Another year has almost passed. Our environment is perhaps facing the greatest threat to its health in this island’s post-Ice Age history. 90% of Ireland’s protected habitats are in ‘unfavourable’ conservation status, while 51% are showing deteriorating trends across their national ranges, which includes sites that are designated as Special Areas of Conservation as well as the wider countryside. Only 9% of our habitats are improving. 50% of our EU-protected species are in trouble (https://www.npws.ie/news/minister-o%E2%80%99sullivan-publishes-new-report-status-ireland%E2%80%99s-eu-protected-habitats-and-species).
These assessment deals with our EU-protected habitats and species only.
The conservation audit of these habitats and species will be supported by a new Red List for Ireland’s butterflies (assessing their conservation status), which is in progress and will be published in 2026.
Nature can recover. In this regard, Butterfly Conservation Ireland is battling hard to protect the Bog of Allen in Kildare and Offaly from a wind farm proposal that would destroy much of the region and prevent habitat recovery.
There is positive news. The Marsh Fritillary butterfly, our only legally protected insect, has, for the first time, been accorded favourable conservation status in the 2025 reports by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Its range has increased by 5% since 2017, and its population appears to be increasing. More farmers are pleased to see it on their farms, especially those participating in agri-environment schemes, and managers of our protected land are becoming more aware of the management needed to care for this beautiful butterfly. And measures that safeguard the Marsh Fritillary benefit habitats and other species.
Please continue to support our work. You will learn more about the work in 2025 in our Annual Report 2025, which will appear in January or February.
Thanks to everyone for supporting our butterfly and moth heritage in 2025. This support, financial and practical, is greatly appreciated. The Board of Directors of Butterfly Conservation Ireland wish you and yours the happiest Christmas and a fulfilling, nature-filled 2026.