Conserving Cryptics

To secure the future of the Cryptic Wood White (CWW) butterfly at Craigavon Lakes and connected sites. CWW is a priority species in the UK, a Red Data Book species in Ireland and Craigavon is well known as the heartland for this species in Northern Ireland. Queen’s University (QUB) and Craigavon BC have researched detailed ecological requirements of the CWW in the area and this project aims to bring the core site into favourable condition for the butterfly and other grassland invertebrates.
This project will deliver grassland habitat restoration through scrub removal and stump treating, fencing of areas to allow for grazing, and scrape creation. Traditional rare breed cattle will then be able to graze these sites ensuring favourable conditions for CWW, monitored through UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme techniques.