoid pesticides have once again made the headlines following a decision by the Government to allow the emergency use of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam on sugar beet in England in 2021.
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Action for Nature and The Climate In 2021
A view on post-Brexit 2021 – a crucial year for action on pandemics, nature and the climate.
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Online ID Courses for 2021
Following the success of our online identification sessions in 2020, the sessions will re-run in 2021.
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Monarch butterflies denied endangered species listing despite 99% decline
Despite a decline of 99% in the past 40 years, western monarch butterflies have been denied endangered species listing.
Events
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AGM & Winter Talk - Caterpillars by Phil Sterling
Tuesday 2nd February 2021, 7:00pm-9:00pm
AGM & Caterpillars by Phil Sterling - 2nd February 7:00pm
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Winter Work Party - Bowara, Co Fermanagh
Saturday 6th February 2021, 10:00am-3:30pm
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Winter Talk - Tales from the BBC Natural History Unit by Stephen Moss - 2nd March 7:30pm
Tuesday 2nd March 2021, 7:30pm-9:00pm
Tales from the BBC Natural History Unit by Stephen Moss - 2nd March 7:30pm
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