The rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly has enjoyed a strong year in Northern Ireland, thanks to warm weather and long-term habitat restoration. Once common across the UK and Ireland, the species declined sharply as farming practices changed and its only food plant, Devil’s-bit Scabious, became scarce.
Butterfly Conservation has spent years working with farmers to manage grasslands so the plant can thrive. Recent surveys show major increases in caterpillar nests: one site rose from 24 to 53, another from 24 to 139, and a third from five to 27.
Conservation manager Rose Cremin stressed that while good weather helps, proper habitat management is essential for long-term recovery. The Marsh Fritillary produces only one brood a year, making it highly vulnerable to habitat loss. Despite past declines, this year’s results show that targeted conservation efforts are paying off.
