The rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly has had a strong year in Northern Ireland, helped by warm weather and years of conservation work. Once common across the UK and Ireland, the species declined sharply as farming practices changed and its key food plant, Devil’s-bit Scabious, disappeared from many grasslands.
Butterfly Conservation’s latest surveys show major increases in caterpillar nests on managed sites — some doubling or even quadrupling compared with last year. Conservation manager Rose Cremin credits close collaboration with farmers, who help maintain suitable grazing and grassland conditions.
While good weather helps in the short term, Cremin stresses that long-term habitat restoration is essential for the butterfly’s survival. The Marsh Fritillary produces only one brood a year, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss. Despite historic declines, this year’s results show that sustained conservation efforts are paying off.
