Recording and Monitoring

Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland is continually running surveys to detect population changes and trends as well as mapping the distribution of our resident butterflies and moths.

This is vitally important work where members or volunteers can help make a big difference to their conservation.

Please report all moth sightings of adults or caterpillars, to the BCNI Moth Recorder for Northern Ireland, Ted Rolston at ted_rolston@hotmail.com

All butterfly sightings should be reported to the BCNI Butterfly Recorder for Northern Ireland, Trevor Boyd at glade12@btinternet.com

All records sent to the regional moth or butterfly recorders will be entered into the Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland database. These records are used to help Butterfly Conservation to target research and conservation work at species and habitats which need help.

Volunteer opportunities

Recording and monitoring butterflies and moths is an enormous task and we always need more people to help out.

Opportunities are always available to members or volunteers to participate in our Transect Walking scheme where you spend about an hour a week walking a set route between April and September and record all the butterflies you see.

New volunteers are always welcome regardless of experience as the necessary training will be given. Click here to find out more.

If you care about the future of Northern Irelands butterflies and moths you can assist by joining Butterfly Conservation to help us continue the vital work of conserving and protecting our threatened species.

The Northern Ireland branch will welcome you to a series of talks throughout the winter months, guided field trips in the spring and summer and keep you up to date with regular N.I. newsletters and latest sightings on the branch website

Other benefits include our exclusive magazine Butterfly three times a year packed full of interesting articles with superb photographs and the opportunity to participate in various recording and monitoring schemes. If your recording and monitoring skills need sharpened you will have the opportunity to attend several expert led training workshops held each year.