The number of butterflies fluttering across Ireland is in decline, according to a new book which for the first time brings together two decades of records.
Records from 1992 were gathered together by the former president of the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, the late Trevor Boyd MBE, to create the most comprehensive record so far of butterflies in Ireland.
Ireland’s Butterflies: A Review examines the 34 species of butterflies regularly seen locally as well as giving practical advice on conservation, sites of interest and how to make your garden more attractive to the beautiful insects.
An official launch of the book, which contains 350 photographs, drawings and maps, will take place at the Presbyterian church hall in Helen’s Bay, Co Down, this Saturday morning.
However, the event will be tinged with sadness as after all his hard work Mr Boyd died a year before the book was completed.
The Helen’s Bay man’s fascination with butterflies and moths began when he was just ten after he was shown an Emperor moth while staying in Rhode Island with his American mother and grandmother during the Second World War.
From his teenage years he had articles published in the Irish Naturalists’ Journal about butterfly sightings in Co Down.
He also collated reports from other recorders and had the distinction of finding and recording the first Pale Tussock moth in Northern Ireland – the species is usually only found in England and Wales.
Mr Boyd ran a weather station at his Co Down home for over 50 years, sending daily reports to the Met Office.
His co-authors of the book are David Nash, a former president of the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club, and Deirdre Hardiman who comes from a medical background and combines this with a passion for photography.
Pamela Thomlinson, Zoological Secretary for the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, said the book shows that the number of butterflies in Ireland both north and south is on the decline.
“One of the aims of the book is to raise awareness of the importance of recording butterflies,” she said.
“Butterflies are a sign of things going well environmentally. If they are absent you know something is wrong, something has disrupted their habitat,
“The numbers are going down. Records go back to around 1992 and from then we see a decline in the number of butterflies, and also notice they are not at habitats where they have been recorded being in the past.
“It is important for us to gather recordings to continue to monitor their numbers.”
The book will officially be on sale from Monday, February 20, priced at £16, and for the reduced price of £13 at the launch of the book this Saturday at 11am in the Presbyterian Church Hall in Helen’s Bay.
Afterwards, copies of the book can be obtained for £16 both at a range of commercial outlets or through sending a cheque (made out to the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club) for £21 to include packing and postage, to PO Box 650, Belfast, BT1 2AP.
Alternatively copies may be picked up post free in Tomb Street, Belfast by prior arrangement by telephoning 02890 020083 or 07713624524.
Details about the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club can be found at www.bnfc.org.uk.