First of 2025 season

On the afternoon of 3rd April, WoodChip volunteers carried out the first butterfly transect of the season in Chipstead Valley. Under bright, mostly sunny skies with a gentle breeze and mild temperatures around 15°C, conditions were ideal for spotting early spring species. The valley was beginning to stir with new life, and the numbers the team recorded were a big improvement on last year's figures for this stage.
A total of 47 butterflies were observed across the transect. Leading the count were 28 Peacock butterflies, basking in the warm patches of sunlight. 10 Brimstone butterflies added vibrant flashes of yellow to the hedgerows. Also noted were 5 Comma, 3 Green-veined White, and a solitary but welcome Small Tortoiseshell.
It was a rewarding start to the monitoring season, with volunteers buoyed by both the fine weather and the variety of sightings.

Click on the butterfly names for more info from Butterfly Conservation.

Survey by Brian G, Liz North, Duncan Jennings, Graham H and Graham K submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS). ​Report by GK & AI.