Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Plashes Wood. TL3820, Hot... 2 Male Purple Emperors chasing, somewhat lethargically at the lower territory, the main high point territory here has lost so many trees it may not be possible to view from the footpath anymore. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings at Southgate. 1 Green-veined White at Southgate Chase Allotments. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Box-tree Moth, 1 Least Carpet & 1 Grey/Dark Dagger [remaining]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Woodland butterflies at Bricket Wood Common. Silver-washed Fritillary was the star species - I saw 41 in total, my highest ever daily tally from a single site in Herts. This included four mating pairs. I saw 4 White Admiral, indicating this species is having an average year. In Mutchetts Wood canopy gap, Purple Emperor was more active than usual. For a majority of the 50 mins I was there, a dominant male spent much of the time flying in circles, around the master tree and canopy gap. It perched briefly in the oak and adjoining conifer. It spent much time chasing, first of all a bird, five times a rival male PE, a large dragonfly and a Purple Hairstreak! Chris. Reman and I are leading a walk round this site on Saturday 12th July. Details on the events page if you’d like to join us [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Hertford Heath / Haileybury (TL354 107). I went the oak grove outside of Haileybury at 9am to look for Purple Hairstreaks before the heat got up. I checked the oaks one by one and I eventually found a colony of between 20-30, around the centre of the grove. Unfortunately this tree doesn't have any low branches so I didn't attempt any pictures. Also seen in the oaks at eye level was a Purple Emperor but half a good look was all I was allowed as it disappeared. Some bramble blossom in sunny areas is starting to go over, so at this time in the morning the creeping thistle in front of the woods is the latest hotspot for many different butterflies. Highlight was this very fresh Painted Lady which I saw taking salts next the road, pleased to find one so vivid and stationary! You can clearly see the iridescent luster (better before uploading) at the base of the wings and hopefully can imagine the shimmering effect seen in person. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Mother of Pearl at Boxer's Lake, Enfield. 1 Mother of Pearl at Boxer's Lake, Enfield [TQ304961] this evening. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Whippendell Woods Butterfly Walk 29th June 2025. Due to the heat many dropped out for this afternoons butterfly walk. The start wasn't easy due to roadworks and a lack of parking space. I had to drop Rick off to make it for 2pm I eventually arrived 10mins late! It was just as well as there were a few late arrivals that did make the walk. We eventually set off with 6 attendees around 2.30 . Although the heat was a bit intense in places the shadier spots in Whippendell Woods kept us going. We started our journey along the Lime Avenue where we saw 2 Purple Emperor high in the Lime Trees, also a few passing Purple Hairstreaks and some of the other butterflies included in the walk list. At the end of the Lime Avenue we turned left along the path to connect with the path Rick named the the Fritillary Free-way. After a relatively couple of poor years for Silver-Washed Fritillary along this ride it is once again a great path to see them. Another mating pair seen today along this stretch and overall we must of seen 15+ Silver-Washed Fritillary. The first White Admiral was spotted further along the ride by one of the attendees which did perform some of their characteristic flight pattens. I just about got away with going as far as “Camilla Oak” today with the heat but it was worthwhile as we saw a second White Admiral at this location which also performed the gliding flight. It was the first we had seen this year at this location. It was great to be able to see these 3 species again on our summer walk as well as a few Purple Hairstreaks. On our list of butterflies sighted today other than the above during the walk were. Red Admiral, many whites a mixture of Large,Small and Green-Veined, Comma and Peacock were out in good numbers, Meadow Brown and Ringlets were numerous along with Gatekeeper just picking up. A Speckled Wood was also seen, 3+ Brimstone, Large Skipper 5+ Park butterflies seen As I was forced to park at some length from the meeting point 1 Marbled White was spotted on my hast to start the walk. After the walk I did get to see and confirm my first Essex Skipper of the year and getting back to Ricks got to see a fresh Comma egg laid on hops! Although we didn't get to see any Purple Emperor close up this weekend it has been an enjoyable one. Happy Butterflying all! [Posted by Peter Fewell]
TL4314. Along the south side of Maplecroft and Battles woods, Hunsdon, 17 Peacock, 4 Comma, 3 Marbled White , plenty of Meadow Browns and a handful of Ringlet, 8 Small Skipper and my first Gatekeeper of the year, inexplicably a 30 min watch in seemingly perfect conditions failed to turn up any Purple Emperors at the Queens wood territory. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Batford. 1 Purple Emperor in elm at North Western corner of weedy/scrubby field by the B653 and KW school from 14.00 onward. Stuck around for an hour and 15 mins. Took some video footage. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Southgate Chase Allotments. At Oakwood Park [0920 to 1000 BST] - 3 male Gatekeeper [2 W of 10 km line & 1 E of 10 km line], 1 Large White W of 10 km line, male Small Copper E of 10 km line. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 1 Comma & 1 Peacock nectaring on buddleia. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
New hope for Berrygrove Woods. This afternoon I visited this woodland complex near Aldenham. Like many Herts woods it has become quite dark and overgrown. Volunteers care for a few small clearings along the ride, where Silver-washed Fritillary has a toehold (4 seen today)and I also recorded Small and Large Skippers. White Admiral disappeared around 20 years ago and Purple Emperor has yet to be detected (this was my second attempt). But all this is set to change as Herts CC are proposing a major woodland regeneration scheme. There plans are currently out for consultation and I will be responding on behalf of the Branch to ask for the interests of butterflies and moths to be taken into account Two interesting observations - Purple Hairstreaks, a Comma and a Peacock were all on the mud by the pond taking moisture/salts. This behaviour isn’t unusual in hot weather, but I have personally never seen such behaviour from any of the se three species in the UK. Secondly the wood was full of Green-veined Whites - far more than usual. There have been reports of a large migration of this species arriving on the east coast this week, which may be boosting our local populations [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Finchley Pollinators N3, N12. Long Lane Pasture, Finchley - led a walk for the Finchley Pollinators group around this former field, now a wildlife haven. 13 species in total with Purple Hairstreak perched at eye level being the highlight. Donald Evelyn, who has tended the site for many years advised it was the first record from this site. A good range of grassland species with Small Skipper being the most common. Several early gatekeepers and the first of the summer Peacocks. Also a good array of dragonflies around the pond. You wouldn’t know the North Circular is just a few yards away! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Purple Emperor. Flying at top of master tree Totteridge Green at 14.03 [Posted by Tony Clancy]
Northaw and GNorthaw Woods. Purple Emperor again along the path out from the visitor area, male coming to the ground but too briefly to photo and again bombing up and down the path. Lots of people so not settling for long. Other than that just hundreds of ringlet and then the odd comma, not so many Meadow Browns but still plenty. Garden at home in the village has plenty of marbled whites, a couple of WL Hairstreak in the clover on the lawn and then a couple of SW Fritillary. Plus lots of the usual suspects. Most butterflies I have ever seen about home and the village. [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Purple Emperor Feast Lime Avenue and Whippendell Woods. Rick and myself arrived to set up the table for the Emperor feast about 10am in very light drizzle which soon cleared. Although warm it remained stubbornly cloudy for the first couple of hours and a bit breezy throughout. The Emperors were a bit stubborn too with brief glimpses, blink and you would miss it. The sun started to break through but also became a bit more breezy with it the Emperors were not in a rush to be seen. We did see 3 in total along the Lime Avenue, but unfortunately we didn't tempt a Purple Emperor to the table. We did however get a visit from a Red Admiral to the table feeding on moisture and fox poo! Other species seen along the Lime Avenue. S. Wood, L. White , Green-Veined and Small, Comma, M Brown, 1 Silver-Washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak and 2 Holly Blue. Thanks to all that joined us for your patience for the event. As all had left us by 2.30pm we decided to pack down and go into Whippendell Woods. As we were doing so we met Nick Furtec who joined us for for the rest of the afternoon. Butterflies seen White Admiral 3 maybe 4 with Ricks sighting I missed . 2 were seen after we departed from Nick 6.30pm- 6.48pm on the way back. Silver-Washed Fritillary sightings have gone from a relatively poor year last year to a bumper year this season. Both Nick and ourselves had seen 30+ I saw 2 mating pairs the second pair got away before I could get a photo, but Nick also witnessed the pair in the photo posted. Other butterflies seen Whites in good numbers Large,Small Green-Veined, 3 Brimstone, a new emergence of Peacock 10+,Good numbers of comma, Gatekeeper several seen and first of season,Purple Hairstreak, S. Wood, M Brown and Ringlets, Large and Small Skipper. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Marbled whites. A very windy day at Therfield Heath today. Despite there not being much sun. Lots of marbled whites even caught a pair mating and there was one dark green fritillary and I saw my first chalk hill blue . [Posted by James Somerville]
Grey/Dark Dagger at Southgate. 1 Grey or Dark Dagger at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hummingbird Hawk-moth & Cinnabar larvae Stevenage. My first Hummingbird Hawk-moth of the year in the garden attracted to the red valerian flowers. Also in the garden Cinnabar larvae on ragwort - did not see any last year [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Batford. 1 Purple Emperor flying south along hedgerow, seen in North West corner on the weedy/scrubby field by KW school by the B653. Seen briefly flying south!! 1 White-letter Hairstreak seen further on the footpath at 13.45 [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. After yesterday's dreary morning I determined to reach Heartwood today in good time, arriving on station at the previously reported crossroads on the NE edge of Pudler's Wood ( TL161116 ) at around 9.30. Over the course of the next couple of hours a lovely group of excited aficionados formed in this area, around 10 of us or so. Despite great weather there was only a fleeting glimpse of a single Purple Emperor at height, and butterfly numbers were inexplicably much lower than on recent visits. Commas in particular, which had been so prominent in this area a couple of days ago, were seen infrequently and as singletons. I determined to try my luck in The Magical Wood (unsuccessfully), where there are numerous sallows, and then around the crossroads at the northern apex of Langley Wood ( TL161110 ), given that the Pudler's wood area and ride west to the dog pond at Well Wood were being effectively screened by so many others. Upon arrival at Langley Wood I decided to try my luck down the path (SE) to the main car park, and within 50 yards a magnificent male descended almost at my feet, and began eagerly probing the earth and ground-level leaves and grass. Initially skittish, this male became progressively more relaxed in my presence and despite flying onwards down the path various times, allowed me to get closer and closer, providing several opportunities for some of my best shots ever in Heartwood (including a rather intimate "trousering"!). Upon later reviewing my photos I realised that its forewings were slightly malformed, the veins in particular rather irregularly wavy, perhaps the result of some problem during emergence? Nonetheless it flew fine, and did not seem to suffer any ill effects. After this wonderful encounter I headed back to the crossroads at the north tip of Langley Wood and eventually met up with several of the butterfly group members, and offered to show them the nearby empty (hatched) Purple Emperor pupae I had found and reported here previously. This was fun, but then we were treated to a spectacular visit by another male, who swooped down and then circled and approached several of us for about a minute or so, almost landing on us, but unfortunately (fortunately?) none of us were smelly enough for his taste(!), and he flew off into The Magical Wood. Once again Heartwood has delivered entertainment and excitement. Bring it on! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
White clouds at Heartwood. A morning visit to Heartwood was most productive with mostly Green-veined and fewer numbers of Small White in clouds of 20-30+ puddling around the Dog Pond and on various clumps of horse droppings. Additional species seen across the forest were Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Ringlet, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Large White and Gatekeeper. Unfortunately, the target of the visit, the Purple Emperor, was not recorded. [Posted by David Hunt]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 3 Comma [2 near Church Wd & 1 edge of Moat Wd], 2 Purple Hairstreak at Sect. 5 'New Fields', 3 male Gatekeeper - my first of the year [FOY], female Green-veined White near Rangers' Office, 3 Large White, including a pair mating at North Lawn. At private sites near Trent Park - 3 male Gatekeeper, 2 Peacock, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper & 1 Comma. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Middlesex White Admiral. Exciting news, met LWT volunteers during a walk in Gutteridge Wood, Hillingdon and White Admiral confirmed last week after a lack of sightings for a number of years. Even better another sighting at Charville Lane near Ten Acre Wood, a new location [Posted by Paul Busby]
Batford. 1 Scarlet Tiger moth seen by the bridge early afternoon at Batford Springs NR. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sightings at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 & Southgate. At Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 this afternoon [1500 to 1715 BST] - 1 Comma, 1 Holly Blue, male Large Skipper, 1 Marbled White & 1 Red Admiral. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Small Blood-vein. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sherrardspark Wood. A Silver Washed Fritillary and Purple Hairstreak were in the glade just down from the main car park. Earlier a fast moving Purple Emperor was seen at Heartwood Forest. [Posted by John Yates]
(Off the beaten) Tracks around Danemead HMWT. In July last year I reported here that I found a beautiful Silver-washed Fritillary f.valezina. As it's right on my doorstep I was able to find that female everyday for a week just after dinnertime as she never strayed too far. I watched her lay many eggs on the trees so this year I have been keenly checking the area in search for a daughter as I believe the form is largely hereditary. Today was the day I got lucky with this box fresh oil slick stunner, amazingly the very first SWF I have photographed this season. I was able to get a few quick photos after watching her bramble necturing route, hopefully I can find her again in softer lighting for the undersides. Makes all the thorn scratches and horsefly bites worth it. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
First Marbled Whites at Cranford Country park since 2003. Pleased to see three Marbled Whites at Cranford Country Park, which look being the first recorded since 2003 on the transect. Large number of Small Skippers, over 75 seen on grassland areas. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. 5 Comma [4 at Trent Park - 1 near Triangular Wd, 1 by lower lake & 2 together, edge of Moat Wd & 1 at a private site near Trent Park], male Small Copper at Sect. 6 'New Fields' Trent Park, 1 Large White at Trent Park, 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park. 1 Least Carpet at ASDA Southgate - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. An excellent morning, humid and with plenty of sunny spells and Purple Emperor sightings, all centred around the crossroads at the NE corner of Pudler's Wood ( TL161116 ) from 09.30 until 13.00. Within ten minutes of arriving I had my first grounding, a restless male, which stayed only a couple of minutes, after fruitlessly probing the grass and vegetation. At 10.15 another appeared fleetingly around a low oak but - disappointingly - disappeared within a couple of seconds. At 10.30 I was speaking to a curious passer-by who was asking me what a Purple Emperor looks like, when down swooped a male, which then looped around and glided about and circled in a zig-zag pattern towards us. I was convinced it was going to land on one of us, but sadly not, and it flew away powerfully. Needless to say I didn't need to explain to my delighted bystander what a Purple Emperor looks like! Ten minutes later down came another male, also probing grass and low vegetation, staying for barely a minute. But still, it provided much excitement! At 10.50 a patrolling male came out of The Magical Wood, circled over the cherry tree at the corner, and disappeared back as quickly as it had appeared. At this point I was joined in quick succession by two Emperor-ing enthusiasts, Fiona and Carl, and we had a lot of fun chatting about butterflies. At 11.40 Fiona called out a couple of fighting males at the top of the tall linden and ash trees towering above the crossroads, and then we all saw two again at midday. We were by this time very unfortunate to suffer an almost continuous chain of individual clouds which meant that despite plenty of sunny patches elsewhere, we were curiously left almost constantly in the shade until 12.50, when in a limited sunny spell, Carl spotted two individuals heading off side-by-side along the low canopy forest on the north-eastern edge of Magical Wood - I had a fleeting impression that one was larger than the other, and the absence of fighting was more suggestive (perhaps) of a courting pair. But we shall never know! All in all this was an excellent morning, made all the more pleasurable by large numbers of swirling groups of whites of all three species, about 15 commas, several red admirals, two peacocks, two brimstones, a couple of purple hairstreaks, a few ringlets, a few small and large skippers, and large numbers of meadow browns and marbled whites. Butterfly numbers in Heartwood, at least, seem much higher than last year. And I suspect we have a few more days of good numbers of Purple Emperors. Having checked my photos, I can now confirm I have taken shots of 6 individuals - 4 males and 2 females. In the past few years the most I have seen in a whole season has been about 5 or 6, and yet this year's season has only recently begun. Fingers crossed! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
13 Purple Hairstreak in my Harpenden Field. A record count for my garden, perhaps helped by keeping lots of ant mounds [Posted by Jamie Brown]
Possibly First Chalk Hill Blue for UK for 2025 on Therfield Heath. We found a male Chalk Hill Blue on Therfield Heath Work Party this morning. There are no reports on branch or national list so it may be the first in the UK this year. Either the same one was seen twice or there were two. It will be a week or so before there are many Chalk Hills. Plenty else to see; we managed 11 more butterfly species between us in 3 hours of ragwort pulling, although no cinnabar caterpillars as we would have left those plants. Plenty of Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns, Small Heath, Dk Green Frit., Small/Essex Skippers are on the increase compared to last week (none were definitvely Essex; they probably would be found if enough time was spent), Large, Small and Green veined whites, one each of Small Copper, Peacock and Red Admiral. [Posted by Nick Keep]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT Part 2. I found another Purple Emperor on the very short afternoon walk, I had assumed it was the same individual I saw earlier as it was in the same place. Having compared the close up pictures of the underwing and they are two different Males. This peaceful chap was happy puddling and dipping my hand into the puddle was enough to tame him like a pet. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Egg laying Brimstone. Very surprised to see a female Brimstone busily laying eggs on the Alder Buckthorn in my Ware garden this lunchtime. It looked relatively fresh so I can't believe it was the 2024 generation???? [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Peacock & 1 Red Admiral. At Trent Park - 2 Comma [1 near Water Grdn & 1 along bridle-path near Merryhills Brook], 2 Red Admiral [1 by lower lake & 1 near Water Grdn], female Large White near Water Grdn & female Green-veined White at 'Three Bridges'. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. I missed out on the Purple Emperor frenzy last weekend as I was away for a wedding, so went out this morning better late than never. It wasn't very long before I found my first grounded Male and in total had three encounters with possibly two individuals. Due to ongoing forestry work there is a big shortage of fresh dog poo and restrictions on where you can go, so maybe a good opportunity to experiment with some homemade baits to see if anything bites. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Purple Emperor at Tring Park. News from the 21st June 2025. Very pleased to report a male Purple Emperor gliding into the natural play area at the top of the escarpment in Tring Park at about 11.30am before flying out again and settling on the main path for a few minutes -( King Charles Ride). This is the earliest I have seen a Purple Emperor here since June 30th 2018, a remarkable 9 days and the first time I've seen one here since July 2021. [Posted by Philip Woodward]
Gatekeeper at Horsenden Hill. My transect walk included the first happy little solitary Gatekeeper I have seen this year at Horsenden Hill (East side). [Posted by Claire Easter]
Silver Studded Blue at Hampton. This butterfly was reported on iNaturalist by Arthur Gelling and it is here reproduced with his permission. The Silver studded Blue is not on the Middlesex or Herts list and the nearest colonies are on heathland sites in Surrey. They are not known to be mobile. We have no idea if this is an introduction, an accidental transportation or what? This was seen near a footpath across Hampton Golf Course. If you are in the Fulwell, Feltham, Hampton areas or a little further afield in the south west of our area, look closely at any blues you may think are common blues and see if they have a dark border around the upper wings on the males and blue studs on the underwing. They have a very close relationship with black Lasius species ants and this restricts their distribution so to suddenly appear somewhere is a surprise. [Posted by Andrew Wood on behalf of Arthur Gelling]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral & male Small Copper ['pristine' - summer-brood]. At Bay Farm, Enfield, along 'London Loop' path - 7 Small Skipper, 4 Ringlet & numerous Marbled White. At Gordon Hill Station - 1 Box-tree Moth - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Branch Walk Alexandra Park. 10 attended of the 15 booked. We had good weather in the end, the morning had been blustery and cool. We visited a few main areas. The Anthill Meadow followed by a walk along the cricket pitch edge and scrub, the old racetrack and the bramble and meadow by the conservation pond. Species seen: Comma, Small White, Green Veined White, Brimstone, Small Large and Essex Skipper, Marbled White, 6 Spot Burnet, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Purple Hairstreak, Red Admiral, possible Common Blue. Plus Cinnabar Caterpillars, Thick Thighed Flower Beetle, and Broad Bodied Chaser. The photo of the Purple Hairstreak I took after the walk finished, as a couple of the group spotted it. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Balls Wood and Hertford Heath. Spent the morning in a very breezy and at times cloudy Balls Wood, hoping to find a Purple Emperor - failed. However, it was nice to see 3 White Admiral and numerous other butterfly species, even the Ringlet were subdued at times windy and dull conditions prevailed! Just before 1pm I returned to the Hertford Heath near the College Arms and waited for a Purple Emperor to appear around the oaks. At 12.56 one made several flights around the oaks, had a rest and then started again being joined by second individual at 1.26 as well as several Purple Hairstreak also high up in the oaks. [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Heartwood Forest Purple Emperor update. Encouraged by yesterday's success I returned with high hopes this morning, arriving on site at the north-east corner of Pudler's Wood at 9.25, and was treated within a couple of minutes to a tantalising fly-past by an energetic and impatient male Purple Emperor which touched down momentarily several times but never stopped, flying on powerfully. I then met up with Jason Reynolds and Ken Brown, friends from last year's Purple Emperor hunt. At 10.45 Jason spotted a male on dog offerings which I had earlier garnished with bait of fermented Thai shrimp paste. I have no idea if the aromatic topping contributed to the gourmet attraction but perhaps we shall gather evidence in the coming days. This male took off before we closed in, but remained for a good 15 minutes only about 2 metres up in a nearby bush, allowing for decent photo opportunities. Unfortunately it never returned to its feast, eventually flying off. Meantime, however, a female flew past us and we followed in hot pursuit, managing to get only some distant record shots as it landed on a few leaves at low level. Later, around midday, Jason and Ken enjoyed a further sighting in the Magical Wood, but were unable to get shots. And so, when the clouds rolled in and stopped play, we had confirmed sightings of at least two individuals, one of each sex, and possibly two others. Comparing wing pattern elements in today's shots with yesterday's, I can confirm a minimum of two males and two females. Elsewhere in the country there are reports of a very good season, and large numbers being spotted, so hopefully the next few days will bring more excitement. Turning to other butterflies seen here and in the nearby woods and meadows between the West End Barns car park and Cheapside Farm rail bridge, dozens of large and small whites were present, about 15 commas, 5 red admirals, dozens of small skippers, 6 large skippers, 4 small heaths, 3 speckled woods, 2 ringlets, and very large numbers of meadow browns and marbled whites. I also spotted one holly blue, one purple hairstreak, and one humming-bird hawk moth. [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Prestwick Road Meadows and Oxhey Wood. Prestwick Road Meadows was a delight this afternoon with Meadow Brown and Ringlets out in their hundreds. Other butterflies seen Marbled White 6+, L Skipper 8+, S Skipper 2+Six-spot Burnet moth 4, Red Admiral 1, Comma 3 and numerous Whites Large, Small and Green-veined present. We then took a look at Oxhey Wood to see what we could find there. It was overcast and windy so not ideal conditions. We didn't get to see many butterflies there but the highlight was a freshly emerged Purple Hairstreak. Other butterflies seen Red Admiral 5, Whites 7, Comma 1, Ringlet 1, Meadow Brown 9. The connecting field between the 2 sites also had many Meadow Brown on the wing. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Southgate. At Oakwood Park [0815 to 0915 BST] - 1 Comma, 2 Large Skipper, 6 Ringlet, 1 Purple Hairstreak settled on Wych Elm from 0843 BST onwards - my first of the year [FOY] & 2 White-letter Hairstreak. At Grovebury Crt, N14 - 1 Comma. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 1 Comma. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Purple Emperor and White Admiral In Northaw Great Wood. Male Purple Emperor tacking aggressively up and down the main track east of the Car Park. Also a solitary White Admiral at the gates to the north west - again flying a lot more slowly up a path. Plus half a dozen Silver Washed Fritillary along the stream. Absolutely stacks of Meadow Brown, Comma, Large Skipper and Ringlet. Most Butterflies I have seen at NGW. [Posted by Sam fuller]
White Admiral & Purple Hairstreak in the Knebworth Woods. In the mid-morning sunshine, a White Admiral flitting close to the ground by the north-south public footpath west of Newton Wood (TL22392253) - a hot-spot for this species. Also a Purple Hairstreak flying over the top of a tall oak by the track at Norton Green. One more species to go! [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral all flying at Bricket Wood Common. I arrived at the canopy gap in Murchetts Wood at 1pm, the sky cloudy and overcast. A brief glimpse of sun at 1.40 pm activated 3 Purple Hairstreaks and then a Purple Emperor, cruising along the edge of the canopy, then gliding across the gap. No further sun, but a White Admiral was Nectaring on bramble along gas pipe ride. Chris Newman reports 4 White Admirals and 4 Silver-washed Fritillaries from this weeks transect. Note if you visit this site, the best part of gas pipe ride is currently closed due to pipeline maintenance works [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Scales Park. Purple emperor female feasting on salts on my leg. 3-4 silver-washed fritillaries. Speckled wood and ringlet probably the abundant species. Large skipper quite common. Lots of pierids and a few meadow browns. [Posted by Hugo Rainey]
Purple Emperors at Heartwood Forest. After visiting daily for a week I can finally report sightings of adult Purple Emperors. But as you can see, my first of the year was a freshly hatched female - now that was unexpected!! (The sex was confirmed by none other than the great PE guru Matthew Oates). I was about to head home at midday after 2 hours of fruitless searching in near 30 degree heat, when I decided to check up on the one remaining pupa of the two I reported on the 15th (the other hatched some time on Thursday). Imagine my surprise when I couldn't see the pupa, and thought it was hidden by a leaf, only to realise that the leaf itself was the butterfly drying its wings! My oh my, that was exciting! And then the icing on the cake - ten minutes later I finally spotted my first male. It was touching down repeatedly but irregularly along the ride along the north-west edge of Langley Wood, and then landed practically at my feet. Sadly I only got a fleeting few seconds to fire off some souvenir shots before it flew off, but hey, beggars and choosers etc, and Heartwood is now definitely tinged with purple! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Lime Avenue, Whippendell Woods, Newland Springs and Dell Wood. We did set up a table for the Purple Emperor today along the Lime Avenue Cassiobury. However after 2 and a half hours we got our first sighting of probably a lone early one here so far as we did check other high points but no further sightings so far. Rick did at least get a bit of video footage although a bad angle. This Emperor decided to get a bit more active probably briefly about 1pm as we were packing down as it was clouding over and possible rain expected. Other butterfly species seen along the Lime Avenue. Red Admiral, Comma, Meadow Brown, Whites, Large and probably GV White, also 1 Hairstreak spotted, my bet would be White-Letter with this as I should have seen a bit more silver looking underwing if it was a Purple. After packing down the table we ventured into Whippendell Woods first and saw 2 White Admiral, Comma, GV White and Large, Ringlet and Meadow Brown to start with before moving on towards Dell Wood. To get there we had to go through Newlands Springs Wood by the Rousebarn Lane car park. Butterfly sightings at Newland Springs Wood. Ringlets, Meadow Brown, whites, Comma 2, Speckled Wood 1. including return journey. We did reach Dell Wood although cloudy and spots of rain until 4pm. Butterflies seen. Whites galore, Large and Green-Veined identified, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Comma. Also I'm about 90% certain a White Admiral was seen in Dell Wood. It was on the path outside Dell Wood which turned out to be the highlight of the day for me. I narrowly missed treading on this emerging Purple Hairstreak on the Summer Solstice! Fortunately Rick spotted on the path behind my steps an insect that turned out to be this emerging Purple Hairstreak. This one didn't get squashed along the path and thanks Rick for another rescue! We really didn't get to see many Silver-Washed action today until about 6.30pm. 2 sighted in Whippendell Woods, about 4 White Admiral sightings today in Whippendell Woods along with at least 12 Comma, Ringlets, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Speckled Wood. And lots of Whites. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Purple Emperors at Heartwood Forest. After visiting daily for a week I can finally report sightings of adult Purple Emperors. But as you can see, my first of the year was a freshly hatched female - now that was unexpected!! (The sex was confirmed by none other than the great PE guru Matthew Oates). I was about to head home at midday after 2 hours of fruitless searching in near 30 degree heat, when I decided to check up on the one remaining pupa of the two I reported on the 15th (the other hatched some time on Thursday). Imagine my surprise when I couldn't see the pupa, and thought it was hidden by a leaf, only to realise that the leaf itself was the butterfly drying its wings! My oh my, that was exciting! And then the icing on the cake - ten minutes later I finally spotted my first male. It was touching down repeatedly but irregularly along the ride along the north-west edge of Langley Wood, and then landed practically at my feet. Sadly I only got a fleeting few seconds to fire off some souvenir shots before it flew off, but hey, beggars and choosers etc, and Heartwood is now definitely tinged with purple! [Posted by Andrew Neild]
Sightings at Trent Park & Oakwood. At Trent Park - 10 Comma [7 at 'New Fields' & 3 near Water Grdn], 4 Ringlet, 1 Brimstone Moth edge of Church Wd. At Bramley Road, N14 - 1 Riband Wave. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hertford Heath. Male Purple Emperor holding territory around Oaks in the Roundings, 13.30 to 13,50. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings at Town Park, Enfield. At Town Park, Enfield [1445 to 1510 BST] - 1 Red Admiral & 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Silver-washed Fritillary at Norton Green. On the two Knebworth transects I encountered my first Silver-washed Fritillary of the year at Norton Green down the track close to the 'meadow' and Small Copper in Knebworth Park. Nearly 280 butterflies counted with Meadow Brown the most abundant and Marbled White not far behind [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Northaw Assembly area. At about 1.15pm the first Purple Emperor flight was observed followed soon after by a second individual joining in the fun briefly. For the rest of the afternoon until about 3pm a single emperor made regular flights across the usual gap but although hot there wasn't many sunny spells [Posted by Laurence Drummond with Liz Goodyear]
White-letter Hairstreaks having a good year. This morning I tried a new site, Bedmond Lane Meadow on Mayne Avenue - multiple sightings of male WLH clashes and a good view of an individual perched in the canopy of a 50 foot high tree. More variety in the summer grassland species with Marbled White (50) and Ringlet (30) now outnumbering Meadow Brown (20). Numbers of skippers still low with just 2 Small Skippers seen. This delightful scrub mosaic meadow boasts hundreds of pyramidal orchids and a Lizard orchid, but is sadly threatened with development [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blood-vein at Southgate. 1 Small Blood-vein at ASDA Southgate at 0145 BST - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Cassiobury Park, Lime Avenue and Whippendell Woods.. Rick and myself had a late afternoon/early evening trip into Whippendell Woods from Cassiobury Park. The neck straining season has begun with 1 Purple Emperor sighted along the Lime Avenue canal end. Although we have arranged to put on the Purple Emperor event Saturday 28th June we will also be there this Saturday to try a warm up experiment. If anyone is interested in joining us on Saturday you will find us on the Lime Avenue 10.30 onwards. Other butterflies seen today Meadow Brown now quite numerous with 40+ seen in the park alone with the Lime Avenue and Whippendell Woods probably 80+. Ringlets are just getting going with 3 confirmed. L Skipper 10+, Comma 11+, S. Wood 1, Red Admiral 9, White Admiral 4, SW Fritillary 1, Numerous Whites seen with several Large white identified, and one unidentified flying Hairstreak either White-Letter or Purple. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Painted Lady in Stevenage. My first Painted Lady of the year in my Stevenage garden basking on the ground at 0745 hours [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings at Trent Park & Southgate. At Trent Park [1600 to 1700 BST] - 1 Small Tortoiseshell near Oakwood entrance, 1 Small Copper near Triangular Wd, 1 Ringlet & 3 Comma. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Brimstone Moth. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
More White-letter Hairstreaks in Verulamium Park. Another 8 WLH's this morning at two different locations in the park, both on King Harry Lane. At least three individuals seen in flight and at rest on elm by the entrance to the former golf course. A new site for me was by the Causeway entrance where I saw two pairs of males clashing on nearby trees and a single WLH at rest high in the canopy. Most unusually, the elms here are 50-60 feet high, very unusual for Herts! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Large White & 1 Red Admiral at Lakeside, EN2. At ASDA Southgate - 2 Common Emerald, 1 Riband Wave & 1 Treble Brown Spot. 1 Comma at Southgate Chase Allotments. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Adonis Blues on Therfield Heath. An early start for Bob and I at Therfield Heath on the lookout for Dark Green Fritillary in particular. The area we searched was the slopes either side of the main path southwards from the cafe towards Icknield Way. It wasn't long before we found a Dark Green Fritillary skimming over the vegetation but like the others we saw it just would not settle for a decent photograph. In all, there were at least 20 in addition to 4 Adonis Blues (surprised to see these this late for this year's spring brood anyway), 100+ Marbled White, 50+ Meadow Brown, 5 Small Heath, 3 Comma, male Brimstone, 2 Large White, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Ringlet and a Small White. Small Tortoiseshell (my first of the year) was seen flying past when savouring coffee and cake at the cafe. Also a mature Peacock larva on a nettle leaf. We were unsuccessful with our other target species - the White-letter Hairstreak - to be found just off the Icknield Way towards Therfield village - maybe it was too hot for them to be flying around. [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Hot day so I stayed on the wooded tracks for a afternoon walk around 16.30. Luckily I saw two White Admiral silhouettes ascending into the Fir tree canopy. I gave chase and eventually found the Hornbeam outpost where he returned to again and again. I was busy fiddling about with the shaky zoom on my phone when another White Admiral landed on the bramble next to me. Also seen 2 SWF flying full throttle. This morning I saw 1 White Admiral at Balls Wood HMWT near the bridge during a very very quick walk around but that's all I saw. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Trent Park. 5 Comma & 2 Ringlet at 'New Fields' Trent Park this afternoon from 1515 to 1610 BST. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
WHITE LETTER HAIRSTREAK. Batford - weedy/ scrubby field by the B653 - 2 WHITE LETTER HAIRSTREAKS in elms surrounding large Bramble bush in SW corner. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
White-letter Hairstreaks in Verulamium Park. At least five WLH on the tallest elm on Bluehouse Hill, opposite the lower end of Seabrook Meadow. Around 9am this morning I saw two clashing pairs of males and another individual all in flight at the same time. I also had several good views of WLH at rest on leaves near the top of the Elm. Earlier, a single WLH on Elm viewed from the park, close to the layby on King Harry Lane [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The overall butterfly numbers and variety of species on my local patch near Heathrow are still increasing as the season progresses - a lengthy walk late morning produced over 450 butterflies with 18 species represented. A further walk early evening specifically to look for Purple Hairstreaks turned up a couple in the oaks bordering the J14 roundabout - 19 species for the day. Other highlights were the first Essex Skippers of 2025, and a second brood Brown Argus arguing with a second brood Small Copper. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park, Enfield & Southgate. At Trent Park - 2 Comma by lower lake, 2 male Large Skipper together edge of Moat Wd near Obelisk. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Comma, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Small Tortoiseshell & 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom. 1 Peach Blossom at ASDA Southgate - my first record for this site & my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White Admirals at Potters Crouch Plantation. Among the few butterflies flying within the wood we found five different, as far as we can tell, White Admirals. Two were clashing in a clearing and all were very restless. None were seen on the abundant bramble blossom. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Rivers Orchard Sawbridgeworth and fields. Mid-morning, min 92 Marbled White, almost certainly 100+ but only 2/3 of the main field covered, 2 Small Skipper (ffy), 7 Ringlet (ffy) 20+ Meadow Brown, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Common Blue, 2 Small Heath, also 3 White Letter Hairstreaks on the sheltered side of the Orchard Elms, 1 Perched male and 2 that spiralled 20ft up from the canopy. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Cassiobury Park. Following our trip into the woods, it was time to have at the Park which we missed, it was a fine day with at least 3 Large whites, 2 Commas, 50+ Meadow browns, 3 Speckled wood, 1 Marbled white, 3 Large skippers, 1 Small white, and 1 Small heath. I had a brief look in the Nature Reserve with another 3 Meadow browns, 1 Red admiral and 1 Comma. I had a short look up the Lime Avenue but no sign of the Purple Emperor yet... Back in the Park there were another 6 Meadow browns, and the I had a look by the Croquet Club with 20+ Meadow brown, 2 Large skippers, 1 Small white, 1 Comma, some other Whites and finally a confirmed Ringlet. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
White-letter Hairstreak colony & Dark Green Fritillary. A thriving White-letter Hairstreak colony observed in the canopy of a group of fairly mature Elms at approx TL141303 about 225m north of Hexton Rd. Also a few seen in nearby Wood Lane, again in Elm canopy. A single but rather fine looking Dark Green Fritillary seen in field-side wild flower patch adjacent to a footpath at approx TL141301 about 60m North of Hexton Rd. [Posted by Gillian Marchant]
Clouded Yellow in Royston. A Clouded Yellow passed through a local field just south of Royston, stopping just long enough for me to confirm its identity but not to take a photograph! It flew off strongly to the west. It looked to be in pristine condition. At least four Small Skippers were also seen - a very early date for this area. Interestingly, Large Skippers are emerging at the same time - bang on cue for a 'normal' summer here, if such a thing exists any more. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at Trent Park & Monken Hadley Common. At Trent Park - 5 Comma, 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom & 1 Ringlet near Triangular Wd - my first of the year [FOY]. At Monken Hadley Common - 2 Comma, male Large White, 1 Small Heath & 1 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet settled - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White Admiral at Symonshyde Great Wood. A single WA at this wood between Hatfield & St Albans - welcome as its several years since I last saw one there. No sign of SWF's yet. Last night, the unexpected sight of a Gypsy moth in my bedroom! First both for this year & that location [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A short walk locally at the end of the afternoon today produced the first of the new brood of Peacocks. Having seen probably thousands of caterpillars locally over the last couple of months, I suppose it's no surprise - but it does seem very early. I would say the likelihood of a second brood is quite high. There were lots of fresh Commas around, and several new Red Admirals -amongst all the usual suspects. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Purple Emperor pupae in Heartwood Forest. Last night I visited Heartwood Forest to search for Purple Emperor pupae using an ultraviolet torch (they fluoresce spectacularly when illuminated). After the first couple of hours I drew a total blank, and around midnight I decided to return home. However, I thought I'd give it another 5 minutes to check a short distance up the main ride northwest of Langley Wood before turning back to the car. I'm thrilled to report I found two pupae in quick succession, about 4 metres up, in adjacent mature sallows beside the ride. I returned this afternoon with my camera and managed to get some decent photos, despite the tremendous gusts of wind! I noticed a whole load more sallows in the vicinity and will return later this week to check them out (we usually don't see grounding males in Heartwood until at least a week after the first UK reports, so there's still time!). [Posted by Andrew Neild]
SW Fritillary and WL Hairstreak in Northaw. Silver-washed Fritillary in the garden today plus double figure Meadow Browns. A couple of White-letter Hairstreaks flitting around the garden and finally got a photo. Seen them in the village in the past but this is the first year they have been in my garden [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Whippendell Woods. A delightful afternoon in Whippendell Woods to see our first White Admirals of the year also Silver-Washed Fritillary on the wing. 2 White Admiral 3 SW Fritillary, Meadow Brown 25+, Speckled Wood 3, Comma, 14+, Large Skipper 4, Red Admiral 3, Holly Blue 3+, Cinnabar moth 2, Large White 4+, Unidentified flying Whites 10+ and 2 Peacock caterpillars going off to pupate. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings at Oakwood Park, Trent Park & Town Park, Enfield. 2 male White-letter Hairstreak together 'spiralling' & settled at Oakwood Park this morning from 0930 to 0945 BST - my first of the year [FOY. 1 Comma near Oakwood entrance at Trent Park at 1248 BST. 1 Comma at Town Park, Enfield. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White-letter Hairstreak at Horsenden Hill. Pete Fewell, Rick Vickers and I took the branch stall to the Horsenden Festival of Nature in Ealing today. An excellent event and good to meet so many branch members and supporters in person. At lunchtime we visited the Elms behind Horsenden Farm and saw two White-letter Hairstreaks in the canopy [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 2 Small Tortoiseshell together at a private site near Trent Park & 1 Common Emerald at ASDA Southgate this evening - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1415 to 1515 BST] - 2 Holly Blue [1 W of 10 km line & 1 E of 10 km line], 2 Speckled Wood W of 10 km line, 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom W of 10 km line, 4 Comma [2 together, W of 10 km line & 2 E of 10 km line], male Brimstone W of 10 km line, 5 Small Skipper E of 10 km line, 1 Burnet Companion E of 10 km line, 5 Marbled White E of 10 km line, 6 Small Heath E of 10 km line, 1 Common Blue E of 10 km line, 1 Silver Y E of 10 km line & 1 Large Skipper E of 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White letter hairstreak. Batford - weedy/ scrubby field by the B653 - At least 3 WHITE LETTER HAIRSTREAKS in SW corner of field in small elms around large bramble bush. [Posted by Darin Stanley]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A very warm and sunny day from the outset, but at least it wasn't quite so warm in the morning when I toured my local patch again. 16 species were seen: Meadow Brown(250+), Small Heath(50+), Green-veined White(25), Small White(20), Marbled White(17), Common Blue(12), Red Admiral(10), Small Skipper(10), Comma(9), Large White(8), Large Skipper(4), Holly Blue(2), Painted Lady(2), Small Copper(1), Small Tortoiseshell(1), Brown Argus(1). Notable were the numbers of GVW - all very fresh and including many sets of mating pairs. The contrast between the undersides of the sexes is particularly clear when they are paired, with the female showing a strong lemon yellow. The other highlight was the number of Marbled Whites, the highest I have seen here, and also including a pairing. The sexes in this species are also quite distinct underneath, with the female in cream and gold contrasting with the male's black-and-white. [Posted by Dave Miller]
White Admiral in Bramfield Park Wood. Not a great picture but it was above my head. Very pleased to see it after a two year absence of records in this traditional location for White Admiral [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1425 to 1500 BST] - 1 Comma W of 10 km line, 1 Cinnabar, 1 Orange Beauty [Commophila aeneana] - my first of the year for this site, 3 Small Heath, 5 Marbled White, male Large Skipper & 2 Burnet sp [either Six-spot or Narrow-bordered Five-spot] - only seen in flight - I would favour them being the latter, because they generally fly earlier - all E of 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. No luck spotting White Admiral or SWF on this hot day but still early doors. Different to yesterday I did find Small Skippers (or maybe Essex) and several Painted Ladys, one even agreed to pose. Also I accidentally woke up a sleeping Silver Y. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
first Silver Washed Fritillary. doing my transect in broxbourne woods near the west car park. I saw 2 Silver Washed Fritillaries. or it maybe one travelling around a bit. [Posted by steve kiln]
Small Blues on TV!. Great footage of Small Blue on Springwatch this week, with some interesting behavioural observations. You can watch it on iPlayer, Episode 10, starting after 11 mins 30 secs. Or if you watch from the start there is some great footage of Yellow-banded Longhorn Moths lekking. Here's the link Springwatch [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
White-letter Hairstreak in Stevenage. White-letter Hairstreak active over the elm canopy at Six Hills Common at 0845 hours [Posted by Peter Clarke]
FOY Marbled Whites and Small Skipper. On my Alexandra Park transect at midday I saw two new species for 2025: a couple of Marbled Whites and a Small Skipper. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
White Admiral outside Danemead HMWT. I saw this guy yesterday jetting about but wanted a photo which I got on today's walk. Lots of new faces around - at least a dozen fresh Red Admirals and a pair of Small Tortoiseshells necturing on buttercups. Haven't seen a Marbled White yet around the farm only elsewhere. Also FOY - Silver Y. Happy hunting [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Common Blue, 3 Marbled White & 1 Straw Dot. 1 Red Admiral along 'London Loop' path at Bay Farm. At Gordon Hill Station - 1 Comma & 1 Small White nectaring on Bramble blossom. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Fewer species seen today on my local patch (14), but one was a butterfly I hadn't seen yesterday - a Brimstone. It looked completely fresh, and might well have been the first of the summer generation. By contrast, in amongst all the bright new summer Commas was one left over from 2024's hibernators. The other standout from the day was a very blue female Common Blue. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. At Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 - 1 Double-striped Pug at bus-stop shelter - my first of the year [FOY]. At Trent Park - 3 Large Skipper at North Lawn & 1 Comma at 'Old Golf Course'. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Large Skipper, 2 Comma, 1 male Common Blue, 2 male Marbled White - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Barred Yellow, 2 Brimstone Moth & 1 Brown Silver-line. At Lakeside, EN2 - 1 Red Admiral. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Scarce Silver-lines - my first of the year [FOY] & only my second record here, 2 Treble Brown Spot & 1 White Ermine - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
FFY Marbled Whites. My first 2 of the year at the old Rivers Orchard and fields Sawbridgeworth, mid afternoon. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Gatekeeper. Early Gatekeeper confirmed on bramble on site near Swakeleys A40 roundabout after Transport for London verge monitoring [Posted by Paul Busby]
Holly Blue bonanza. Doing my transect at Waterford Heath South pit. The site has a lot of Holly Blues (13 on the site today ) because of one of its food plants is goats rhue an alien invasive plant. Also had a Painted Lady ,plenty of Meadow Browns but no Common Blues. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. On a mostly bright rather than sunny day, I counted over 200 butterflies on my local patch, with 16 species seen. These included 23 Red Admirals, possibly part of a migration as there was also a faded Painted Lady in amongst them. There were good numbers of new Commas, more Marbled Whites (including a female) and as ever the everpresent Small Heaths and Meadow Browns. The former are having an excellent year here. Large Skippers are doing well, but the Smalls are only in single figures without the day-on-day increase I've seen in previous years - and of Essex Skippers there is (so far) no sign. This may be attributable to the timing of the grass cut on this site last year, which was right in the middle of their season. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Cranford Country Park. Purple Hairstreak and Small Skippers seen on long established transect route. This transect and others in Hillingdon are available for volunteers, happy to provide more details and walk the route. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Dark Green Fritillaries near Benington. We walked from Benington to Hooks Cross via the wide conservation verge along Walkern Road. We saw 57 along the verge, they were on pretty well every patch of Greater Knapweed in the cloudy bright conditions. Also seen on the walk were Small and Large Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Peacock larvae, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Brimstone, Small White and Green-veined White. On the moth side of things Yellow Shell, Cinnabar, Treble Bar, Pyrausta aurata, Sitochroa verticalis, White Plume, Latticed Heath and Nemophora degeerella. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Forty Hall CP & North Enfield. 1 Chimney Sweeper, 4 Large Skipper [3 males & 1 female], 1 Holly Blue, 1 Comma & 2 Speckled Wood at Forty Hall CP, Enfield. 2 Speckled Wood at Gough Park, Forty Hill. 1 Barred Yellow - my first of the year [FOY], 9 Large Skipper, 6 Cinnabar, 4 Small Heath & 1 Comma at a private site in North Enfield. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Wilder St Albans District. The Branch has been supporting St Albans Council in its policy of "low mow" verges and creating wildflower meadows. Find out more about this and other wilding initiatives by joining next weeks online talk on Weds 18th June at 7.30 pm. Speakers include representatives from the council, Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation (me!) and Heartwood Forest. You can register now, by using this link here [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. Male Large Skipper, 3 Small Heath & 1 Burnet Companion at Oakwood Park this morning between 0855 & 0935 BST - all East of 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Walkern Road and Hexton Chalk Pit.. Went to the site mentioned below on Walkern Road and despite it being windy saw at least a dozen Dark Green Fritillaries. Plus half a dozen Meadow Brown. Almost no butterflies at Hexton bar one Dingy Skipper a Small Heath and Speckled Wood. [Posted by sam fuller]
Sightings at Grovelands Park, Southgate. At Grovelands Park this afternoon [1425 to 1630 BST] - 1 Comma at TQ300941, 2 male Meadow Brown at TQ307946 & 1 Straw Dot at TQ308947. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Branch butterfly walk at Heartwood Forest. Despite the unpromising forecast, 30 people joined us for today’s walk. Luckily the rain held off, but the morning was overcast with only brief sunny spells. From the car park we headed towards the scout hut, where the first butterfly seen at rest was a Large Skipper Nectaring on Ox-eye Daisy. Meadow Brown and Small Heath were close by, rapidly followed by Small Blue, spotted by the youngest member of our party. Continuing uphill we saw more Meadow Browns and added Common Blue. In Valley Field, the Kidney Vetch and Birds-foot Trefoil were plentiful, but in the stiff breeze there were no butterflies to be seen … until finally we found a sheltered spot where Small Blues roost and several more were seen at rest. On our way back, the sun came out as we passed another Small Blue roost at the end of Piddlers Wood. First we saw a Small Blue Nectaring on Speedwell. The sun came out and suddenly there were three all flying together and a couple more close by. Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and a fully grown Peacock caterpillar added to the days list. Several species of moths were spotted including Grass Rivulet, Yellow Shell, Green Oak Tortrix, White Plume moth and dozens of Yellow-banded Longhorns. The days total of 10 Small Blues was very satisfying in poor weather conditions and shows that this species can recorded whilst roosting where it adopts a fairly conspicuous position on long grass [Posted by Malcolm Hull and Andrew Steele]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I made the most of a bright morning before the rain forecast for the afternoon and walked round my local patch. Ten species appeared: Meadow Brown(82), Small Heath(37), Small Skipper(9), Common Blue(8), Red Admiral(8), Large Skipper(7), Marbled White(3), Small White(2), Comma(2), Small Tortoiseshell(2). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Alexandra Park. After the rain I finally got out to do a transect. It was blowy. I saw Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Small White, Holly Blue, Comma and Speckled Wood. Burnet Companion and Six Spot Burnet. No sign of Marbled White yet. Not huge numbers I hope that will change. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Spring Fields Butterfly Bank. Christine Ridley and I visited the chalk bank we designed and seeded two years ago in Hemel. Most of the wildflower species we sowed are doing well, including Kidney Vetch and Birds foot Trefoil. No Small Blues or Dingy Skippers yet, but we did see 4 Common Blues, a Small Tortoiseshell, Burnet Companion and Yellow Shell. Also Painted Lady and Meadow Brown nearby. With hindsight, we may have overdone the Oxeye Daisies! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blues doing well. Technical issues this week, so a late report of my trip on Tuesday 15 Small Blues at Bourne End junction. And 9 at Heartwood Forest [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
A Quiet Day in St Albans. Just one butterfly on my walk today, but delighted to report a Small Tortoiseshell. I noticed several of the stems of Sweet Rocket in the garden had been stripped of all leaves and flowers. I originally introduced this plant to attract Orange Tips, but they much prefer the Garlic Mustard On inspection, the plant damage was caused by Large White caterpillars, one of which is now pupating on the kitchen window! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Wet Aldbury Nowers. I did a walk out with our new Transect volunteer for the two routes here. Despite the rain we saw an early Ringlet, Meadow Browns, Small Heaths, a Common Blue and Small Skippers. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Tick and Lyme Disease. It's that time of the year where we need to be more aware of ticks and Lyme Disease. If you are an Assemble member you should find more information in the 'No. 24 Tick and Lyme Disease' document in your Document Hub. The updated guidance has been uploaded to our website (under Committee in the menu bar) [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A strange sort of day weatherwise on my local patch, mostly cloudy but with a few sunny intervals and still a coolish breeze. However, I managed to see around 200 butterflies of 14 species during the day, including my first Marbled White of the year here. Other highlights included more fresh Small Skippers, a female Large Skipper, another very new Painted Lady, more Small Tortoiseshells and at last a definite female Meadow Brown among the many males. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings in the Barnet & Enfield areas. 1 Painted Lady 'fresh' seen in flight & settled on Bramble 1202 BST [TQ269972], 1 Yellow-banded Longhorn Moth [TQ253973], 1 Alabonia geoffrella [TQ257970] & at least 5 Speckled Wood at Monken Hadley Common. 1 Straw Dot near Cockfosters entrance/Trent Park [TQ280967]. 2 Willow Beauty [1 at Oakwood Station & another at ASDA Southgate] [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
A sunny afternoon at Therfield Heath. After a rainy start at Therfield Heath it brightened up quite nicely . A few slightly tattered Adonis blues and lots of small Heath around . Also a very early marbled white first one of the year . [Posted by James Somerville]
A sunny afternoon at Therfield Heath. After a rainy start at Therfield Heath it brightened up quite nicely . A few slightly tattered Adonis blues and lots of small Heath around . Also a very early marbled white first one of the year . [Posted by James Somerville]
Alabonia geoffrella at Trent Park. 1 Hedge Beauty [Alabonia geoffrella] at Nature Trail/ Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Dark Green Fritillary. At least 21 Dark Green Fritillary "In the field edge which runs along the Walkern road approx 200 yards before the R hand turn down Ford Lane." TL 28295 23478 [Posted by Paul Lufkin]
Purple Hairstreak. I found this caterpillar in a Turkey Oak this morning in Hitchin, kindly identified by Malcolm Hull as a Purple Hairstreak [Posted by Phil Barron]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Every day when I visit my local patch there seems to be something new at the moment. Today I found my first Small Skipper of 2025, a newly emerged Painted Lady which was still a bit floppy and docile, and a group of new male Small Whites puddling on a rare patch of wet mud. There were another 12 species flying, including 5 Large Skippers, my highest total here this year so far. Meadow Browns were probably now up at the three-figure mark - and I only saw a couple of definite females. [Posted by Dave Miller]
FFY White Letter Hairstreaks. 5-6 around the Elms at Cheshunt park around 11.00, plenty of chasing and clashing , suspect they have been out here for at least a couple of days. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Rivers Orchard Sawbridgeworth. My first 3 Meadow Brown and 2 Large Skipper of the year, also 1 Holly Blue, 8 Common Blue and 5 Small Heath. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Under mostly cloudy skies this afternoon, I decided to attempt a count of Meadow Browns and Small Heaths on my local patch. I ended up with 87 of the former and 43 of the latter - and wondered what the totals might have been in full sunshine. Only 10 species seen altogether today though: Meadow Brown(87), Small Heath(43), Common Blue(11), Small Tortoiseshell(9), Comma(4), Small White(3), Red Admiral(2), Brimstone(1), Speckled Wood(1), Large White(1). Though numbers have dropped a lot in recent days, there are still one or two new Common Blues around. All the Commas were second brood individuals, looking as vibrant in brown and orange as any fritillary. The highest Small Tortoiseshell total of the year so far here included a pair that hadn't heard the rumour that their species may be becoming single-brooded... [Posted by Dave Miller]
Therfield Heath butterflies. BNA Herts had a wildlife walk at Therfield Heath. we went to church hill very windy but saw 2 Marbled whites, 4 Meadow Brown, a Common Blue, 2 Brown Argus. The highlight was a Dark Green Fritillary. on Church Hill my first of the year. We went to the Rifle Range after lunch and saw 4 Adonis blues, 2 Brimstones. The wild flowers were lovely too. [Posted by steve kiln]
Small Blue at Millhoppers. During today's work party I was delighted to see this fluttering around our chalk bank. This is the first ever record of Small Blue at the Millhoppers Reserve! Apologies for the 'record shot' pictures. [Posted by Chris Hilling]
Therfield Heath. Church Hill warm, sunny - Adonis Blue 1 (male), Small Heath (4). Rifle Butts; Adonis Blue (3 males), Common Blue (3 males), Brown Argus (4). Internet searches indicate that Adonis Blue at Therfield in 2024 had poor 1st and 2nd broods, probably related to the weather. In 2025, internet reported first brood counts have been in single figures. So the species may be at a cross roads and if this 2025 first brood does not fare well, it may not survive 3 poor breeding seasons in succession. Let us hope it responds to the good weather - 2nd brood counts in (August) 2025 will be important. [Posted by Paul Duff]
Small Skipper sighted near Heathrow. Inspired by Dave's records of his observations in and around Stanwell Moor, I headed to the area close to Heathrow in the hope of seeing a small tortoiseshell. Instead, I was most surprised to see this Small Skipper which seems incredibly early even by this year's standards. It was nectaring on grass vetchling. I had it in sight for about 30 seconds, and did not see it again in all the time I spent there hoping it would return! [Posted by David Bristol] [Posted by David Bristol]
Sightings at Hillbrow, Letchworth. 3 x Small Blue; 1 x Small Heath; 1 x Meadow Brown; 1 x Brimstone. Moths: 1 x Cinnabar, 1 x Common Carpet [Posted by Patricia Clegg]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. During a shorter than usual local walk this afternoon, I counted over 70 Meadow Browns and about half that number of Small Heath. Everything else had much smaller numbers, with even Common Blues down to fewer than 20. However, highlights were a Painted Lady, another new Comma and two Large Skippers battling over the same short stretch of path. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Grovelands Park, Southgate. At Grovelands Park [1150 to 1420 BST] - 3 Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue, male Meadow Brown, 1 Red Admiral, 1 Small Heath, 4 Speckled Wood, 1 Mother Shipton & 1 Red-headed Cardinal Beetle. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
We the Lea. Zain Henry and I joined this innovative event involving walks, talks and spotting nature al multiple sites along the river which forms a green corridor along the eastern border of Hackney. We learnt about the local biodiversity action plan, a plan to convert old filter beds into a wildlife haven and much more. Starting at Horseshoe Bridge with talks including one from me on the fortunes of butterflies and moths in the area. We crossed Hackney Marshes and saw several of the sites which form the Hackney Buzzline, featured at our Members Day. It was a quiet day for butterflies, with Small Whites being the most common species. Red Admirals, Comma, Large White, Holly Blue and Speckled Woods also seen Others in the group saw and photographed a mating pair of Lime Hawkmoths. An apple orchard of several dozen trees, contained hundreds of ghostly shrouds of the Apple Ermine moth, with caterpillars visible inside. The six mile walk finished with nature films in a bar at Cody Dock - quite an event and many thanks to Gerry Tissier who organised it [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Marbled White butterfly on Therfield Heath. A single male Marbled White was flying over the south side of Church Hill this morning - the first time I've seen one in May. Also present: Meadow Brown (4), Small Heath (6), Common Blue (4), a few unidentified, worn 'brown' blues and a Burnet Companion moth. I couldn't find any Adonis Blues. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At Trent Park - 10 Yellow-banded Longhorn Moth [Nemophora degeerella], including males & females, along bridle-path near Merryhills Brook [TQ297967], male Large Skipper at Rough Lot. Male Large Skipper near Duncan's Wd/Enfield Chase at Park Farm. 3 Common Blue, 1 Large Skipper & 1 Hedge Beauty [Alabonia geoffrella] at a private site near Trent Park this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A similar selection of butterflies on my local patch today - minus the Large Skippers, but including a rather faded Peacock and a brand new 2nd brood Comma, form hutchinsoni - another first for the year for me. There was also a very new Red Admiral showing off its magnificent underside in the late afternoon sunshine. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At a private site near Trent Park this morning - 1 Red Admiral, 2 Large Skipper - my first of the year [FOY], several Meadow Brown, male Common Blue, 1 Green-veined White & 1 Mother Shipton. Also, an immature Black-tailed Skimmer - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Welcome Small Tortoiseshell sightings continued on my local patch near Heathrow today. They included one which was very heavily marked, and another where the two black forewing spots were reduced to almost nothing - verging on the listed aberration ab. ichnusoides. 12 species were seen in all, and despite only occasional sunshine I counted around 120 butterflies altogether: Common Blue(29), Small Heath(25), Meadow Brown(24), Brown Argus(14), Small Tortoiseshell(6), Red Admiral(5), Small White(5), Holly Blue(5), Speckled Wood(3), Large Skipper(2), Brimstone(2), Small Copper(1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Branch visit to Hillbrow, Letchworth Garden City. Six people joined us for our visit to this notable Small Blue site this morning plus we later joined by two staff from the Garden City Heritage Trust. After 15 minutes of dullness the sun broke through and we recorded: Butterflies: Brimstone 5, Common Blue 3, Holly Blue 2, Large White 2, Peacock 1, Small Blue 27, Small Heath 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1, Speckled Wood 1. Moths: Burnet Companion 5, Cinnabar 2, Cochylimorpha straminea 5, Mother Shipton 2, Scoparia pyralella 1, Small Yellow Underwing 1, Yellow Shell 1. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at North Enfield & Southgate. At Gough Park, Forty Hill - 1 Speckled Wood. At Forty Hall CP, Enfield - 1 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood together, 2 Chimney Sweeper, 1 Yellow-banded Longhorn Moth. At a private site at North Enfield - 1 Orange Beauty [Commophila aeneana] - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Yellow Shell - my first of the year [FOY], 2 Cinnabar, male Common Blue, 1 Small Heath & 2 male Meadow Brown. 1 Treble Brown Spot at Dalrymple Close, N14 - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Meadow walk near Brickendon. Very unsettled weather today around the farm and the blustery wind made getting any photos amongst the long grass a challenge but at least I stayed dry...mostly. Common Blue (lots), Small Heath (8), Peacock (1), Speckled Wood (3), Small Copper (4), Small White (1), Large Skipper (4) highlights were FOY Meadow Brown and a fresh Small Tortoiseshell. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
SSL Certificate renewal. The SSL certificate renewal process did not run this morning making the website insecure. I just contacted the server/database administrator to resolve. Apologies for the inconvenience [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A very mixed day weatherwise on my local patch - aside from the strong breeze as a common factor. However, the main highlights were six different Small Tortoiseshells seen in three quite well-separated spots. It was very good to see what has become a relatively uncommon species these days. Perhaps surprisingly, over 100 butterflies were seen altogether, including ten other species. Common Blues, Small Heaths and Meadow Browns made up most of these to be fair. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park this morning - 3 male Meadow Brown - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Small White [worn & tatty], 2 Alabonia geoffrella & male Yellow-barred Longhorn Moth [Nemphora degeerella] - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Large Skipper near Brickendon. Finally spotted my FOY Large Skipper on the farm. Cloudy day so not much flying around the meadows at the moment but the flowers are nearly at full might. Plenty of Ox-eye daisies, buttercups, vetch, red clover and the bramble blossom has started around the perimeter. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings from Staines Moor. It was very breezy when I returned this afternoon to Staines Moor. I found just the one Large Skipper today, but was very pleased to see a fresh Small Tortoiseshell, likely a survivor from the nest of caterpillars found here a month ago. On the caterpillar theme, there were still plenty of Peacocks among the nettles, but I also came across an Orange Tip on a sprig of cuckoo flower. On my return walk, a very faded Comma appeared - and then just round a corner on the path I spotted a Comma caterpillar suspended from a nettle stalk waiting to pupate. Other butterflies seen during the afternoon included Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Small White. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Large Skippers At Alexandra Park. Today I was pleased to see my first of year Large Skippers on my transect at Alexandra Park despite blustery conditions. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield. 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom at a private site near Trent Park at 1455 BST & female Green-veined White at another private site near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Blue. Hillbrow, Letchworth Garden City - Early afternoon visit, Small Blue x11, Common Blue x2, Small Heath x5 and Brimstone x6. [Posted by Roger Millard]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Today's local walk began with a Painted Lady, but otherwise included everything seen the day before - plus a few Brimstones, a Peacock and another Small Copper I'd not seen before. I also managed to get close enough to a Mother Shipton moth to snatch a photo before it whizzed away. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Staines Moor. I visited Staines Moor again today to see if any more Large Skippers had appeared. I found three in all (including the one seen on 21st), plus a few Small Heath, a Peacock, a faded Orange Tip, a GVW and a single Common Blue. I also came across yet another nest of Peacock caterpillars. [Posted by Dave Miller]
A walk north of Hertford & Ware. A pleasant walk today seeing Holly and Common Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Small Heath, Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Peacock and most pleasing Small Tortoiseshell. Also several Peacock nests and Orange Tip larvae. On the moth front a Brimstone Moth and Mullein moth larvae and webs of Yponomeuta padella on Hawthorn and Blackthorn and Yponomeuta cagnella on Spindle. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Enfield. 10 Small Heath counted this morning at a private site near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I saw my first two Meadow Browns of 2025 today on my local patch near Heathrow - one of the earliest dates I have found them. Among the 25 Common Blues today was a particularly blue female, and with similar numbers of Small Heath I made an effort to get an image or two. Also seen were Red Admirals, Speckled Woods, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Small White and Large White. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After the thunderstorm this afternoon, sunshine reappeared and I had a local walk as usual. The main highlight was a female Holly Blue laying on goats' rue, but Common Blues put on a good show as well. Only seven species seen today, though: Common Blue 25, Small Heath 14, Brown Argus 9, Holly Blue 4 and Red Admiral, Small Copper and Speckled Wood one each. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Staines Moor. I managed a brief look at Staines Moor this afternoon before a large storm moved down from the direction of Heathrow. However, I noticed that a nest of Peacock caterpillars I'd been keeping an eye on were starting to disperse out across the extensive nettle bed. I was also pleased to find a Large Skipper in a spot where I'd seen good numbers a few years ago. Hopefully more will follow. There was also a Small Heath before the sunshine disappeared. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park & Monken Hadley Common. At Trent Park -1 Alabonia geoffrella & 1 Cinnabar near Cockfosters entrance - my first of the year [FOY]. At Monken Hadley Common - 1 Alabonia geoffrella at TQ260970 & 1 Latticed Heath at TQ269972 - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Blue. Letchworth: Hillbrow. Late morning, the only butterflies seen were two or three Small Blues [Posted by Phil Barron]
Sightings at Trent Park & Monken Hadley Common. At Trent Park - 3 Chimney Sweeper at 'New Fields' - my first of the year [FOY], male Common Blue, 5 Small Heath & 2 Holly Blue near Oakwood entrance. At Monken Hadley Common - 1 Alabonia geoffrella at TQ258970, male Brimstone at TQ269969 & several Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield, Oakwood Park & Southgate. At Oakwood Park [1245 to 1345 BST] - 3 male Common Blue E of 10 km line, 1 Holly Blue W of 10 km line, 1 Small Heath & 1 Burnet Companion - my first of the year [FOY]. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Green-veined White mating, 2 Painted Lady [1 'faded' & another 'fresh'] - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1 Small White & 1 Mother Shipton. Male Poplar Hawkmoth at ASDA Southgate this evening - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Chorleywood Common transect. We spotted our first ever Green Hairstreak on our 17th May transect walk. To our knowledge, this species hasn't previously been recorded on Chorleywood Common. Other species spotted this week were Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Speckled Wood and Small Heath. 44 butterflies seen against 33 seen in the same week last year. [Posted by Chris Hankinson]
Merry Hill Bushey. I met up with Rick Vickers at Merry Hill who informed me of sightings of 2 Peacock and a Speckled and a few Small Heath before reaching me. Otherwise the butterfly count was as follows. Small Heath 21+, Brimstone 6+, Speckled Wood 3, Green-veined White 2, Small White 1, unidentified flying whites 3, Red Admiral 1, Small Copper 2, Holly Blue 1, Common Blue 5+ including a very blue female. Peacock 2 [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Over 100 butterflies again today on my local patch next to Heathrow, but a slightly different mix than the day before. Nearly three weeks since the unusually early sighting here of a female Large Skipper on 29th April, I finally came across a male today. Common Blue continued to live up to their name, with nearly 50 counted today. Small Coppers also continue to impress (on a much smaller scale!) with two more individuals I had not come across before. They seem to be widespread across the whole large area of the site, but at a low density. 13 species seen here today, and an impressive 17 over the course of the last week. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Butterfly walk at Shrubhill Common Nature Reserve, Hemel Hempstead. Shrubhill Common is looking very good this spring, with lots of Bird's foot Trefoil, especially on the south facing slope, and the number of butterflies we saw today, reflected this. Three people joined the walk while Malcolm and I led, and altogether we found 10 Dingy Skipper, 14 Common Blue, 19 Burnet Companion as well as 1 Small Heath, 1 Large White, 1 Brimstone, 2 Cinnabar moths, a Mother Shipton and a Common Carpet moth. [Posted by Christine Ridley]
Branch butterfly walk at Bovingdon Brickpits. 13 degrees and cloudy when I arrived at the site this morning. But the sun was soon peeping out and 16 of us set off looking for Dingy Skippers. Not much flying at 10.30 and we spent some time searching old knapweed seed heads for roosting Dingies. Birds-foot Trefoil was showing well and we began to see Common Blues, nearly all males. In total we saw 30 of this species, including one very blue and one mostly brown female. Other species included 3 Burnet Companion, 2 Small Heath, 1 Brimstone and 2 Peacock. Eventually we found a skipper …a Large Skipper, my first of this year. They aren’t usually on the wing until after Dingies have finished . So the timing of our visit to this site may have been too late in the season. [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Grovelands Park. 3 male Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 1 Small Copper, 4 Small Heath, 5 Speckled Wood & 1 Mother Shipton. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The 100+ butterflies seen on my local walk today included the only Painted Lady I've seen here so far this year. There was also a very fresh and boldly marked female GVW that may possibly be a second brood individual, given the way this year is going. I found several nicely marked female Common Blues among the 30 or so seen - the species is doing well here this year after a slowish start.. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Holly Blue at Town Park, Enfield & Edmonton. 1 Holly Blue at Town Park, Enfield & another one at Starks Field Primary School, Church Street, Edmonton this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Adonis Blues on Church Hill, Therfield Heath. At least 8 Adonis Blues, including one female, were flying on the south bank of Church Hill this afternoon. Although there was a small spring generation here last year, I didn't see any of the second generation so this was a bit of a surprise. The mowing of the vegetation here in the late summer of 2024 has proved to be very beneficial for blue butterflies (15+ Common Blues and 10+ Brown Argus also active this afternoon), with lots of Horseshoe Vetch growing along the banks. Orange Tip butterflies were still active in the adjacent woodland. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
2 firsts of the year at Norton Green. A Common Blue, initially feeding on Wild Strawberry flowers, and a Large Skipper seen just outside the common. The date of the Large Skipper sighting equals the earliest ever known recorded in the TL22 square. Several Small Heath also but no 'whites'. [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Brown Hairstreak caterpillar at Willow Tree Open Space (Hillingdon). A lot of newish young blackthorn growth has appeared at Willow Tree Open Space so I took a look and shortly found a Brown Hairstreak caterpillar crawling along a low branch. Hopefully they are starting to do well in the area. [Posted by Claire Easter]
More Small Blues and a Painted Lady migrating. 2 Small Blues on the embankment at Redbourn Lane in Redbourn. Lots of Kidney Vetch, but all the plants were small dried out and and hardly flowering. In the adjoining field the KV in equally poor condition. Later on Batchworth Golf Course, a Painted Lady, flying rapidly north at around 25 mph. The fifth one I’ve seen this week, looks as though we have the start of a migration [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Brown Silver-line at Trent Park. 2 Brown Silver-line disturbed from Bracken SE edge of Rough Lot/Trent Park [TQ284975] this morning - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Over 100 butterflies of 15 species seen again on my local walk today. These included a mating pair of Small Heath, and yet another Green Hairstreak. This latter butterfly appeared in yet another new location along my route, making four separate spots for the species. Common Blues dominate the numbers at present, with 27 seen today altogether. Also seen: Large White, Small White, GVW, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, Comma, Red Admiral, Peacock and Speckled Wood. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Harpenden Common. A good few Small Heath sunning and cavorting on Harpenden Common this afternoon. [Posted by David Hunt]
Three male Adonis Blues on Therfield Heath. Three male Adonis Blues were enjoying the evening sunshine on Therfield Heath (Old Rifle Range) today. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Waterford Heath. South pit , at least 15 Common Blue, 1 Red Admiral , 1 Painted Lady North pit, 4 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Brown Argus, 4 Grizzled Skipper and 1 Small Heath [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Green Hairstreak at Alexandra Palace Park. Today we refound presumably the same Sunday Green Hairstreak at the Anthill Meadow - created by volunteers as a special butterfly site within the park. We believe this is only the second record at Ally Pally since June 2021. [Posted by Tony Jakeman]
Roosting Small Blues at Rose Farm. 4 Small Blues roosting in long grass this morning alongside two Common Blues. As usual they perch facing head down near the top of tall grass stalks, in the shade and close to the hedge. They choose much the same spot as their ancestors stretching back for ten years. Round the corner in the sunshine another Small Blue warming up plus several Small Heath [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Brimstone Moth at Southgate. 2 Brimstone Moth at ASDA Southgate this evening. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - Male Brimstone, 3 male Orange-tip, female Small Copper, 27 Small Heath, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Mother Shipton, 1 Small Yellow Underwing along Salmons Brook at Parkside Farm/Res [TQ301983] - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Straw Dot - my first of the year [FOY] - [TQ297982] - an early record! [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this morning [1030 to 1120 BST] - 1 Hedge Beauty [Alabonia geoffrella] settled on Bramble at 1044 BST - my first of the year [FOY] & a new record for the site & tetrad [TQ299950], female Brimstone W of 10 km line, 2 Common Blue [courting pair] E of 10 km line, 2 Holly Blue [1 W of 10 km line & 1 E of 10 km line], 1 Small Heath E of 10 km line, 4 Speckled Wood [3 W of 10 km line & 1 E of 10 km line] & 2 Mother Shipton E of 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Common Blue at Alexandra Palace. On my transect I saw another fresh Male Common Blue, this time in a different location to my first sighting, along the edge of the cricket pitch. They tend to like it there and there is plenty of Trefoil. Also, a lovely Burnet Companion in the anthill meadow. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield. 2 Brimstone [female at Hilly Fields Park & male at Gordon Hill Station], 1 Brown Argus along 'London Loop' at Park Farm - my first of the year [FOY], male Common Blue along 'London Loop' at Park Farm, 8 Holly Blue [5 at private sites near Trent Park & 3 at Flash Lane, EN2], 2 male Orange-tip [1 along 'London Loop' at Bay Farm & 1 at Gordon Hill Station], 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park, 26 Small Heath [24 at private sites near Trent Park, 1 at along 'London Loop' at Park Farm & 1 at Rectory Farm]. 1 Blood-vein & 1 Mother Shipton at a private site near Trent Park. 1 Waved Umber at Gordon Hill Station - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Blue & Cinnabar Moth. I was delighted to find Small Blue (2 sightings, possibly 1 individual) & Cinnabar moth at a site near Clothall Common today. Also Common Blue, Orange Tip, Brimstone and a Burnet Companion moth. [Posted by Ian Small]
Meadows around Brickendon village. At lunchtime I have walking the meadows around Monks Green Farm, keeping an eye out for any Painted Lady that stopped off for refuelling. Today was the day that I spotted one in the small cover crop which is field mustard I think, very popular with insects. Sunshine is lovely but hoping for some decent rain soon. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
10 Green Hairstreak in Hounslow. Todays Branch walk covered Hounslow Heath and Feltham Marshalling Yards. The best Green Hairstreak site in our branch area didn’t disappoint with ten individuals seen. The first, a female was ovipositing on broom. Several more were seen on the ground amongst birds foot-trefoil and broom. But the biggest concentration were nectaring on Green Alkanet, something we have not witnessed before and may be linked to the very dry conditions - some areas of grass were already brown and wild flowers desiccated. Other sightings included Common Blues, Small Coppers, Brown Argus, Mother Shipton, Burnet Companion and Cinnabars. Also of note, two Painted Ladies. Adjoining the car park four large bushes had been stripped of all leaves and were shrouded in larval webs. There were many caterpillars still alive, but with no further leaves left to eat - Spindle Ermine moths. [Posted by Malcolm Hull and Pete Gore]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Town Park, Enfield. At Oakwood Park [0935 to 1005 BST] - 1 Green Hairstreak seen in flight w/ Holly Blue & settled from 0949 to 0950 BST [TQ300951] - my first record for the Enfield area, after several reported by others in recent years, 4 Holly Blue & 1 Small Heath. At Town Park, Enfield [1220 to 1250 BST] - 2 Holly Blue & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Dusty Wave at Southgate. 1 Small Dusty Wave at ASDA Southgate this evening - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
How many Small Heath?. Amazed to see a spectacle at Norton Green during my transect - several males fighting for attention of a female Small Heath. Other species seen: Orange-tip, Green-veined White, Comma, Peacock and Speckled Wood [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Dingy Skipper in Hatfield. Visited a restored pit at Hatfield Quarry - this is a private site and access was with permission from the landowner Common Blues are doing well with 116 recorded. 5 Dingy Skipper, 12 Brown Argus, 9 Small Heath as well as Burnet Companion, Mother Shipton, Latticed Heath and Purple Mint moth. This attractive site is beginning to suffer from excess scrub and the Branch are engaging with the landowner on future management plans [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Trent Park. At Trent Park 'New Fields' [1515 to 1620 BST] - 1 Comma, 2 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Heath, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Mother Shipton & female Broad-bodied Chaser settled near Oakwood entrance. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Oakwood. At Oakwood Park [1330 to 1410 BST] - 4 male Common Blue all E of 10 km line, 2 Holly Blue [1 W of 10 km line & 1 E of 10 km line], 1 Large White W of 10 km line, 4 Small Heath all E of 10 km line, 1 Speckled Wood E of 10 km line. 1 Holly Blue at Prince George Ave, N14. 1 Brimstone Moth at Bramley Road, N14 - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Early morning ex gravel pits.. decided to go early in this hot dry weather worth it. In Rickneys Quarry. a Comma, 4 Grizzled Skippers, 5 Brown Argus 3 Common Blue. In North pit Waterford heath. No Grizzleds but 5 Brown Argus, 2 Common Blue, a Small Tortoiseshell and a Cinnabar Moth. On South Heath disappointing but highlights, 2 Holly Blues, a Common Blue, a Small Heath and a Treble bar moth. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings at Enfield & Enfield Town. 12 Small Heath, 1 male Orange-tip & 1 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park. 4 Holly Blue & 1 Red Admiral at St. Andrew's Church, Enfield Town this afternoon after 1600 BST. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I returned to my local patch today after a couple of days out elsewhere. To be honest, it rarely disappoints and today was no exception. I counted over 100 butterflies, and for the first time this year saw 15 species. Both Holly and Common Blues had their best showing so far, but the highlight was the appearance of another Green Hairstreak, in a spot nowhere near either of the other two I've seen here this year. Today's tally: Holly Blue 19, Common Blue 16, Peacock 15, Brown Argus 11, Small Heath 10, GVW 7, Orange Tip 4, Speckled Wood 4, Red Admiral 3, Small Copper 3, Large White 3, Brimstone 3, Small White 2, Comma 1, Green Hairstreak 1. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Orange Tip Egg in my garden. Muswell Hill.. I was pleasantly surprised to find a single Orange Tip Egg on one of the few flowering Garlic Mustard plants in my garden. I will watch progress with interest. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Oakwood Park, Enfield & Trent Park. 3 Speckled Wood including two together at Oakwood Park this morning. At Trent Park - 1 Small Copper, 2 male Brimstone, 2 Comma together, edge of Church Wd, 1 Common Carpet near Nature Trail, 1 Speckled Wood by lower lake, 2 Peacock at 'Old Golf Course', 1 Green-veined White edge of Rough Lot. 1 Peacock near Duncan's Wd/Enfield Chase, 1 Mother Shipton at a private site near Trent Park, 1 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park, 4 Small Heath at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Let it Grow. For the last few years HMBC have been working with St Albans District Council to record butterfly numbers on Low Mow Plots and areas of Wildflower seeding on highway verges, parks and green spaces. This article in St Albans Times describes some the local initiatives Let it Grow [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. Male Brimstone at a private site near Trent Park, 2 Green-veined White [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 by lower lake/Trent Park], 2 male Orange-tip [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 edge of Rough Lot/Trent Park], 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park, 13 Small Heath at a private site near Trent Park, 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park, 2 Mother Shipton at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White Letter Hairstreak larva. White Letter Hairstreak larva seen under UV light on Hampstead Heath. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. On a grey day with a chilly northeasterly wind blowing, I didn't really expect to see much in the way of butterflies today. However, some sporadic sunshine appeared late in the afternoon, and a brisk local walk was rewarded by three Speckled Woods (3m), three Brown Argus (1f, 1m), two Common Blues (2m), two Orange Tips (1f, 1m) and a very tatty female Large White. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small Heath at Enfield. 1 Small Heath at a private site near Trent Park this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
A short journey along the River Colne and the Whippendell Woods Butterfly walk. I was in need of having my car cleaned so dropped the car off at the Tesco's car park cleaning services which gave me an hour to wander along the River Colne, 2 Green- Veined Whites, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Brimstone and another unidentified flying White. (Only photo I can post of a butterfly today is a Green-veined White from the River Colne.) As for the Spring branch Butterfly Walk in Whippendell Woods the butterfly count was disappointing, with a count of 1 White and although Rick and myself think it was a GV White it was not confirmed! However it was the best turn out for one of our walks ever! A real mixed age group as well. Rick followed up at the rear to make sure none of the attendees got lost and I was kept busy with questions at the front by the 3 youngest sisters who were amazing for their age at asking such questions about butterflies. Real young stars who made my day for what turned out to be a bad role of the dice with the weather after the recent warm spell. Although it was bad for butterflies this time all who came seemed to enjoy the walk. The bluebells were still in flower we stopped at all the butterfly hotspots to point out what is likely to be seen there and when and hopefully we will get to see more butterflies on the Summer Walk. All attendees seemed to enjoy the walk despite the lack of butterflies and those 3 young girls in the photo were keen to come along on our next walk and it would be a delight to have them there with their family too. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Small Heath at Oakwood Park. 3 Small Heath at Oakwood Park this morning before Church & Spotted Flycatcher. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Cassiobury Park & Whippendell Woods. A preliminary walk around the Park and Woods before the Walk on Sunday (Hope to see some of you there), What I saw in the the Park was: Red admiral x 2, Holly blue x 3 Speckled wood x 3 approx 5 Unknown White and (highlight of the day) 1 x Small copper. Following that I then went into the Woods, where I saw a further:Speckled wood x 4, Holly blue x 2, Brimstone x 8, Orange tip x 7, Unknown whites x 6, Comma x 1, Peacock x 3, Large white x 1, Red admiral x 1, Peacock x 6, it began to get a little lively as it cooled down - and then it became butterfly bedtime and the walk back was a bit quiet. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Small Blue. 14 Small Blues counted in a twenty minute walk around old Butterfly World perimeter at Chiswell Green in the late afternoon sun. [Posted by Clive Burrows]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Southgate. 2 Brimstone [male at Dalrymple Close, N14 & female at Oakwood Park], male Common Blue seen settled at Oakwood Park - my first of the year [FOY], 3 Holly Blue [2 at Dalrymple Close, N14 & 1 at Oakwood Park], 1 Small Heath at Oakwood Park, 1 Mother Shipton at Oakwood Park - my first of the year [FOY] & fem/imm Broad-bodied Chaser seen in flight & settled in tree at Oakwood Park [TQ303953] at 1305 BST - my first of the year [FOY]. All sightings in Oakwood Park were E of the 10 km line. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. Male Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, male Large White, 2 male Orange-tip, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Copper & 10 Small Heath at private sites near Trent Park. 1 Blood-vein along Salmons Brook at Parkside Farm/Res, Enfield [TQ300983] - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A early start for a local walk today ahead of the forecast hot afternoon. 14 species seen today, including another new one for the year (making 17 for my local patch so far in 2025). No.17 was the Green Hairstreak. One popped up out of nowhere in a new location, but the second (the pic attached) turned up precisely where I saw one last year. The behaviour was the same as well - chasing Holly Blues. Overall, numbers were subdued in the heat, with only Orange Tips and Holly Blues making it to double figures. One other highlight of the morning was a very new female Brown Argus nectaring on the caterpillar foodplant. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Trip to Aldbury Nowers. Hot & sunny this afternoon with butterflies flying at top speed and moths hiding in the shade. Pleased to see 2 Green Hairstreaks. Others I managed to ID included 7 Dingy Skippers, 2 Grizzled Skippers, 3 Brown Argus, 1 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue, 17 Small Heaths, 1 Yellow Underwing moth. Brimstones were by far the most common species. We are still looking for help walking the transect at this brilliant site, please contact Andrew Wood if you are interested [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Trent Park. A few sightings at Trent Park 'New Fields' or 'Butterfly Meadows' from 1210 to 1300 BST this afternoon - Male Brimstone near Triangular Wd, 1 Comma near Church Wd, 1 Green-veined White at Church Wd, 2 male Orange-tip, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Copper near Triangular Wd & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Trip to Berkhamsted Common. On Cox’s Field, I clocked up 35 Burnet Companion, 11 Dingy Skipper, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper, 1 Small Heath, 1 pyrausta aurata and 1 Green Hairstreak. This meadow is rich in Birds foot Trefoil The Dingy Skippers were mostly male, perching and jousting, sometimes in a group of 3 or 4. The Green Hairstreak flew past at head height and perched obligingly in an oak about 20 feet above ground, providing clear view through binoculars.Elsewhere on the Common I added Mother Shipton, Brown Silver line (4), and more Small Heath (4). Despite beating many more gorse bushes, no further Green Hairstreak were spotted. [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 5 Brimstone [3, male & 2 females, at private sites near Trent Park, male at Bay Farm & male at Rectory Farm], 1 Green-veined White at Flash Lane, EN2, 3 Holly Blue [1 at Chase Rd/Charter Way, N14, 1 at Flash Lane, EN2 & 1 at Gordon Hill Station], 5 Orange-tip [2 males at a private site near Trent Park, male at Bay Farm, male at Flash Lane, EN2 & male at Gordon Hill Station], 2 Peacock at private sites near Trent Park, 1 Small Copper at a private site near Trent Park & 5 Speckled Wood [3 at a private site near Trent Park, 1 at Strayfield Road, EN2 & 1 at Cedar Road, Enfield]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Fourteen species seen today on my local patch, with the new butterfly today being a Large Skipper. Aside from the early date (I don't think I've ever found one in April before), I was surprised that it was a female - the males usually appear first. One other highlight of the day was a dusky new female Common Blue. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small Copper at Nomansland Common. 9 Small Copper, 3 Small Heath,Mother Shipton, Cinnabar, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue (all singles), 3 Large White, 8 Brimstone, 9 Orange Tip, 9 Peacock. Tapped a few gorse bushes with a stick to see if I could dislodge a Green Hairstreak. No luck with that, I only succeeded in annoying hundreds of Long horned moths [Posted by Malcolm Hulll]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 4 Brimstone [2, male & female, at Trent Park, male at Plumridge Farm & male at a private site near Trent Park], 1 Comma at a private site near Trent Park, 1 Holly Blue near Shaws Wd Cottages/Trent Park, 3 Orange-tip at private sites near Trent Park [2 males & 1 female], 7 Peacock [2 at Trent Park, 1 at Plumridge Farm & 4 at private sites near Trent Park], 15 Speckled Wood [9 at Trent Park, 3 at Ash Wd/Enfield Chase, 1 at Park Farm & 2 at a private site near Trent Park]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Increasingly warm sunshine today, and I counted 13 species on my local patch again. However, Brown Argus didn't appear this time, but the gap was filled by my first Common Blues of 2025. The other 12 species were the same selection, and included these two mating pairs - GVW and Large White. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Common Blue at Alexandra Park. My first of year. A lone male Common Blue this afternoon at Alexandra Park in the lower butterfly meadow. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone [1 near Nature Trail/Trent Park & 1 at a private site near Trent Park], 1 Green-veined White at a private site near Trent Park, 3 male Orange-tip at Trent Park [2 near Snakes Lane & 1 edge of Moat Wd], 5 Peacock [2 at Trent Park & 3 at a private sites near Trent Park], 1 Red Admiral by lower lake/Trent Park, 2 female Small Copper at Trent Park [1 near Triangular Wd & 1 by lower lake], 1 Small Heath near Church Wd/Trent Park - my first of the year [FOY], 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Green Hairstreak on Hounslow Heath & Marshalling Yards. News from Pete Gore "On yesterday's walk in the sun I saw 5 Green Hairstreaks on the part of the marshalling yards where we saw them last year, the first I've seen there despite frequent walks in ideal conditions earlier. One more was seen above the culvert and one in the strongest area of the heath where I didn't get as lucky with the sun particularly on the afternoon return journey. This grand total of 7 would in some past years have been a whole season's worth so I'm assuming that we have a thriving butterfly species with probably emerging and active females, and that it should be well worth a visit to both sites on May 11th - weather currently looking good." Join Pete and I on Sunday May 11th to see Green Hairstreaks at their best site in the Branch area - details on Events page [Posted by Peter Gore & Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Southgate & Oakwood Park. 1 Holly Blue & 1 Speckled Wood at Dalrymple Close, N14 this morning. At Oakwood Park [1035 to 1110 BST] - 2 male Brimstone, male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
UKBMS Summary of Changes 2024. As most people know, 2024 was a poor year for butterflies in the UK. To find out how each species fared in 2024 since 1976 and the recent past look at the UKBMS Summary of changes 2024 report [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Thirteen species seen during a lengthy local walk today (Sunday). These included the first Small Heath of the year here. The overall tally: GVW 21, Peacock 20, Orange Tip 17, Speckled Wood 11, Large White 9, Small White 9, Small Copper 7, Red Admiral 4, Holly Blue 4, Comma 4, Brimstone 3, Brown Argus 2, Small Heath 1. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield Town & Town Park, Enfield. 1 Speckled Wood at Chase Green Gardens, Enfield Town. 1 Comma & 1 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Bentley Priory nature reserve. A warm but mostly overcast afternoon kept the butterfly sightings down. With 3 Peacock, 2 Orange-tip, 1 Green-veined White and 6+ unidentified flying whites. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings from Staines Moor. I popped down to Staines Moor this afternoon to see if any Small Coppers had emerged there, following my sightings of the species earlier in the day near Stanwell Moor a couple of km to the north. I drew a blank with this, but I did find a nest of around 100 Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars - a heartening sight considering the scarcity of the species these days. There was also a single Red Admiral caterpillar tucked into a nettle leaf in amongst the Tortoiseshells. On the adult butterfly front, there were a few Peacocks, GVW and Orange Tips, plus a Red Admiral. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I had a walk out on my local patch after a few days away, and found my first Small Coppers (4) and Brown Argus (1) of 2025. I saw another ten species as well: Red Admiral (4), Peacock (18), Comma (2), Brimstone (2), Orange Tip (12), Small White (8), Green-veined White (15), Large White (5), Speckled Wood (7) and Holly Blue (14). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. 3 male Brimstone [1 at a private site near Trent Park, 1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2], 1 Holly Blue along The Ridgeway, Enfield near Brooke Wd, 4 male Orange-tip [2 at private sites near Trent Park, 1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Hilly Fields Park] & 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Mating Orange Tips. A mating pair on garlic mustard in the back garden in Bengeo today. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Waterford Heath. A lunchtime walk around Waterford Heath with the family, was warm but not hot with gentle sun and partial cloud. Dotted around I saw 5 Grizzled Skippers in the North Heath and 4 in the South including a mating pair, 1 pristine Brown Argus (first seen by the missus, sadly flew away as I was getting my phone out to photograph) seen on the path between the central bench and gate to the silt pit in the South Heath. Also seen Cinnabar moth and one UFM, possibly a Mother Shipton which also gave me the slip. Regrettably the amount of dog poo around is an absolute disgrace, some people have no shame or respect. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Orange Tip Nectaring on Hedge Garlic. A rather fine Orange Tip male nectaring on Hedge Garlic on Harpenden Common [Posted by David Hunt]
Cassiobury Park. Another day, another walk, this time to Cassiobury Park. Starting from Rickmansworth Road and taking the right hand path down where I saw: Holly blue x 4, Peacock x 3, Speckled wood x 2 and 5 x unknown whites. I then went into the Nature Reserve where I saw, Orange tip x 5+, and 6 unknown whites, Red admiral x 1, and Brimstone x 3. crossing the river I went along the other side (where the Small tortoiseshells used to be), Peacock x 2, Brimstone x 1, Orange tip x 1, and another two unknown whites. Heading back up the other side of the Park, a Peacock and Green-veined white on the way, to the Green Gym/Peace Garden where I saw another Peacock, Speckled wood and another two whites (wish they'd stay still for an ID). One Comma by the Croquet Club, and then home to a Holly blue in the garden. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings at Enfield. Male Brimstone, 1 Large White, 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Aldbury Nowers. I decided to follow the currently un-walked Aldbury Nowers and Aldbury Nowers North Transects today. Please let me know if you are interested in taking one or other of them. Not huge numbers but found Small Copper, Small Heath, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Grizzled and Dingy Skipper. (All of these were also present over on the Bucks border at Incombe Hole along with Duke of Burgundy and Green Hairstreak.) [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 Green-veined White at Trent Park [1 near Obelisk & 1 along Leeging Beech Gutter near Water Grdn], 6 male Orange-tip [4 at Trent Park, 1 at Lakeside, EN2 & 1 at South Lodge Cres, EN2], 2 Peacock at Trent Park [1 edge of Moat Wd & 1 at North Lawn], 1 Red Admiral by lower lake/Trent Park, 1 Small White near Obelisk/Trent Park, 2 Speckled Wood [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 near Equestrian Centre/Trent Park]. 50 Green Longhorn [moth] counted on Oak, edge of Moat Wd/Trent Park & 1 at Water Grdn/Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First Brown argus. Searching for grizzled skippers on Waterford heath south ,I saw my first Brown Argus, sunning itself on the east bank. [Posted by steve kiln]
Grizzled Skippers at Waterford Heath. This afternoon, 2 roosting on the east bank of the south Heath, later in more sun 1 flying on each Heath. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Merry Hill. A fine sunny day, so a trip to Merry Hill was in order, I got there about the same time as the clouds came over. But despite that and the light breeze I did manage to see Green-veined white x 1, Speckled wood x 8+, Peacock x 4, Orange tip x 4, Large white x 2, Holly blue x 3, and another three unknown whites. I also noticed that the double Brown Hairstreak eggs we (myself and Pete Fewell) found earlier in the year had hatched. On the way back along the Foot path by the Railway lines towards Watford Heath I saw another Brimstone x 1, Orange tip x 2, Large white x 1, and another 2 unknown whites. The finally through Oxhey Park another Orange tip and unknown white, [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings at Enfield. 3 Brimstone [female at a private site near Trent Park & 2, male & female, at Rectory Farm], 1 Green-veined White along the 'London Loop' at Bay Farm, male Holly Blue settled on track at Flash Lane, EN2 - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Large White at a private site near Trent Park, 4 Orange-tip [2, male & female, at private sites near Trent Park, male at Brooke Wood & male at Hilly Fields Park], 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park, 9 Speckled Wood [4 at private sites near Trent Park, 4 at Brooke Wood & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
more grizzleds. at rickneys quarry near bengeo had 6 Grizzled Skippers along by the sapling wood in sun. about 2pm At waterford heath North at about 3pm 3 Grizzled Skippers on right of pond in the sun. Did not have long would have been more. None on south Heath. [Posted by steve kiln]
Small Copper in Alexandra Park. My first of year Small Copper on my Alexandra Park Transect. It was in a spot where I invariably see one each year. Right in the middle of a grass path. It faintly has the ab. caeruleopunctata -the small blue dots-on the upper hindwings. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Maiden's Blush at Trent Park. 1 Maiden's Blush settled on grass at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park - my first of the year [FOY]. Male Orange-tip & 1 Green-veined White by lower lake/Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Stevenage area website. I have updated the Stevenage butterflies website to add 2024 data for our branch area and nationally via the UKBMS. New charts also added for each species account [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings at Enfield. 1 Green-veined White, 3 male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park late morning/early afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Holly Blue. I was amazed to see my first Holly Blue of the year in Bentley Priory Open Space, Stanmore, whilst out on a Botany Survey with the London Natural History Society. But it didn't stay very long as one of the group plunged into the bush to ID a leaf! [Posted by Nicholas Barnett]
Prestwick Road Meadows South Oxhey. Returning to Prestwick Meadows to check on the rescued Brown Hairstreak eggs we relocated 18 of the 23 eggs rescued and found that 16 had hatched for Easter with 2 remaining unhatched. 3 of the attached twigs with eggs on appeared to be missing along with some of the markers for the eggs that were not removed. Although no caterpillars seen yet the results look promising. Butterflies seen Speckled Wood 16+, Large White 2, Orange-tip 3, Peacock 2, Comma 1 with a further 3 whites seen. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Lunar Marbled Brown at Oakwood & Southgate. 2 Lunar Marbled Brown [1 at Bramley Road, N14 & 1 at ASDA Southgate] - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 24 Green Longhorn Moth [5 at a private site near Trent Park, 19 at Trent Park] - my first of the year [FOY], 2 Comma [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park], 5 Green-veined White [4 at a private site near Trent Park & at least one, by lower lake, Trent Park], 4 male Orange-tip [2 at private sites near Trent Park & 2 at Trent Park], 2 Peacock at Trent Park, 1 Red Admiral at a private site near Trent Park, 3 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. Male Brimstone, 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park. 2 Orange-tip [male & female] at another private site near Trent Park - my first female of the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
more grizzled skippers. I went to North Heath and found 4 Grizzled Skippers quite widespread. 1 near the wood by the steep bank on the right sheltering. one by railway line on path ,1 nearby amongst thick hawthorn and final one other side of fence in area they were very common before hawthorn came. on south heath no Grizzled Skippers but a Cinnabar Moth. [Posted by steve kiln]
Early Morning Grizzlies. I had an Easter egg errand to run this morning so afterwards I popped into Waterford Heath to beat the rain and catch the Grizzlies before they got too energetic. In the North Heath I found 3 Grizzled Skippers around the pond between 8.30-9am, they were trying hard to warm up in the early sun and just a little flutter of grey gave away their locations. I tried the South Heath quickly but no success, far better there in the afternoon in my view. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 3 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park. 4 Speckled Wood at Trent Park [1 at Moat Wd & 3 near Shaws Wd]. 1 Large White near Obelisk at Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone at Trent Park [1 near Shaws Wd Cottages & 1 nectaring on dandelion near Merryhills Brook]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
grizzled skippers. 2 grizzled skippers in Rickneys quarry near Hertford this afternoon ,however I could find none at Waterford heath. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 Speckled Wood [1 at a private site near Trent Park & 1 at Rough Lot/Trent Park] & 1 Peacock near Shaws Wd Cottages/Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Speckled Wood at Oakwood Park & Town Park, Enfield. 4 Speckled Wood at Oakwood Park this morning [0935 to 1010 BST] including two together & 1 Speckled Wood at Town Park, Enfield along the New River at Carr's Basin this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Chiswell Green members day. It was a delight to attend the members open day at Greenwood Hall Chiswell Green as you would expect the butterfly count was low due to members being indoors most of the time. However there are a few to report. It was nice to get my first confirmed sighting of a Small White the only butterfly photo I did capture. Otherwise 1 Peacock, 1+ Orange-tip Probable Brimstone and a several unidentified whites, Large White probable among them. After we left we took a quick look over Bricket Wood Common, 2 Peacock and 1 unidentified white. The best left until last! After returning to Ricks garden it was my first opportunity to see a few comma eggs and laid on their traditional old food plant the hop too! A great end to the day. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Small Copper at Bay Farm, Enfield [TQ301985]. 1 Small Copper seen in flight & settled at Bay Farm, Enfield along the 'London Loop' [TQ301985] from 1140 to 1142 BST - my earliest record by a week [the previous earliest record was on 19th April over 20 years ago]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Garden sightings. At least six species in my Harpenden garden today: Holly blue, brimstone, small white, orange tip, comma, peacock and probable speckled woods. [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Branch Members' Day - non-members welcome. This will be held on Saturday 12th April at Greenwood Hall, Chiswell Green. Doors open at 10.30. We have four guest speakers, the opportunity to show off your best photos and plenty of time to chat to like-minded people. The sales stand will selling a selection of butterfly and moth related items including ID guides and guest speakers will also be bringing copies of their books to sell. Full details can be found at this link. Full details https://hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/Programme%20for%20Members%20Day%202025.pdf and our Annual Review can be read here https://hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/Annual%20Review%20for%202025%20Members'%20Day.pdf [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings at Enfield. 4 Brimstone [2 males & 2 females], male Green-veined White, 2 male Orange-tip, 5 Peacock & 2 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Speckled Wood at a private site near Trent Park. Male Orange-tip near Shaws Wd Cottages/Trent Park & 2 Green-veined White [1 near Merryhills Brook at Trent Park & 1 at Lakeside, EN2]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Emperor Moth at Waterford Heath. I went up to Waterford Heath to see if I could see a Grizzled Skipper, no luck. But I did find this female Emperor Moth sitting low down in a recently cleared area. No sign of any males being attracted to her. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath. With the recent run of sunshine I suspected the Grizzlies could be seen early this year but today the car said 12°C and cloud was looming so I was clutching at straws. The early afternoon sun arrived on cue and aided my search as did the lovely peace and quiet that you get there. Between 2-3.30pm I had 4 photographic sightings all on the SW facing bank in the South Heath, never needing to leave the main path. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield, Southgate & Trent Park. Female Brimstone, 2 Comma, male Green-veined White, 2 male Orange-tip, 4 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell - my first for the year [FOY] & 2 Speckled Wood at private sites near Trent Park. 1 Comma at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park. Male Large White at Dalrymple Close, N14. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
My Watford Garden. Warm and sunny again, a nice day to sit and watch the Garden buzzing. Large white x 1, peacock x 1, comma x 1 - egg laying on hops. Four eggs found later [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park & another one near Ash Wd/Enfield Chase. Male Orange-tip near Obelisk at Trent Park at 1231 BST. 1 Light Orange/Orange Underwing settled on ground along 'vista' between Moat Wood & Rough Lot/Trent Park. 5 Peacock at Trent Park. 1 Small White settled at Water Grdn/Trent Park. Male Brimstone & 1 Speckled Wood at Williams Wd/Trent Park. 1 Large White at Trent Park Equestrian Centre. 1 Comma at Boxer's Lake, Enfield at 1615 BST. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell at last!. Returned to finish my walk Ayot Greenway at the Wheathampstead end, including a detour through the Ayot Estate. Best butterfly totals for the year so far with 38 Peacock, 3 Comma, 13 Green-veined White, 4 Large White, 1 Brimstone, 3 Orange Tip, 1 Speckled Wood and last but by no means least 2 Small Tortoiseshell. This last being my tenth Herts butterfly species of the season [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
River Cole by Radlet Road Playing Fields and Fishers Field, Watford. Another lovely sunny day. Time for a walk along the Colne by Radlet Road Playing Fields - It was getting a bit windy and I nearly lost my hat! Unknown white x 2, peacock x 4, orange tip x 2, comma x 1. Over Link Road to the Lake. Large white x 2, unknown white x 5, peacock x 6, comma x 1, orange tip x 2. Then on to Fishers Field, Unknown white x 3, peacock x 2, speckled wood x 1 Brief stop in the Golf Course for a picnic, peacock x 1, brimstone x 1, orange tip x 1 [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A similar day on my local patch today, with the same ten species seen as yesterday. I noted a succession of Green-veined Whites egg-laying close to the bank of the River Colne, and managed to find one of the eggs that was laid. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Ayot Greenway. Lunchtime stroll along this disused railway line to inform the Branch input into a new management plan. Two Speckled Woods twirling round each other in a courtship dance, at Sparrowhall Bridge, my 9th Herts butterfly species of this year. Also 8 Peacocks, 1 Comma, 1 Green-veined White. Back home in my hibernation shed, the last Peacock left yesterday, quite a late emergence compared to recent years [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Northaw Butterflies. 2x holly Blue, Orange Tip, Large White, Female Brimstone, Peacock and Red Admiral in the garden today [Posted by Sam fuller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another glorious day - they seem endless at the moment - and I counted over 100 butterflies on my local patch again: Peacock 31, Small/Green-veined White 27 (approx half-and-half), Brimstone 12, Comma 11, Orange Tip 9, Large White 9, Speckled Wood 3, Red Admiral 2, Holly Blue 1. [Posted by Dave Miller]
First Orange Tip. My first Orange Tip of the year, a male along the path up to Hardmead lake HMWT viewpoint 12.30. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Rick's garden/ Whippendell Woods and Cassiobury Park. It was a delight to start the day's butterfly observations with a home grown male Orange-tip in Ricks garden emergence date the 5th April. I got there just in time before he took to the wing. Venturing into Whippendell Woods after another 12+ Orange-tip were seen. The most abundant species seen were Peacock 33 in total including 3 the brief later part in the afternoon in Cassiobury Park. Brimstone 4, Holly Blue 1, Comma 8 in total with the 2 basking late in Cassiobury Park. A further 4 unidentified flying whites and a few unidentified flying butterflies high above the trees. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings at Enfield. 3 male Brimstone [1 at Hilly Fields Park & 2 together at Gordon Hill Station], 2 Comma [1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2], 4 Peacock [1 at a private site near Trent Park, 1 along the 'London Loop' at Bay Farm, 1 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Strayfield Road, EN2] & 4 Speckled Wood [3 together at Brooke Wd & 1 at Flash Lane, EN2]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath. After a quick wonder around Waterford Heath (North and South) around midday in the strong sunshine I saw - Brimstone 2, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 12, GVW 2, Orange Tip 2, Small White 1, Large White 1, Comma 2 and happy to see Small Tortoiseshell 1 which was on the path and welcomed change from all the peacocks. The wild Strawberry is in flower in a few small isolated patches. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield. 4 Brimstone [3 males & 1 female], 3 Peacock & 2 Small White [male & female] at private sites near Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Eighth butterfly species of the year. Green-veined White became the 8th butterfly species I’ve seen in Herts this year. 20 degrees and sunny this afternoon in St Albans. Also spotted during my walk over Batchwood and Gorhambury - Brimstone (3), Comma (1), Peacock (6) and Orange Tip (2) [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
A trio of Emperor Moths. A trio of Emperor moths to lure in just over two hours this afternoon in my Ware garden. Lure put out at 2.40; first buzzed at 2.50; first capture 3.37, then 4.15 and finally 4.43 and the lure came in at 5.15. All happily gone on their way! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Hibernating Peacock emergence. St Albans shed - 4 Pecocks hibernated in my shed this winter All of them survived through to the Spring. The first emergence was recorded on 26th March. In the last week two more have flown the shed, leaving just one in hibernation In the last few days I’ve seen Orange Tip, Holly Blue, Small &Large Whites on the wing locally, Interesting that the hibernators are emerging at the same time as this years butterflies are hatching out [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield. 1 Peacock & 2 Comma at private sites near Trent Park. 2 Speckled Wood together & male Brimstone at Brooke Wd. 2 male Brimstone together & 1 Peacock at Rectory Farm Road. Female Brimstone at St John The Baptist Church, Clay Hill. 1 Peacock & 1 Speckled Wood at Flash Lane, EN2. Male Brimstone & 2 Peacock at Hilly Field Park. Male Small White settled at Cook's Hole Road. 2 male Brimstone & male Orange-tip at Gordon Hill Station. Several Whites were left unidentified. The Orange-tip & Speckled Wood were both new for the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Wareside butterflies. Lovely day lots of butterflies inckuding my first orange tip Large white 3 Peacock 3 Comma 2 Small white 1 Brimstone 4 Orang tip male 1 Green veined white 1 [Posted by Phil macmurdie]
Ellenbrooke Fields. Probably double figure Peacocks out to day in the heat with Commas and a White sps [Posted by John Yates]
5 Species at Myddleton House Garden Enfield. The garden was full of flowers and there were many Green Veined Whites, Small Whites, Brimstones and Peacocks. I saw a lone Holly Blue also. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park. 2 Comma together at another private site near Trent Park. Female Brimstone nectaring on Dandelion near Duncan's Wd/Enfield Chase at 1247 BST [My first female of the year]. Male Brimstone at Ferny Hill Farm, Enfield. Male Brimstone & 1 Peacock at Rough Lot/Trent Park. 1 Peacock at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park. 1 probable Small White seen in flight along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three Bridges' Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Therfield Heath-Church Hill. I started the Church Hill transects today. The site is well protected from the current unusual strong ENE wind so most of it was less windy than it often is. A couple of Peacocks and a Brimstone recorded, with a few more of each on the walk in and out. Perhaps more interesting was a Small Tortoiseshell in my garden in Royston just before setting out. The Pasque Flowers (County flower of Hertfordshire) are about at their peak for this year on Church Hill, perhaps showing signs of the dry March, [Posted by Nick Keep]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Just as sunny as yesterday, but a chilly breeze kept the temperature down a bit, and also restricted the number of butterflies on my local patch. However, I still managed to find nine species, including one that I hadn't seen the day before: a female Holly Blue. The others were: Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood. It was obviously too chilly for Orange Tips! [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone at Trent Park. 4 Comma [1 at Trent Park & 3 at private sites near Trent Park], 9 Peacock [3 at Trent Park & 6 at private sites near Trent Park], male Small White settled on the ground by lower lake/Trent Park & male Green-veined White nectaring on Blackthorn blossom [a few inches from my nose] at a private site near Trent Park - both new for the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell outside Brickendon village. In this glorious spring sunshine I have seen the other hibernators in good numbers, so I had been keeping a special eye out for Small Tortoiseshell. Pleased to have spotted one holding territory amongst the cut maize stalks in the cover crop between Celtic Harmony camp car park and Monks Green Farm. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. Male Brimstone at a private site near Trent Park. At Trent Park - 3 male Brimstone, 2 Comma & 2 Peacock. Male Brimstone, 3 Comma & 4 Peacock along the 'London Loop' at Park Farm. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another glorious day on my local patch, and I managed to find just over 100 butterflies for the first time this year, with 10 species represented. These included the first Orange Tips of 2025 (none of which was prepared to stop, so in flight blurs were all I managed) and that increasingly rare sight, a Small Tortoiseshell. The overall tally was: Peacock 26, Brimstone 22 (18m, 4f), Comma 17, Small White 13, GVW 8, Orange Tip 5, Speckled Wood 5, Red Admiral 4, Large White 1, Small Tortoiseshell 1. A splendid day again. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone at Southgate. Male Brimstone at Chase Road/Charter Way, N14 bus-stop [TQ295951] at 1300 BST [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings Tunnel Gardens Bounds Green. Excited to see my first butterflies of the year today, 3 comma 3 brimstones and 1 pristine peacock in Tunnel Gardens TQ293914 [Posted by Miles Attenborough]
Plenty on the wing at Totteridge. On a walk along Folly Brook to Finchley Nurseries this afternoon I saw the following : 4 Peacocks, 1 Brimstone, 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Butterflies from wareside. Hi some sightings from wareside in rhe garden. Saturday 29th march Large white 1 Green veined white 1 Brimstone 5 Peacock 3 Small tortoiseshell 1 Comma 2 Red admiral 1 Hopefully a sign of things to come. [Posted by Phil macmurdie]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor (and Staines Moor). Lots of sunshine, but a cool breeze again today. There were good numbers of Peacocks, though, including several seen on the northern edge of Staines Moor as well as a selection on my usual wanderings. Overall, I counted 20, along with 4 Red Admirals, 3 Commas and 3 Brimstones. I also saw the male Large White spotted on two previous days, plus a female of the same species some way away. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Comma near Shaws Wd Cottages & male Brimstone near lower lake/Trent Park. 1 Comma & 4 Peacock at private sites near Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell. A second Small Tortoiseshell sighting for me today at Ickleford. Have IRecorded. [Posted by Phil Barron]
Brimstone sighting. Brimstone on canal towpath at Harefield, close to the Coy Carp pub - TQ04044 [Posted by Paul Field]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After the briefest spell of rain first thing this morning, the sunshine returned on my local patch - though there was a chilly breeze with it. Nevertheless, I found 19 butterflies today: 8 Peacocks, 4 Red Admirals, 4 Commas, 1 Small White, 1 Brimstone and 1 Large White (probably the one I'd seen on 26th, as it was in exactly the same spot). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Butterflies out in the Ayots. On a walk around the Ayots, near Welwyn Garden City, I recorded Comma, Peacock, Brimstone and Holly Blue. [Posted by John Yates]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. It was a gloriously warm and sunny afternoon on my local patch near Heathrow today and I found 45 butterflies also enjoying the weather. Peacocks have at last started to appear in decent numbers, and overall I found eight species including four new ones for 2025. The tally was: 21 Peacocks, 10 Commas, 5 Red Admirals, 5 Brimstones, and the newcomers were (one of each) Green-veined White, Large White, Speckled Wood and (a particular favourite of mine) a Holly Blue. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park. Male Brimstone, 2 Comma together & 2 Peacock at Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Tortoiseshell. Delighted to see a Small Tortoiseshell this morning in Hitchin, TL184283. I'm not sure I saw one at all last year. [Posted by Phil Barron]
'What's happened since the book? - 10 years of change' - with Andrew Wood. Our last Zoom presentation will be this Wed 26th. Details and zoom link here [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The sun emerged at lunchtime today as forecast and I had a look around my local patch near Heathrow. The butterflies were quick to respond as well, and I came across my first Small Whites of 2025. Overall, I counted 6 Peacocks, 4 Red Admirals, 4 Commas and 3 Small Whites. I think the sun arrived just too late in the day to rouse any Brimstones. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Comma at a private site near Trent Park & 2 Comma & 1 Peacock at Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Comma, Peacock & Red Admiral at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Comma & 1 Red Admiral at a private site near Enfield this afternoon & 1 Peacock at Trent Park. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hummingbird hawk moth. ...on daffodils in our Tring garden! [Posted by Colin Sturges]
Comma Muswell Hill. I saw a Comma twice today in my garden, it may have been the same individual. It stayed for around 20 minutes on the fence which gets late afternoon sun. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 2 male Brimstone, 3 Comma & 2 Peacock at private sites near Trent Park. 7 male Brimstone, 4 Comma, 2 Peacock, 1 Small White or Green-veined White & female Large White nectaring on Sallow by lower lake - my first of the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Comma at Oakwood Station. 1 Comma at Oakwood Station at 1429 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Whites in Fairlands Valley Park. Afternoon walk in the park yielded my first Small Whites (x3) of the year including one feeding on blackthorn blossom but did not stay still long enough for a photo. Also seen were 5 Comma, 4 male Brimstone and only one Peacock (expected far more). [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Comma & Red Admiral at Trent Park. 2 Comma together & 1 Red Admiral near Oakwood entrance/Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Orange Underwing at Trent Park. 1 Orange Underwing seen in flight & settled at 'Old Golf Course' Trent Park at 0956 GMT, photographed by Eugene Dillon-Hopper - our first for the year. Male Brimstone along the 'London Loop' path at Park Farm, Enfield. 1 Comma at a private site near Trent Park. Male Brimstone at Bramley Road, N14 at 1236 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After a series of cold and mostly cloudy days, there was more sunshine today (though it was actually no warmer). I set out hopefully around my local patch and managed to locate a Comma hunkered down low on the ground out of the chilly breeze. I also spotted two different Red Admirals, one by the River Colne and the other near the path down to Staines Moor. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Butterfly sightings Wareside. some sightings from wareside (TL396156) Monday 10th March 2025 Brimstone 4 (3 males and 1 female) Comma 2 hopefully the signs of a successful season. [Posted by Phil MacMurdie]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I counted 30 butterflies today on my local patch, making the most of the last of the warm sunny spell: 12 Brimstones, 10 Commas, 5 Peacocks and 3 Red Admirals. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield Town. Male Brimstone at River View, Enfield Town [TQ324968] at 1221 GMT & 1 Peacock at Carr's Basin, Town Park, Enfield [TQ323962] at 1231 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
2024: 'A Year of Surprises in Provence'. Did you miss our latest Zoom talk - with Roger Gibbons? It is now available to view on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5joNvy0Puw [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Fishers Field/ Bushey Hall golf course and a power station Letchmore Heath. Rick and myself took another look at Fishers Field on Saturday partly to take a look at pond activity as the frogs although late this year were just getting going favouring one of the ponds on the Bushey Hall golf course. As the weather was good it was reasonable to expect to see a few butterflies. The first Brimstone was seen towards the River Colne with a further 4 seen at Fishers Field and a further 2+ on the golf course. It was lovely to see my first Comma of the year also at Fishers Field and a further 5+ over the golf course. After we went over to Letchmore Heath in search of blackthorn. We trecked up the side of the Hare- Krishna temple towards the power station. We found a good patch of blackthorn there near the power station but only 2 BB Carpet moth eggs found no B Hairstreak eggs this year. The site has good potential for other species though as the sign indicates that a wildflower meadow is planned there! [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. More warm sunshine and more butterflies on my local patch, including my first Small Tortoiseshell of the year which gave me the runaround close to the River Colne near to the M25 spur to T5. Also seen were 12 males Brimstones (all except one were found before 1300), two Peacocks, two Red Admirals and three Commas. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Grovelands Park, Southgate. 2 male Brimstone & 3 Comma at Grovelands Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Major new study of butterfly declines. Brian Cassie has recently published a major new study on the decline of butterflies in north america. The major causes are pesticides, climate change and habitat loss. Many of you will know Brian is a regular attendee at our branch Zoom meetings. Read a summary of his findings on this link butterflies decline by 22% [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Tortoiseshell. Very gladdened to see my first Small Tort of the year in Lea Valley Country Park in the bramble down the railway track close to Cheshunt train station. 1 x Brimstone too. [Posted by Nicholas Barnett]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor and Staines Moor. With more sunshine and warmth, as well as a quick tour of my local patch I braved the mud and trekked down to Staines Moor. The weather of the last twelve months has made the path impassable without hefty wellies, but the recent sunshine has dried things up just enough to make it possible to get through with care in my walking boots.. I had hoped to see Small Tortoiseshells, but was out of luck and had to make do with just a couple of Brimstones. There were one or two on the way down as well, and I counted another five on my usual walk, along with two Commas. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone at Edmonton. Male Brimstone reported by Dobrina Dobreva at Cedars Court, Edmonton, N9 during the afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Brimstone at Forty Hall CP, Enfield. Helen Shore reports a sighting of a Brimstone at Forty Hall CP. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A warmer day with no frost overnight: the Brimstones in particular responded, and I recorded nine today around my local patch, including an obliging female. Also seen: two Commas, two Peacocks and a Red Admiral. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Comma at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13. 1 Comma flew around & settled on Conservatory roof at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 [TQ304927] this afternoon at 1446 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Balls Wood and Hertford. A Comma and Brimstone in Balls Wood and 2 male Brimstones clashing on Hartham Common, Hertford. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Brimstone & comma. Further to my previous report, the male brimstone in my Harpenden garden has now been joined by a very fresh-looking comma. [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Brimstone. Male brimstone in my garden today, first sighting of anything this year! [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Comma. There was a Comma this morning on the back wall of my South Mimms house. [Posted by Terence Wood]
Sighting from Stanwell Moor. Just one butterfly on my local patch today: a Red Admiral, the same individual as seen on 1st of the month in the same spot. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Butterflies in Hertford. A male Brimstone on Hartham Common, Hertford and a Peacock sitting on a sunny fence in our garden in Bengeo. My first butterflies bar one in Wiltshire last month. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Small Tortoiseshell. We had a Small Tortoiseshell yesterday (4/3/25) in our South Mimms back garden. [Posted by Terence Wood]
Woodberry Wetlands LWT - Brimstone. Pleasantly surprised to see my first Brimstone of the year. As well as 1 x Red Admiral. [Posted by Nicholas Barnett]
Batford Springs Nature Reserve, Harpenden. One Comma flying somewhat lethargically in the sunshine - my first sighting of 2025 [Posted by David Hunt]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The sunshine continues! A Comma and a Red Admiral seen on my local patch today, the latter butterfly being a different individual from those seen so far this year as it had the white spots of the bialbata variation (therefore likely to be female I believe?). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage. Early afternoon stroll in the park yielded my first butterflies of the year. Although only 10c there was brilliant sunshine and light winds prompting a male Brimstone to fly and a Comma to bask on the ground [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Brimstone braves the cold. Only 9? and the ice from the bird bath still frozen on the lawn: but the first male Brimstone of the year flew into our Harpenden garden this morning. Good numbers of honey and bumble bees - and a bee fly. [Posted by Alan Jackson]
Brimstone in my garden. Male Brimstone in my garden in St Albans at lunchtime for the second day running. On both occasions it carefully searched round the evergreen bushes near to the Purging Buckthorn, even flying into them, presumably searching for females. In contrast I walked 5 miles through countryside and didn't see any others. It would make sense for the overwintering sites to be fairly close to suitable foodplants. Also I have up loaded the video of last weeks hissing Peacock to the Herts & Middx BC YouTube channel [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Following what was possibly an even colder night, the temperature rose to close to 14 degrees by the afternoon on my local patch. I found four butterflies on my usual walk, including an immaculate Brimstone, a Red Admiral that may well have been the one seen two days earlier, plus two Commas - my first of the season. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock and Red Admiral. Sightings from Wareside Sunday 2nd March 2025 Peacock - 1 Red Admiral - 1 Disturbed from hibernation in ivy whilst clearing up a fallen tree. [Posted by Philip MacMurdie]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another glorious day following another frosty night in the Heathrow area. I found a Peacock close to where the M25 spur road crosses the River Colne (the first butterfly I've seen in this particular area this year) and then back nearer home I found a Red Admiral circling a sheltered spot that the species often frequents in the summer. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone. Wareside - TL396156 Brimstone - 2 [Posted by Philip MacMurdie]
Prestwick Meadows Brown Hairsteak egg return. We were hoping that we could turn the egg rescue return into an official branch event at Prestwick Meadows but it wasn't to be. Rick and myself went out this sunny afternoon and tied in those stems with eggs on. Each stems were either left with the original markers and tied in but with the ones marked with plastic and a couple of the wool ones we decided to remove and remark. The plastic was removed to save removing later and environmental reasons. The yellow wool was also removed on a couple of the eggs returned. The reason for this was possible restrictions for a hairy caterpillar to cross. All eggs are marked and have GPS locations recorded. We shall look forward to relocating the returned eggs at Prestwick Meadows to find out how many hatched and hopefully discover if any actually make it to a bud. All the GPS locations will be sent to Liz Goodyear to log into the survey. A special thanks to Rohan Harris who located a good number of these rescued eggs in the first sweep at Prestwick Meadows. [Posted by Peter Fewell]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another Brimstone today on my local patch, flying strongly in the midday sunshine after another chilly night. A little later, a Red Admiral made an appearance in a sheltered spot close to the River Colne. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another male Brimstone seen today in the sunshine, despite lowish temperatures. [Posted by Dave Miller]
My first sighting this year. St Albans - Red Admiral on the Gorhambury Estate at lunchtime. Four Peacocks still hibernating in my shed. One waking up today, opening it’s wings and hissing at me [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
First Red Admiral of the year in Northaw. On cherry blossom [Posted by Sam fuller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After the overnight rain, the sun shone strongly around lunchtime and on a walk around my local patch near to Stanwell Moor and the M25 I managed to find three Brimstones, a Red Admiral and a Peacock. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock at Park Farm, Enfield. 1 Peacock at Park Farm near Duncan's Wd/Enfield Chase [TQ286984] - seen in flight & settled from 1157 to 1200 GMT - my first butterfly of the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Brown Hairstreak egg search South Oxhey. Following last years egg rescue at Prestwick Road Meadows, we (Pete Fewell and myself) went back yesterday to see what had been done and where we could return the eggs, there were plenty of viable places, and the ones we had left were still in place. Now we're just waiting for the go-ahead to put them back. After slopping through the mud there, we went to slop through some different mud at South Oxhey Playing Fields. After a while, as the light was getting worse Pete managed to find one egg at TQ10270 93844. Today we carried on, this time a look at Fishers Field, but we had no luck there. Next to it is a former Golf Course that has a good border of blackthorn, so we set to work searching. After a few moth eggs, I finally spotted one that we had missed last year, as It had a hole and had hatched. Then I came upon one that hadn't, after a couple of rubbish photos and looking through Petes extra magnifying lens, we concluded that it was actually a Brown hairstreak egg, though a little smoother than usual at TQ12654 97292. At least we found another at a new location, we carried on till we got fed up with the cold. Roll on Spring! [Posted by Rick vickers]
My moth journey - Liz Goodyear. Maybe a better description is 'My Moth Adventure' but our next free Zoom presentation is this Wednesday evening (5th) at 7.30 - Full details can be found here: https://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/winter-zoom.php. [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Merry Hill Brown Hairstreak survey. It was fantastic to have a good crew to join us for the Brown Hairstreak egg hunt. Our egg search today started with a mini egg rescue. It is unheard of for Rick and myself to arrive as early as we did but for once there were no traffic issues to pick Rick up. We took a look at stems of Blackthorn that were snipped out but laid near by the area where I photographed the last seen adult on 1st September 2024. A single egg was found on these snipped out stems which was returned by Rick to living blackthorn. A few more eggs were found in this area not far from the entrance and meeting point. We then had a quick check on the grazed blackthorn where I was fortunate to see a female egg laying last year. We came to the conclusion that without any eggs found there that any were far from fortunate. We then moved into the area where we had sighted the males last summer and looked for the double egg found and marked Saturday. From there we managed to find the majority of the eggs. Curiously this area of Merry Hill's hedge boundaries has an uncanny resemblance to Prestwick Meadows if viewed on google maps in shape and direction? In total 22 Brown Hairstreak eggs were found including those originally located on Saturday and 8 Blue-bordered Carpet moth eggs.
After the event finished Rick and myself searched the path from our starting point down to Oxhey Lane we had no success in the grazed area. Just outside the grazed area we found some promising looking blackthorn. However despite our efforts only 1 more egg was found on the bottom field nearest Oxhey Lane [Posted by Peter Fewell & Rick Vickers]
Grove Farm Nature Reserve - London Borough of Ealing. I met with Anna and Mike, Trustees of Grove Farm Nature Reserve today to have look at the site and see whether we could find any Brown Hairstreak eggs! An adult was seen there last summer and I wanted to follow this up with a site visit. The site is lovely, and well worth a visit (just a short walk from Sudbury Hill Underground (Piccadilly line). There is not a vast quantity of blackthorn/prunus but every bush had eggs on - in total 42 (corrected) eggs were found in less than an hour (three of us were looking although this was Mike's first time) There were multiple eggs on single stems and at least one double. We started off in rain, which was hard work but then the sun came out and it was even harder so a very satisfactory result! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Brown Hairstreak. One Brown Hairstreak egg found at Leavesden Country Park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
First Butterfly of the year for me.. Red Admiral through my High Wych garden lunchtime today. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Brown Hairstreak at Leavesden Country Park. One Brown Hairstreak egg found at The Horse Field Leavesden country park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Brown Hairstreak. One Brown Hairstreak egg found at Warners Brothers studios Leavesden. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Brown Hairstreak egg hunt and training morning at Horsenden Hill. A brilliant recording effort this morning at Horsenden Hill despite the cold, dull weather! Weather conditions were however perfect for seeing eggs though! Ten people joined us and over a 2 hour period we found 74 eggs, with 3 eggs being found within a short distance of the carpark - a great start! The site is vast and there is plenty more blackthorn to be searched! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Brown Hairstreak at Fryent country park. With permission granted, 64 Brown Hairstreak eggs rescued from areas due for cutting back at Fryent country park. [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Red Admiral in Dorset. Seen on 2 January in Broadstone . Warming up a bit this week with some probable sunshine so maybe worthwhile searching for it [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Further observations from today's Brown Hairstreak egg survey. There were several double egg finds - see photos. Malcolm checked the hedge trimming around the field systems and they were all carried out following the agreed rotation with the land managers! [Posted by Chris Hankinson & Malcolm Hull]
Branch Winter Event at Stafford Road Open Space.. 10 of us assembled in sub zero frosty conditions, including 6 rookies for training in the delicate art of Brown Hairstreak egg hunting. The forecasted sun that we had banked on failed to appear but thankfully the temperature rose sufficiently to thaw the frosty foliage to make the task in hand possible with a total number of 28 eggs found with all the newcomers finding at least 1 egg so mission accomplished on that front. The event included a walk about the area highlighting the various 'hot spot' clearings and the location of master ash trees where adults roost and assemble enabling folk to return on their own come the flight season. It turned in to quite a social event as there were people from different local groups exchanging plenty of useful local butterfly and conservation chit chat. No one left early despite the gloomy cold weather and everyone said they had an enjoyable time. See you same place in August for the flight season walk. PS There will be another training/survey event next Sunday 19th at Horsenden Hill if you missed today [Posted by Nick Furtek]
Columbia...Home to 20% of the World's Butterfly Species by Ian Small. Did you miss our Zoom presentation last night? Well we recorded it so you can now watch it or watch it again to see the amazing photographs of Colombian butterflies - it will definitely brighten up your day ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7cfzGco8GM. [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Brown Hairstreak eggs. Over the last couple of weeks Brown Hairstreak eggs found at Roxbourne Park (17). Moat mount open space (1). Arrandene open space (10). [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Beat the Winter blues!. With our programme of free Zoom talks. Starting this Wednesday 8th January with 'Colombia - home to 20% of the world's butterfly species' - Ian Small. Full details are here & note earlier start time: https://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/winter-zoom.php. Alternatively you can join us on one of our Brown Hairstreak survey mornings starting on Sunday 12th January . Anyone can come but please book (in case we have to postpone), remember to wrap up warm, wear wellies (everywhere is muddy!) & bring a hand lens. Full details are here: https://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk/winter-events.php [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Happy New Year. Hopefully better weather in 2025 for more butterflies than last year. Changes forthcoming on website for year change [Posted by Peter Clarke]