The Marsh Fritillary butterfly has had a strong year in Northern Ireland, thanks to warm weather and long-term habitat restoration. Once widespread, the species declined sharply in the 20th century due to changing farming practices and loss of its only food plant, Devil’s-bit Scabious.
Butterfly Conservation has worked with farmers to manage grasslands in ways that support the butterfly’s life cycle. Recent surveys show major increases in caterpillar nests on managed sites—some rising from just a handful last year to dozens this year.
Conservation manager Rose Cremin said good weather helps but is only a short-term factor; proper land management is essential for long-term recovery. Because the butterfly produces only one brood per year, it remains vulnerable to habitat loss.
Despite decades of decline, this year’s results show that targeted conservation can lead to meaningful population boosts.
