Welcome

Northern Ireland offers a rich landscape of mountains, meadows, forests, rivers, lakes, islands and many, many miles of scenic coastline.
Although only covering 6% of the land area of the UK, the country is rich in moth and butterfly species including one that can only be found here and not in wider Great Britain.
Northern Ireland is famous for many reasons, but the butterflies and moths that are found here should definitely be one of them. Although home to only 25 species of butterfly, almost half of these are 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 and not elsewhere in the UK. 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.
There are almost 1000 different types of moth in Northern Ireland. These secretive creatures are most often active at night, although many fly during the day. However as it is a common 'moth myth' that moths are small and brown, if spotted, many day-flying moths are thought be some sort of butterfly as they are often very brightly coloured and patterned.
Species to look out for

How to get involved
Want to get involved with our conservation work in Northern Ireland? There are plenty of ways you can help:
Volunteering
Branch events
Do it yourself
Funders

BC Northern Ireland are grateful to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency who have funded our work in Northern Ireland since 2002.
News
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Species on the Edge launches with the Small Blues at Logie Quarry
A new and exciting conservation project called Species on the Edge will launch at a free family fun day event hosted by Butterfly Conservation Scotland at Logie Quarry, near Tain, on Saturday 3 June.
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Butterflies find safe haven in UK gardens, new research reveals
New research published by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) reveals how the UK's gardens are acting as a safe haven for butterflies.
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Europe's grassland butterflies in steep decline
A new report on the trends of grassland butterflies across Europe has shown numbers have declined by 36% over the last decade.
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Coul Links - again!
If you have been following the saga of Coul Links in East Sutherland you will know that the original proposal for a golf course was turned down by the Scottish Government. In July last year another application was submitted. Here's an update on our objection.
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.
In your area
Contact office
Butterfly Conservation
Ned's Place
66 Dublin Road
Kilcoo
Newry
BT34 5JG
T: 028 4377 1497