An introduction to bu tte rflies and moths of the Causeway Coast and Glens
Butterflies and moths can be found everywhere from the tops of our mountains to the seashore, in our parks, gardens, fields and woodland. This guide will introduce you to the butterflies and some of the moths that you will find as you explore the Causeway Coast and Glens, and provide information on some of the best and most easily accessible places for you to see them.
Causewayauseway CCooastast AArearea of OutOutstandingstanding Natuaturalral BeBeautyauty This booklet provides a brief introduction to some of the bu tte rflies and moths you are likely to see as you explore the Causeway Coast and Glens. Dark Green Fritillary
It also provides information on flight times, food plants and habitats so you’ll know what to look out for as you explore. Some of the most popular sites in the Causeway Coast and Glens are profiled by habitat to help you plan your visits.
Most importantly there is information on how to feed back to us on what you see. Your sightings of butterflies and moths are really important in helping to conserve them now and in the future.
Common Blue
How to use this booklet Our common or ‘Wider Countryside’ species Allofourbutterfliesandmothsarelinkedtoparticular are shown at the beginning of this booklet. They typesoflandscapeorhabitat.Theseareveryvaried, are the creatures you are most likely to encounter buthavebeenbasicallydescribedas; when you visit the Causeway Coast and Glens. •Peatland - bogs, moors and fens Our rarer or ‘Specialist’ butterflies and moths Grassland - meadows, grassy rides and glades are shown at the back. These are species • Woodland - forests, scrub and hedgerows which are much more restricted to a specific • type of landscape or foodplant. •Rocky - sand dunes, sea cliffs and stony outcrops Urban - parks, gardens and farmland In the middle you will find a selection of sites • within the Causeway Coast and Glens AONBs, Each site description gives a rough idea of the all of which are publically accessible throughout different landscapes you will encounter and what the year. creatures you may come across while you are there.
Sites are divided into two main categories: Tell us what you see! Family Friendly sites have lots of At the back of the booklet find out how to record facilities and are often easy to find your sightings online, along with lots of links to further information. Off-road sites are more basic and often a bit more off the beaten track. Your sightings are really important for helping Butterfly Conservation and the Causeway Coast and Glens The location of sites is shown on the fold-out Heritage Trust conserve these special creatures. map at the end of the booklet. Causeway Coast and Glens Stretching from Belfast Lough to Lough Foyle the Causeway Coast and Glens comprises 3 AONBs, designated as landscapes of national importance.
Designated in 1989, the Antrim Coast & Glens The Causeway Coast and Glens are extremely AONB encompasses the famous ‘9 Glens of important areas for butterflies and moths in Antrim’, the coastal area between Larne and Northern Ireland. Designated for their dramatic Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. Travelling the landscapes they contain a wide variety of important breathtaking Antrim Coast Road, the landscape and specialised habitats including wildflower-rich is characterised by a series of striking headlands meadows, woodlands, bogs, wetlands and cliffs. and sheltered bays. The upland areas provide These in turn provide homes for some of Northern a contrast to the gentle rolling green glens, with Ireland’s most important and iconic species, some the Garron Plateau forming the most extensive of which can only be seen at the sites mentioned area of upland bog in Northern Ireland. in this booklet and nowhere else.
The Causeway Coast AONB was designated in Spo tting butte rflies and moths 1989, extending 30km from Portrush to Ballycastle, Go looking on warm sunny days characterised by a dramatic, complex coastline when there’s not much wind. and including the Giants Causeway World Heritage They love to bask on bare earth, Site. Contrasting with this wild coastal scenery of fence posts and stones. steep headlands and rocky bays is the Bush Valley landscape characterised by mixed farmland and Moths and butterflies feed on nectar pockets of woodland. so check flowers heads. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! Binevenagh AONB was designated in 2006. This is a re-designation and extension of the North Derry Butterflies and moths are insects with short AONB, originally designated in 1966. This AONB lifecycles, most going from egg > caterpillar > includes some of the finest beaches and dune chrysalis > adult in less than a year. They are systems on an international scale. The flat alluvial widely recognised as a good indicator of the health plain near Lough Foyle is important for arable of the environment as lots of different types of farming overlooked by the dramatic headland of butterflies and moths in good numbers implies Binevenagh Mountain with its rich blanket bog. a healthy ecosystem for lots of different plants and animals. Telling us what you see helps us to better conserve our habitats and landscapes for butterflies, moths and all biodiversity. Wider Count ryside Butte rflies and Moths Wider Countryside butterflies and moths are found right across the countryside, gardens and wild places throughout Northern Ireland. As caterpillars, they eat a wide variety of different plants, or eat very common and widespread plants like nettles . They are mobile and can easily fly from one patch of habitat to another.
Green-veined White Small White Large White Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Flight season Flight season Flight season March to October. March to October. April to September. Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Leaves of small crucifers Cabbage plant family. Cabbage plant family. including Cuckooflower.
Clouded Yellow (MIGRANT) Yellow Shell (MOTH) Six-spot Burnet (MOTH) Distribution Widespread. Distribution Widespread. Distribution Widespread. Flight season Flight season Flight season May to November; peak June to early-September. Late May to early September. sightings August to September. Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Herbaceous plants including Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Clovers and other members docks, bedstraws and of the Pea family. chickweeds.
Orange Tip (Male and underwing) Cinnabar (MOTH) Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Widespread. Flight season Early April to mid-July; Flight season peak sightings late April to late May. May to August. Caterpillar food plant Cuckooflower. Caterpillar food plant NB Female Orange Tips don’t have orange Common Ragwort. markings, but both have mottled green outer wings. •Peatland •Rocky •Urban •Grassland •Woodland
Meadow Brown Ringlet Speckled Wood Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Flight season Flight season Flight season March to early May to late October. Mid-June to mid-August. November; peak sightings Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant. August to September. Grasses. Grasses. Caterpillar food plant Grasses at the edge of woodland.
Small Copper Small Heath Common Heath (MOTH) Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Flight season Flight season Flight season Mid-April to mid-October. Late April to mid-October; peak Mid-April to early August. Caterpillar food plant sightings mid-May to late June. Caterpillar food plant Sheep’s Sorrel and Caterpillar food plant Various heathers. Common Sorrel. Fine-leaved grasses.
Northern Eggar (MOTH) Emperor (MOTH) Distribution Widespread. Distribution Everywhere. Flight season May to August. Flight season Late March to mid-June; Caterpillar food plant peak sightings mid-April. Heather, Birch, Willow, Hawthorn. Caterpillar food plant Heath, Meadowsweet, NB Look out for caterpillars basking on vegetation Bog Myrtle and Willow. NB Look out for caterpillars in the autumn and spring before they pupate. basking on vegetation in August and September Wider Count ryside Butte rflies and Moths Wider Countryside butterflies and moths are found right across the countryside, gardens and wild places throughout Northern Ireland. As caterpillars, they eat a wide variety of different plants, or eat very common and widespread plants like nettles . They are mobile and can easily fly from one patch of habitat to another.
Small Tortoiseshell Red Admiral (MIGRANT) Painted Lady (MIGRANT) Distribution Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Everywhere. Flight season Flight season Flight season All year round; peak sightings March to November; peak All year round; peak sightings August to September. sightings August to September. July to September. Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Common Nettle. Species of thistle. Common Nettle.
Peacock Comma (MIGRANT) Humming-bird Hawk-moth Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Rare, sightings (MIGRANT) Flight season restricted to the east coast. Distribution Widespread. All year round; peak Flight season July to August. Flight season April to October. sightings in August . Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Common Nettle, Bedstraws, but very unlikely Common Nettle. sometimes Hops. to successfully breed in NI.
Garden Tiger (MOTH) Elephant Hawk-moth Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Flight season Mid-June to early September. Flight season Caterpillar food plant Mid-May to late July; peak sightings mid-June. A wide variety of herbaceous plants. Caterpillars are most often seen from July-Sept. NB Caterpillars are well known as ‘granny greybeard s’ Caterpillar food plant and often found in gardens from July to September. Various wIllowherbs and Fuchsia. •Peatland •Rocky •Urban •Grassland •Woodland
Antler (MOTH) Fox Moth (Caterpillar) Early Thorn (MOTH) Distribution Widespread. Distribution Widespread. Distribution Everywhere. Flight season Flight season Flight season July to mid-September. Mid-May to early July. Late February to early Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant September. Various coarse flowers grasses. Bilberry, Meadowsweet Caterpillar food plant NB Often seen nectaring and Bramble. A variety of trees including NB on flower heads. Adults are nocturnal and not seen by day Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Hazel .
Silver Y (MIGRANT, MOTH) Poplar Hawk-moth Burnished Brass (MOTH) Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Widespread. Flight season Mid-April to Flight season Flight season November; peak sightings May to mid-September. Early June to early October. June to late-August. Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Poplars and willows. Nettle and Marjoram. Bedstraws, Common Nettle and clovers.
Common Blue (Upper-wing and under-wing) Holly Blue (Upper-wing and under-wing) Distribution Everywhere. Distribution Scarce. Flight season May to October. Flight season Caterpillar food plant April to June, and August to September. Birds’-foot Trefoil. Caterpillar food plant NB Mostly observed flying near the ground Holly in spring, ivy in autumn. and especially noticeable at the coast. NB Mostly observed flying around trees and hedgerows. Dunes and Grassland k u . o c . y h p a r g o r t e o h h s p s n U a
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Magilligan National Benone Strand Downhill Demesne Nature Reserve C 712 357 C 757 357 C 660 390 Postcode BT49 0LQ Postcode BT51 4RP Postcode BT49 0LP Common Blue, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Dark Green Fritillary, Six Spot Burnet Speckled Wood, Wood Tiger, Small Eggar Figure of Eight
Facilities Facilities Facilities Off-road, Car Park, Family Friendly, Family Friendly, Car Interpretation Panels Car Park, Toilets, Park*, Toilets, Cafe**, Visitor Centre, Restaurant, Access for All, Interpretation Situated at the most north- Access for All Panels, Site Guides western tip of the north coast, Magilligan is just the beginning Benone is one of the north Downhill Demesne and of an extensive sand dune coast’s best loved beaches, Mussendun Temple is one of the system that runs all the way but explore the extensive dune most iconic sites in Northern to Portstewart. The valleys grasslands at Benone Strand Ireland. The extensive grasslands between the dunes provide to find a wealth of wildlife and garden provide important warm, sheltered havens for including the delicate and striking habitat for many of our wider butterflies and moths even Common Blue butterfly. countryside species, while the on breezy days. wooded reservoir provides Access important habitat for the Figure Access By Road: Benone Tourist of Eight moth. By Road: Follow signs to Complex and Strand lies 12 Magilligan ferry down the B202 miles north of Limavady and Access Point Road, off the main A2 10 miles north west of Colerine By Road: Located 5 miles west Seacoast Road. and is well signposted off the of Coleraine, Downhill Demesne By Bus: Ulsterbus 134 service A2 Seacoast Road. is clearly signposted off the follows the Seacoast Road and By Bus: Ulsterbus 134 service A2 Seacoast Road. stops at Magilligan Crossroads, follows the A2 and stops at By Bus: Ulsterbus 134 service but there is no direct bus to the the entrance to the complex will drop off at request at the site. reserve which is a 4 mile walk on request. from the main road. Owned and Managed by Owned and Managed by The National Trust Owned by the Military of Defence Limavady Borough Council www.nationaltrust.org.uk and Managed by NIEA www.limavady.gov.uk downhilldemesne www.ni-environment.gov.uk [email protected] @nationaltrust.org.uk [email protected] Tel: 028 7775 0555 Tel: 028 7084 8728 Site Manager Tel: 028 7776 3982 *Car Parking charges may apply to non-National Trust members **Check website for opening times
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The Moors, Portstewart Strand White Park Bay Castlerock C 811 366 D 013 437 C 764 361 Postcode BT55 7PG Postcode BT54 6NH Postcode BT51 4RH Dark Green Fritillary, Cryptic Wood White, Ringlet, Cinnabar, Scarce Crimson and Gold, Dark Green Fritillary, Figure of Eight Yellow Shell Six Spot Burnet
Facilities Facilities Facilities Off-road, Family Friendly, Car Park*, Off-road, Car Park, Car Park Toilets, Visitor Centre**, Interpretation Panels Interpretation Panels The Moors offers wonderful Butterfly monitoring at White views of the surrounding area Portstewart Strand is an extremely Park Bay has recently confirmed with the deep, sheltered valley important site for butterflies and this is one of the few known between Castlerock and Downhill moths with 2 miles of golden sites on the north coast for the presenting a real butterfly haven sand to explore as well as an Cryptic Wood White. This site is even in windy weather. You can extensive dune system. This is slightly off the beaten track so also explore the dune system the very best site in the UK for you are guaranteed a peaceful along the strand to encounter the tiny Scarce Crimson and Gold walk through the dunes or along some slightly different habitats. moth which you may spot flying the sands. over areas of bare sand within Access the dunes. Access By Road: Castlerock is one mile By Road: White Park Bay is well east of Coleraine, well signposted Access signposted off the A2 Whitepark off the main A2 Seacoast Road. By Road: Portstewart Strand is 4 Road, 6 miles north-east of Head over the railway line then miles north of Coleraine along the Bushmills 7.5 miles north-west turn left at the crossroads along A2, follow signs for The Strand. of Ballycastle. Main Street. Follow signs for By Bus: Ulsterbus 140 service, By Bus: Ulsterbus 252 or the the Black Glen Car Park. the nearest bus stop is located Causeway Rambler Ulsterbus 376 By Bus: Ulsterbus 134 service just up from the strand. both stop at WhitePark Bay stops in Castlerock from where if requested. there is just a short walk up to Owned and Managed by the site. The National Trust Owned and Managed by www.nationaltrust.org.uk The National Trust Owned and Managed by portstewart@ www.nationaltrust.org.uk Coleraine Borough Council nationaltrust.org.uk northcoast www.colerainebc.gov.uk Tel: 028 7083 6396 @nationaltrust.org.uk [email protected] *Car Parking charges may apply Tel: 028 2073 3320 Tel: 028 7034 7034 to non-National Trust members **Check website for opening times
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Binevenagh Garvagh Breen Wood, C 706 297 Forest Park Armoy Post code BT49 0JG C 839 154 D 120 336 Small Heath, Meadow Postcode BT51 5NH Postcode BT53 8RZ Brown, Emperor Speckled Wood, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Tortoiseshell Speckled Wood
Facilities Facilities Facilities Off-road, Family Friendly, Off-road, Car Park Car Park, Access for Parking in Layby, All, Interpretation Panels, Interpretation Panels Binevenagh marks the western Toilets are available on end of the Antrim plateau. Bridge Street in Garvagh Aptly named the ‘Fairy Place’ in A walk up through the forestry Irish, visiting Breen Wood National will reward you with views from Garvagh Forest lies to the Nature Reserve is like going back Inishowen all the way along the west of the village of Garvagh. in time to the prehistoric forests north coast to Portrush, and you The Forest used to be part of that would have once covered the will find many rare and important the wider Cannings Estate and country. Spring brings a flush of plants and mosses growing on the long established woodlands woodland wildflowers including the exposed rocks. mean there is a host of native primroses and bluebells and you woodland flora here including may even catch sight of red Access an impressive display of bluebells squirrels in the trees. By Road: Located 5 miles south in May. west of Downhill, Castlerock, Access Binevenagh Forest is best Access By Road: Breen Wood is accessed by taking Bishops By Road: Garvagh is 12 miles signposted off the B15 Glenshesk Road, opposite the Downhill south of Coleraine From here Road, approximately 3.5 miles carpark. If coming from Limavady, head south on the A29. Garvagh east of Armoy. head north east along the B201 Forest car park is signposted on By Bus: Ulsterbus Service 131 Windyhill Road, turning left onto the right hand side of the road, and 178 run from Ballycastle to Bishops Road. Once on Bishops just before you cross the river. Armoy past the entrance to Road follow signs to Binevenagh By Bus: Ulsterbus 116 runs Breen Wood. Contact Translink Lake and Forest, which lies on through Garvagh and past the for more information. the Leighery Road. entrance to the Forest Park. By Bus: There is no Ulsterbus Owned and managed by NIEA service to Binevenagh. Owned and managed by www.ni-environment.gov.uk Forest Service [email protected] Binevenagh is owned and www.dardni.gov.uk Site Manager Tel: 028 7082 3600 managed by Forest Service /forestservice www.dardni.gov.uk/ customer.forestservice forestservice @dardni.gov.uk customer.forestservice Tel: 028 9052 4480 @dardni.gov.uk Tel: 028 9052 4480 www.ccght.org www.bcni.org.uk t s u r r T
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Slemish Vanishing Lake, Straidkilly, Glenarm D 217 056 Loughaveema D 300 164 Postcode BT42 4PF D 206 356 Postcode BT44 0LQ Small Heath, Postcode BT54 5RN Silver-washed Fritillary, Common Heath, Small Heath, Northern Speckled Wood, Northern Eggar Eggar, Common Heath Six Spot Burnet
Facilities Facilities Facilities Family Friendly, Off-road, Off-road, Park in Car Park, Toilets, Parking in lay-by on lay-by at roadside, Interpretation Panels east side of Vanishing Lake Interpretation Panels, Slemish is one of the most Toilets in Glenarm village. characteristic peaks in Ireland, The Vanishing Lake is a famous its isolated dome being the landmark on the Antrim Plateau Straidkilly is a wildlife haven just remains of a vent where molten which can be there one day north of Glenarm on a steep magma once bubbled to the and drained away the next. sided slope. The lower parts of surface around 55 million years This site lies on a rich peat soil the woodland are predominated ago. The heathery slopes are characterised by stands of by hazel which gives way to more home to a wide range of plants heather and bilberry where many mixed deciduous woodland as birds and invertebrates although special upland species thrive. you climb higher. Sunny, open the site is quite exposed. glades provide nectaring plants Access for a host of insects. Access By Road: Located 7 miles north- By Road: Slemish is approximately west of Cushendall on the A2, Access 8.5 miles east of Ballymena. just east of Ballypatrick Forest. By Road: 11 miles north of Larne Take the A42 to Broughshane By Bus: There is no regular bus along the A2 coast road is the and from here head south-west service to the Vanishing Lake. village of Glenarm. Heading north along the B94 Rathkeel Road out of the village, follow signage following signage to Slemish. The Vanishing Lake is on private to Straidilly. By Bus: There is no bus service land with permissive paths to By Bus: Ulsterbus 162 from Larne to Slemish but a taxi could be give access. and 128 from Ballymena both arranged from Broughshane which serve Glenarm. It’s approximately lies on the 128 Ulsterbus route. www.moyle-council.org a 1 mile walk from here to the [email protected] entrance to the nature reserve. Slemish is privately owned with Tel: 028 2076 2225 permissive paths giving access. Owned and Managed by the Ulster Wildlife Trust Managed by www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org Ballymena Borough Council [email protected] www.ballymena.gov.uk Tel: 028 4483 0282 council.reception@ ballymena.gov.uk Tel: 028 2566 4400 www.ccght.org www.bcni.org.uk Cliffs and Islands m o c . g g e r g e r d r i y e T d r d . H a w G H
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Giant’s Causeway Murlough Bay Portmuck, C 944 439 D 191 425 Islandmagee Postcode BT57 8SU Poscode BT54 6RG D 459 023 Grayling, Six Spot Grayling, Speckled Wood, Postcode BT40 3TP Burnet, Common Blue Yellow-ringed Carpet Common Blue, Small Copper, Cinnabar
Facilities Facilities Facilities Family Friendly, Car Off-road, Off-road, Car Park, Park*, Toilets, Visitor Car Park Interpretation Panels Centre**, Access for All, Interpretation Panels Murlough Bay is an extremely Islandmagee lies off the beaten steep sided cove facing out over track north of Whitehead and The Giant’s Causeway is on every the Irish Sea towards the Mull the peninsula forms the east visitor’s must-see list. The rocky of Kintyre, with permissive paths side of Larne Lough. The area shoreline provides perfect habitat allowing access to the woods is well known for its bird life, for basking butterflies, especially and grasslands. The rocky, but the coastal cliff paths are the elusive Grayling which is shaded slopes are the only also home to butterflies and found here in large numbers. known home in Northern Ireland other invertebrates. to the Yellow-ringed Carpet moth. Access This site is best visited in the Access By Road: The Causeway is morning as it is shaded by By Road: Lying 23 miles north of located 11 miles north-east of the afternoon. Belfast, Islandmagee can only be Coleraine on the B146 Causeway accessed at the south end of the Road and is well signposted Access peninsula. From the A2 Coast from the main A2 coast road. By Road: Murlough Bay is Road north of Whitehead, follow By Bus: Ulsterbus 252, the Antrim signposted off the A2 Coast signs for Portmuck on the B90. Coaster, calls at the Causeway Road, 6 miles east of Ballycastle. By Bus: There is no dedicated twice a day throughout the year. By Bus: There is no bus service bus to Portmuck except for Ulsterbus 402, the Causeway to Murlough Bay, but a taxi could Ulsterbus 169 school service Rambler, is a seasonal service be arranged from Ballycastle. which runs during the week. that runs more frequently. A taxi can be arranged from Murlough Bay is privately nearby Whitehead which lies Owned and Managed by owned but permissive footpaths on the Belfast to Coleraine The National Trust give access. train line. Contact Translink www.nationaltrust.org.uk for further details. giantscauseway@ www.moyle-council.org nationaltrust.org.uk [email protected] Owned and Managed by Tel: 028 2073 1855 Tel: 028 2076 2225 The National Trust *Car Parking charges may apply www.nationaltrust.org.uk to non-National Trust members minnowburn@ **Check website for opening times nationaltrust.org.uk Tel: 02890 647787 www.ccght.org www.bcni.org.uk d d a a e e T R R
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Rathlin Island RSPB Seabird Centre Roonivoolin Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Six Spot Burnet
Rathlin Island is not the Facilities Facilities best place for butterflies Family Friendly, Car Park , Off-road, as it is very exposed, but Toilets, Visitor Centre*, Interpretation Panels is a very important site for Interpretation Panels some of Northern Ireland’s From the harbour, take a walk rare moths. No trip to the At the west side of the island around the southern tip of the approximately 4 miles from the island following the waymarked trail, north coast would be harbour you will find the new approximately 4 miles. There are complete without visiting RSPB Seabird Centre, accessed numerous small sheltered hollows the island. The two main down 85 steep steps. The centre where invertebrates will thrive out of attractions are described is staffed throughout the year the wind and a host of wildflowers. here, but ask locally for and provides binoculars and The extremely privileged may even other places to visit. telescopes through which to view spot rare Choughs who use the breeding birds such as puffins. high cliffs for their nest sites. There is a minibus service to Butterflies and moths can be transport people from the ferry found on the grassy slopes around the island in the summer either side of the steps as well season and bicycles can also be as around the small car park. hired from the hostel. Tel: 028 207 63954 *Check with the RSPB for opening times as this is a seasonal attraction although the walk out can be done Visitor facilities including toilets at any time of year. and refreshments can be found Tel: 028 2076 0062 around the harbour and at the RSPB Seabird Centre.
For information see the If you have your own moth Rathlin Community Page trap the RSPB warden can www.rathlincommunity.org advise on the best places to [email protected] run it and help arrange access. Tel: 028 207 60079 Tel: 028 2076 0062
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Anderson Park, Roe Valley Ecos, Coleraine Country Park Ballymena C 849 325 C 678 202 D 117 034 Postcode BT52 1PY Postcode BT49 9NN Postcode BT43 7QA Small Tortoiseshell, Silver-washed Fritillary, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Peacock Speckled Wood, Cinnabar Six Spot Burnet
Facilities Facilities Facilities Family Friendly, Access Family Friendly, Car Family Friendly, for All, Parking on street Park, Toilets, Visitor Car Park, Toilets, Centre and Cafe*, Access Visitor Centre*, Access for In the heart of Coleraine town, for All, Interpretation Panels All, Interpretation Panels Anderson Park offers a green oasis to escape to. The council Roe Valley Country Park covers Ecos lies just east of bustling are currently refurbishing the park three miles of river bank on either Ballymena town centre, but is an and increasing its biodiversity side of the River Roe just south oasis for wildlife with meadows, value and you will find many of Limavady. Walks take visitors woodlands, streams and ponds pollinating insects feeding on the along the river and through the to explore. This is one of the plants in the flower displays. woodland, and there are also some very few sites in Northern Ireland sunny glades which provide food where the rare Irish Lady’s Tresse s Access and shelter for invertebrates. orchid can be found, as well as By Road: Anderson Park lies a proliferation of butterflies and in the middle of Coleraine, Access moths on sunny days. just north of the town centre. By Road: Roe Valley Country Circular Road cuts through the Park lies two miles south of Access middle of the site and car parking Limavady and is well signposted By Road: Ecos is well signposted is available on the roadside. off both the B192 and B68. from Junction 11 of the M2. By Bus: Coleraine is served by By Bus: Although Goldline 246 By Bus: Ulsterbus 128 service many bus services including the runs regularly between Dungiven takes you past the entrance to 178 from Ballycastle and the and Limavady, Roe Valley Park the park with the bus stop just 134 from Limavady. is not a scheduled stop. A taxi a hundred metres away. to the site could be easily Owned and Managed by arranged from Limavady. Owned and Managed by Coleraine Borough Council Ballymena Borough Council www.colerainebc.gov.uk Owned and Managed by NIEA www.ballymena.gov.uk/ecos [email protected] www.ni-environment.gov.uk council.reception@ Tel: 028 7034 7034 [email protected] ballymena.gov.uk Tel: 028 7772 2074 Tel: 028 2566 4400
*Check with NIEA for opening times
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Watertop Farm Glenarm Castle Carnfunnock D 191 381 D 306 152 Country Park Postcode BT54 6RN Postcode BT44 0BQ D 383 068 Small Heath, Emperor, Peacock, Small Postcode BT40 2QG Speckled Wood Tortoiseshell, Silver Y Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Ringlet
Facilities Facilities Facilities Family Friendly, Car Family Friendly, Car Family Friendly, Park, Toilets, Visitor Park, Toilets, Visitor Car Park, Toilets, Centre, Access for All, Centre, Access for All, Visitor Centre, Access for Interpretation Panels Interpretation Panels All, Interpretation Panels
In the heart of the Glens, Glenarm Castle, ancestral Situated just north of Larne, Watertop offers a wide range home of the Earls of Antrim, Carnfunnock Country Park of activities for the family, but opens to the public from May has almost 200 hectares of also some wonderful walks to September. The sheltered, woodland, meadows and through many different habitats sunny walled gardens with their gardens to explore as well as and with waterfalls and rivers huge range of plants attract wonderful views across the too. There is an admission many nectaring insects including Irish Sea to Scotland. charge at Watertop, see the butterflies and moths. website for more information. Access Access By Road: Carnfunnock is Access By Road: Glenarm is 12 miles signposted off the A2 Coast By Road: 5 miles east of north of Larne and the castle Road, approximately half Ballycastle, Watertop Farm is well signposted from the a mile north of Larne. is well signposted of the A2 A2 coast road. By Bus: Ulsterbus 162 service Cushendall Road. By Bus: Ulsterbus 162 from follows the Coast Road, the By Bus: Ulsterbus 252 service, Larne and the128 from Ballymena nearest bus stop is located the Antrim Coaster, passes both bring you to Glenarm. just outside the entrance to the entrance to the site and The castle is a short walk from the Park. Contact Translink will stop on request. the centre of town. for more information.
Watertop Farm is privately Glenarm Castle is privately Owned and Managed by owned and opened seasonally owned and opened seasonally Larne County Council to the public. to the public. www.larne.gov.uk www.watertopfarm.co.uk www.glenarmcastle.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 028 2827 0541 Tel: 028 2076 2576 Tel: 028 2884 1203
www.ccght.org www.bcni.org.uk Specialist Butterflies and Moths Specialists are only found in very particular places throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens. As caterpillars, they can only eat one or two very specific plants which might only occur in special, often isolated habitats. They are unlikely to fly very far and so rely on the areas where they are found being managed in a responsible and sympathetic way, or else they will decline, and even become extinct.
Cryptic Wood White Green Hairstreak Purple Hairstreak Look out for pairs of Cryptic Hard to see as it spends a This butterfly spends nearly Wood White courting in May. lot of time sitting stationary all of its time roosting in the This butterfly has a weaker on vegetation, try shaking canopy of large oak trees, flight than the larger, more silver birch on warm sunny and is almost impossible common whites described days to see if you disturb it to see without binoculars. earlier. from its roost. Under recorded throughout Distribution Widespread. Distribution Everywhere Northern Ireland. Flight season April to but very under recorded. Distribution Rare, only known mid-September; peak Flight season from Fermanagh and Derry. sightings May to June. Early April to early July. Flight season Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Mid-July to early September. Meadow Vetchling and Gorse and Bilberry. Caterpillar food plant Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Oak.
Grayling Wall Brown Wood Tiger (MOTH) This butterfly is a master This butterfly has become This unmistakeable, brightly of disguise, sitting perfectly increasingly rare, now coloured moth can be seen still on bare rocks and confined to a small number flying by day and can be immediately blending into of sites on the coastline. disturbed from vegetation its environment. Distribution Rare. even on dull days. Distribution Widespread. Flight season Distribution Flight season Late April to late October; Scarce. Late June to late September; peak sightings late May to Flight season peak sightings in August. June, and in August. June to early July. Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Fine-leaved grasses. Fine-leaved grasses. A variey of herbaceous plants. •Peatland •Rocky •Urban •Grassland •Woodland
Scarce Crimson and Gold Small Eggar (MOTH) Yellow-ringed Carpet (MOTH) (MOTH) It is very unlikely you will see This moth is only known One of our smaller ‘micro’ the Small Eggar moth, but its from one site in Northern moths (inset shows actual caterpillars form large webs Ireland at Murlough Bay size), the Scarce Crimson that can easily be seen in May although it is possibly and Gold is now restricted and June on their foodplants. under recorded. to a small number of sites Distribution Rare. Distribution Rare. along the north coast, its Flight season Flight season stronghold in the UK. Late February to early April. August. Distribution Rare. Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant Flight season Blackt horn, Birch and Hawthorn. Mossy Saxifrage. Late May to early July. NB Look out for webs in Caterpillar food plant scrubby bushes on our Wild Thyme. dune systems.
Dark Green Fritillary Silver-washed Fritillary Narrow-bordered The Dark Green Fritillary Our largest butterfly, most Bee Hawk-moth can be found around the commonly found feeding on This peculiar moth is a bee coastal edges of Northern bramble and honeysuckle mimic with clear, see-through Ireland, and sometimes in sunny glades and wings. It flies at about eye strays inland to meadows woodland rides. height and can be observed and woodland edges. Distribution Widespread. flying swiftly about hunting Distribution Widespread. Flight season for nectar during the day. Flight season Mid-June to mid-September. Distribution S carce. Mid-June to September. Caterpillar food plant Flight season Caterpillar food plant Woodland species of violet. Mid-May to mid-June; Species of violets such peak sightings early June. as Marsh Violet. Caterpillar food plant Devil’s-bit Scabious. Specialist Butterflies and Moths Specialists are only found in very particular places throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens. As caterpillars, they can only eat one or two very specific plants which might only occur in special, often isolated habitats. They are unlikely to fly very far and so rely on the areas where they are found being managed in a responsible and sympathetic way, or else they will decline, and even become extinct.
Mother Shipton (MOTH) Figure of Eight (MOTH) Small Elephant Hawk-moth So called because of the Recently discovered at A smaller and even more witch-like face seen in the Castlerock, this moth loves brightly coloured relative of the markings on both wings. woodland on the banks of Elephant Hawk-moth, this Often seen flying during well established lakes and creature can be found in good the day. ponds and is probably numbers on coastal grasslands. Distribution Scarce. under-recorded as it flies Distribution Flight season late in the year. Locally common. Mid-May to early July. Distribution Scarce. Flight season Caterpillar food plant Flight season October. Early June to mid-July. Bird’s-foot Trefoil, clovers Caterpillar food plant Caterpillar food plant and coarse grasses. Blackthorn and Hawthorn. Bedstraws.
Clouded Magpie (MOTH) Marsh Fritillary This unremarkable looking moth basks by day Marsh Fritillaries used to be common on the on low growing vegetation, resembling a bird north coast but have all but disappeared in recent dropping. Caterpillars can be spotted munching years. Don’t just look for the adult butterflies, on elm together in September. caterpillars can be found from August to October Distribution Scarce. & February to March in thick webs or ‘spinnings’ Flight season on the leaves of their foodplant. Mid-May to late August. Distribution Scarce. Caterpillar food plant Flight season Wuch elm and English elm. Mid-May to mid-July; peak sightings early-June. NB Caterpillars can do alot of damage so look for Caterpillar food plant areas of well nibbled elm leaves in September. Devil’s-bit Scabious. Tell us what you see!
Telling us about the bu tte rflies Further Information and moths you see when you This booklet is just a brief introduction to our butterflies and moths. To find out are out and about really is more try some of the following: crucial to helping us conse rve them. Even our common species Online Resources www.butterfly-conservation.org are often under recorded so ID guide, species accounts, tips on please tell us what you see encouraging butterflies (UK) when you are out and about. www.mothscount.org Downloadable ID guides, ways to attract A record is simply; moths and up-to-date distribution maps (UK) • What – What species you saw www.bcni.org.uk • Where – Where you saw it, preferably with Recent sightings, upcoming events and a grid reference or postcode and town news about butterflies and moths (NI) • When – The date you saw it www.habitas.org.uk/moths • How Many A comprehensive online guide to Northern • Who – Your name and contact details Ireland’s butterfly and moth species (NI) www.butterflyireland.com Your photos can count as records too, Recent sightings, upcoming events plus we can help identify creatures and news about Ireland’s butterflies (ROI) you might not know the names of. Upload your pictures to our Flickr site www.mothsireland.com www.flickr.com/groups/bcni Distribution maps, sightings news and illustrations of Ireland’s moths (ROI) You can put your records directly onto the Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland Books and Guides branch website, www.bcni.org.uk or A Guide to the Butterflies of Ireland With illustrations of species, flight times and contact our volunteer Butterfly and caterpillar foodplants, this laminated guide Moth Recorders directly; is a must have. Available through the Dublin Naturalist Field Club www.dnfc.net Ian Rippey: Butterfly Recorder [email protected] Pocket Guide to the Butterflies 028 3833 3927 of Great Britain and Ireland – Richard Lewington - ISBN-10: 0953139913 Ted Rolston: Moth Recorder Concise Guide to the Moths of [email protected] Great Britain and Ireland 028 9258 7270 – Townsend, Waring and Lewington - ISBN-10: 0953139964 To find grid references in Northern Ireland The Butterflies and Moths or the Republic of Ireland visit of Northern Ireland www.girdreference.ie , a quick and simple – Robert Thompson and Brian Nelson - way of finding where you are without a map. ISBN-10: 9780900761478 Key to Sites When exploring Northern Ireland, think about where you’re going and make sure you have appropriate clothing Causeway
and footwear for the terrain and weather. Remember our CoaArea of st Outstanding DUNES AND GRASSLAND wild places are part of a living, working landscape. Natural Beauty 1 Magillig an National Nature Reserve GG Respect the wishes of landowners to ensure your visit is both enjoyable and responsible. GG RSPB Centre 2 Benone Strand 16 This material is based upon Crown Copyright and is reproduced with RATHLIN I SLAN D 3 Downhill Demesne GGGG the permission of Land & Property Services under delegated authority from the Controller of HMSO, © Crown Copyright and database rights. 4 The Moors, Castlerock GG EMOU206.2 Northern Ireland Environment Agency Copyright 2012. CAUS EWAY COAST AONB Roonivoolin 5 GG Gian t’s Portstewart Strand Causewayy Whi te Par k N Bay Carrick-a-Re de 13 Fair HHead 6 White Park Bay GG 6 BBallintoyallintoyallintoy Kin ba ne He ad Portballintrae Murlough Ba y Whit e Ramore He ad A2 14 NW NE RocksRo c BALLYLYCYCAYCASTLE PEATLANDS AND WOODLANDS Magilligan PO RTR USH Torr He ad Point B17 Vanishing Lake, 1 PORTSTEWAR T B67 LoughaveemaA 2 7 Binevenagh GGGG B Benone Downhill B 4 11 WE 9 4 2 Castlerockoc 1 B 8 2 A 20 LOUGH 0 Strand Demesne 6 2 5 A 6 Glenshesk FOYLE 5 7 GG 2 3 A B1 Watertop 8 Garvagh Forest Park 2 4 Portstewart Glentaisie Farm B The Moors, Strand 6 7 2 B6 B15 SW SE 9 Breen Wood National Nature Reserve G Castlerock CCushendun 18 Anderson Glendun 10 Slemish Mountain GGG Binevenagh COLERAINECOLERAINE Park 9 Glanaan A2 6 7 Breen Wood 7 01 14 S 11 Vanishing Lake, Loughaveema GG B2 B B A 6
2 BINEVENAGH 2 AONB Cus hen dall 12 Straidkilly, Glenarm GG B Bann B51 6 A37 0 9 B16 Valley Tie vebulliagh Waterfoot
6 8 A B 2 1 2 B 0 BALLYBALLYMONEY 7 4 Gar ron Point CLIFFS AND ISLANDS B1 LI MAVADYMAVADY B6 3 6 4 13 Giant’s Causeway GG A Glenballyemon
B 6 14 Murlough Bay GGG B1 2 17 0 88 9 1 Roe Valley B ANTRIM COAST & CarnloughC 15 Portmuck, Island Magee GG Country B Park Garvagh 6 GLENS AONB
8 Forest Park Straidkilly, Glenarm GGG Ro e 8 16 Rathlin Island Valley B64 Glenarm 12 B64 Glencloy The 2 21 DERRY/ LONDONDERRY 4 Maidens A Glenarm PARKS, GARDENS AND FARMS B97 Castle B 9 4 17 Roe Valley Country Park GGG ANTRIMANTRIM Scawt Hil l Ballygallyy 18 Anderson Park, Coleraine GG Carnfunnock 22 Country Park 10 Slemish B 19 Ecos, Ballymena GGG 1 BALLYALLYMENA Mou nta in 4 8 Waterloo beds 20 Watertop Farm GGGG 19 Ecos B 90 15 LLARAARRNE PPortmuck 21 Glenarm Castle GGG Islan d Magee 22 Carnfunnock Country Park GGG A36
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