As part of the Ash Die-back Disease management, a new path was cut into the chalk above Hill Road. Over the years Buddleia has extensively colonised this new space. Two years ago we cut the Buddleia back in early Spring, to encourage flowering. This, and the exceptionally warm and dry weather, has meant there was an incredible number and variety of butterflies feeding there and in the near by grasses, in early July.
We counted 21 species: Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Green-veined White, Large White, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Dark Green Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Brown Argus, Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Marbled White and Hummingbird Hawkmoth (obviously a moth).
The numbers of Red Admiral, Peacock and Comma were particularly numerous with 50 to 60 individuals present for each species. At times it felt like being in a butterfly house.
More photos from the 10th July Butterflies on the White Path
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