Butterfly & Moth Surveys

If protected species of butterfly or moth are believed to be present on your site, for example the marsh fritillary butterfly, Euphydryas aurinia, Northern Ireland Environment Agency will require a butterfly or moth survey.

Depending on the species perceived to be at risk, different surveying methods will be used.  For example, for the marsh fritillary butterfly, larval web counts are deemed the most reliable method for monitoring populations.   For other species, butterfly transects or moth trapping may be more appropriate.  Wind NI will provide a surveyor who can meet the requirements of Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Butterfly and moth species may be afforded a high level of protection depending on their conservation status.  For example, the marsh fritillary butterfly is a European Protected species which is included in Annex 2 of the EC Habitats Directive 1992 and is protected under Schedules 5 and 7 of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take the marsh fritillary butterfly. It is also an offence to damage or destroy a breeding site of this butterfly.

The associated habitats of butterfly and moth species may also be protected, for example, the only known food plant of the marsh fritillary butterfly is Devil’s-bit scabious, Sucissa pratensis.  For this reason, a survey for Devil’s-bit scabious must also be carried out alongside a Marsh fritillary survey to assess suitable potential habitat.  Where appropriate, Wind NI will advise on and carry out the necessary habitat surveys, risk assessments and mitigation measures to accompany butterfly and moth surveys.

Wind NI can carry out such butterfly and moth surveys in accordance with Northern Ireland Environment Agency requirements and assess the risk to any butterfly or moth populations.  If appropriate, Wind NI will make recommendations on how to protect such species during and post construction.