Closing in on a second-highest total

 The weather was forecast to be warm for Monday (14th Sept) and GH, LN and BG were set for a 10am start but as the damp gloom was slow to clear, we delayed the start until 11.50. But even then, the cloud persisted until we were well into our walk around. It was, however, very humid and oppressive despite the temperature being only around 23 degrees. The conditions obviously suited the butterflies, because their numbers were slightly up on the last couple of transects, even for this late stage in their flying season when we’d expect a rapid fall-off in numbers.
To date in this season, we’ve counted butterflies from 35 species across our site, and of these it’s worth mentioning that the previously rarely recorded Clouded Yellows have been seen for the past 8 weeks, giving us an exceptional total of 51. Also still flying are the Small Heaths, who opened their season on 22nd April, Meadow Browns on 20th May, and Small Whites on 24th June.
​With only two remaining transects before we finish the present season, the total count stands at 6,730 and, unless there’s a totally unexpected surge in butterflies, this year should be our second highest count (the top score being 2025’s 7,140).

Count details
17 Small Heath
13 Common Blue
7 Brown Argus
5 Meadow Brown
4 Clouded Yellow
4 Small Copper
3 Small White
2 Speckled Wood
1 Brown Hairstreak

​Count Summary:
56 butterflies from 9 species.

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

Before and after the rain in section 12 (Barn Field)

Brian Gardner

Graham Kenward

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