Lake District walkers urged to help track England’s only mountain butterfly
Scientists want help protecting one of England’s rarest and most elusive species
Visitors to the Lake District are being called on to assist scientists in protecting one of England’s rarest and most elusive species — the mountain ringlet, the country's only true mountain butterfly.
This small brown butterfly, marked with distinctive orange spots, is a high-altitude specialist and far more common in the Scottish Highlands than in England, where its presence is confined to the Lake District’s highest peaks. Despite its status, little is known about its population trends due to its secretive nature and inaccessible habitat.
Butterfly Conservation, the leading wildlife charity behind the effort, says public sightings are crucial for understanding the butterfly’s distribution and breeding. The mountain ringlet typically emerges in June, with its flight period lasting about three weeks — but emergence can range from late May to mid-July, depending on weather conditions.
The butterfly is small (wingspan 35-38mm or around 1.4 inches), flies only in bright sunshine, and remains close to the ground, often resting on grass tussocks or feeding on tormentil and heath bedstraw.
Martin Wain, North of England Conservation Manager for Butterfly Conservation, said:
“We would be so grateful if fell walkers could keep their eyes peeled for this lovely little butterfly and report their sightings. You might even discover a new colony!”
He encouraged walkers to add a butterfly-spotting element to their hikes — whether taking a mindful pause or staying observant during lunch breaks.
Butterfly Conservation is especially concerned about the species’ vulnerability to climate change. As temperatures rise, mountain-dwelling insects like the mountain ringlet may be pushed into increasingly narrow habitat bands, threatening their long-term survival.
The charity has released a sightings map focusing on known locations above 450 metres in the Borrowdale volcanic group — spanning from Wasdale to Haweswater — along with ‘pink square’ zones, highlighting potential new habitats they hope walkers will explore.
Mim Woodward, a Lancaster University student supporting the project, added:
“If you can explore one of these pink squares, you could be the first to record a mountain ringlet there — helping to uncover a brand new colony. Your walk could make a real difference.”
Longer-term, Butterfly Conservation plans to work with farmers and land managers to trial different grazing regimes to help preserve suitable habitats.
Walkers who spot a mountain ringlet are encouraged to take a photograph (if possible) and report sightings through Butterfly Conservation’s website, helping to build a clearer picture of this shy and threatened butterfly’s future in England.