Northern Ireland women join national fight to save butterflies from extinction

Two young Northern Ireland woman have joined the national fight to save butterflies and other winged species from extinction. Butterflies, bees and moths are among a range of insects whose numbers have been declining rapidly in recent decades despite their vital role as pollinators in the food systems we rely on.

But Sasha Hornby and Lois Clements, both 23, are hoping to help save them by joining Butterfly Conservation's new Youth Panel to help inspire a new generation of conservationists. The charity declared a 'butterfly emergency' in September following the worst-ever results in its annual Big Butterfly Count.

Woodvale woman and Ulster University student, Sasha, and Newtownabbey conservation worker, Lois, are both passionate about the natural environment and say they hope to spread their knowledge within their local communities to encourage others to support vulnerable species.

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Sasha said: "I have had a strong passion for the natural environment from a young age and recently found a love for butterflies and moths. My favourite species has to the be the Elephant Hawkmoth, I never knew moths could have such striking colours.

"The Youth Panel has given me the opportunity to explore and learn more about the conservation of the beautiful species we have in Northern Ireland and will hopefully allow me to spread this knowledge within my community and encourage other young people to get involved."

Lois, added: "I've always loved nature, and I have a real soft spot for misunderstood species like moths and bees.

"I'm so excited to use my time on BC’s youth panel to help butterflies and moths in Northern Ireland and to show other young people that it’s possible to get a career in the conservation sector, no matter how non-traditional your background is."

The 23-year-olds will join others from throughout the UK on the Butterfly Conservation Youth Panel, which is being supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. With less than 1% of Butterfly Conservation's current supporters and volunteers under 25, the panel is on a mission to inspire and engage the next generation.

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Butterfly Conservation Head of Engagement Kate Merry said: "We are seeing the impacts of climate change at a scary rate right now, and we know that the next generation, today’s young people, will be hugely affected.

"That's why we're thrilled to have appointed our first-ever Youth Panel, and to give young voices a platform in the world of conservation. Their passion for nature is inspiring, and we can't wait to see the positive, fresh ideas they'll bring to the table, not just for us but for the wider conservation community as well."

The youth panel will meet at least once a month and help organise and run events to get more young people involved in conservation. The members are particularly keen to hear about activities they could get involved with in their local areas and have asked people to get in touch. Young nature lovers can sign up to the youth panel's email newsletter for regular updates on their activities and the charity's work.

Sign up for the youth panel email newsletter at butterfly-conservation.org/youth-panel and follow the charity @savebutterflies on social media.

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