And finally …

BG did the 26th and final butterfly transect of the year on Tuesday morning. The weather was a return to summer heat, with clear skies and a wind that was light at first but strengthened during the walk. Although the conditions were ideal, the seasonal drop-off in butterfly numbers continues, so that this week’s total count was 12 from 8 species.
 We saw 3 Clouded Yellows, bringing their 2026 total to a magnificent 56 – we recorded 5 in 2022 and then none until 2026. 2 Speckled Woods were seen (our first since early August), plus our first Brimstone (not a Clouded Yellow!) since July. 
Following on from last week’s sightings of a Muntjac and Roe Deer etc., this week’s offering is a solitary Slow Worm heading for cover in Fames Rough.
 As anticipated, this year’s total count of 6,769 is our second highest compared to last year’s 7,140. This is entirely due to us missing 3 transects over the season, whereas we walked all 26 last year. Otherwise 2026 would have topped the charts.
So, while the butterflies may now be disappearing for the winter, the figures leave us with plenty to celebrate – and perhaps a tantalising thought about what next season might bring.

​Count details
3 Clouded Yellow
2 Small Copper
2 Speckled Wood
1 Brimstone
1 Brown Argus
1 Meadow Brown
1 Small Heath
1 Small White

Count summary
12 butterflies from 8 species.

If you would like to know more about any of the butterfly species mentioned, 
​visit ​butterfly-conservation.org

Final flutterings of 2026

Clouded Yellow, Hither Field

Speckled Wood, Coneyboro Hill

Tattered Meadow Brown

This week's survey by Brian Gardner submitted to 
​Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).
​Report by GK, BG & AI. Header photo of Small Heath by Duncan Jennings.
​Other photos by Brian Gardner.