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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Dig It – Gardening tips for November
As gardeners, we always tend to have one eye on the present, while looking forward to the future. It rarely stops, except in the depths of winter when everything that can be done, is done.
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Scientists identify British butterflies most threatened by climate change
Scientists have discovered why climate change may be contributing to the decline of some British butterflies and moths, such as Silver-studded Blue and High Brown Fritillary butterflies.
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The Butterfly Effect
The Butterfly Effect. In Gloucestershire, we've borrowed a term associated with Chaos Theory, a curious idea that postulates that a butterfly flapping its wings in one place could cause a massive storm elsewhere.
Events
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Winter Work Party: Craigavon Lakes, Scrub Control for Cryptic Wood White - Cloned
Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd November 2019, 10:30am-3:30pm
Meet at Eastway, Craigavon BT66 6SA (parking on hard-shoulder)
Scrub Control for Cryptic Wood White
Craigavon Lakes, Co. Armagh Saturday 23rd November, 10:30–15:30Meet at Eastway, Craigavon BT66 6SA (parking on hard-shoulder)
An important Cryptic Wood White population, a grassland species, is under threat as the habitat it needs is being encroached by scrub. We’re going to target some key areas using hand tools. We hope to get better weather than our Day of Action last year! Please contact Rose Cremin for more information at @email
For all work parties please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. Tools will be provided as well as tea/coffee/biscuits but pack a lunch!
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Northern Ireland: Butterfly Walkers Workshop - Oxford Island
Saturday 23rd November 2019, 10:00am-1:00pm
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, BT66 6NJ
Please join us at this event, which is for anyone interested in getting involved in butterfly monitoring.
There will also be an optional work party taking place in the afternoon for the Cryptic Wood White butterfly at Craigavon Lakes...
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Branch Christmas Dinner 2019
Thursday 5th December 2019, 7:00pm-10:30pm
Malone Golf Club
BCNI Christmas Dinner Thursday 5th December, 19:00 for 19:30 Malone Golf Club
Expect warmth, laughter, maybe a quiz, maybe a sing-along – who knows? – and of course mince pies!
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