The rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly has had an excellent year in Northern Ireland, thanks to warm weather and long-term habitat restoration. Once widespread, the species declined sharply as farming practices changed and its only food plant, Devil’s-bit Scabious, became scarce.
Butterfly Conservation’s latest survey shows big increases in caterpillar nest numbers on managed sites. One location rose from 24 to 53 nests, another from 24 to 139, and a third from five to 27.
Conservation manager Rose Cremin said the success highlights the importance of proper land management by farmers, as good weather alone cannot reverse decades of decline. The species is vulnerable because it produces only one brood a year, and relies entirely on specific habitat conditions.
While UK butterfly populations continue to struggle overall, this year’s results show that targeted conservation efforts can deliver strong recoveries.
