Ainsdale Dunes - 26th July

The plan was this was going to be the trip when the Helleborines were in full flower and it did not disappoint. Both Dune Helleborine and Green-flowered Helleborine were in excellent condition, especially on the edge of the Scots Pine forest where it joins the sand dunes. Marsh Helleborines were still in flow in the area nearer the beach. Also found some Round-leaved Wintergreens and Grass of Parnassus. In terms of butterflies there were Dark Green Fritillaries, Gatekeepers, Grayling, Peacocks and Common Blues. The bonus was a Red Squirrel which famously occurs here.

Dune Helleborine

Dune Helleborine

Dune Helleborine

Green-flowered Helleborine

Green-flowered Helleborine

Green-flowered Helleborine

Marsh Helleborine

Round-leaved Wintergreen

Grass of Parnassus

Grayling

Speckled Wood

Peacock

female Dark Green Fritillary

Red Squirrel

Arnside Knott & Myers Allotment - 24th July

Although I was unsuccessful in finding any High Brown Fritillaries at either of these sites, there was more than adequate compensation in observing and photographing some of the more common local butterflies.

Small Copper

Small Copper

Small Copper

male Common Blue

Speckled Wood

Peacock

Common Green Grasshopper

Ainsdale Dunes - 21st July

Ainsdale Dunes is fast becoming one of my favourite places to look for orchids, butterflies and all types of wildlife - it is incredibly diverse in terms of habitat and every visit produces something new. This time it was the turn of the Marsh Helleborines to be in full flower although they can be surprisingly difficult to spot. Dune Helleborines are also now in flower and are best found on the dunes alongside the pine forest. Graylings were also on the wing with some fresh Gatekeepers. Other flowers include Grass of Parnassus, Water Mint and Purple Loosestrife.

Marsh Helleborine

Marsh Helleborine

Dune Helleborine

Dune Helleborine

Grass of Parnassus

Purple Loosestrife

Water Mint

Grayling

Grayling

Grayling

Arnside Knott - 15th July

My first visit to Arnside Knott in Cumbria resulted in an early morning Ringlet.

female Ringlet

Small Skipper & Essex Skipper - 14th July

An excellent opportunity at Horseshoe Plantation to compare Small Skipper with Essex Skipper by getting up close and taking some photos. The pictures were mostly taken before 9.00 a.m. when it was cooler and hence the butterflies were less prone to spend time on the wing whizzing around.

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper

Small Skipper

Small Skipper

Small Skipper

Small Skipper

Small Skipper

Small Skipper

Fore Wood - 13th July

Another visit to Fore Wood near Crowhurst, this time early in the morning in the hope of seeing a Purple Hairstreak low down before they move higher up towards the top of the Oak trees. Just as I was about to give up a female landed next to me on some bracken and briefly settled before flying off. The Silver-washed Fritillary numbers are starting to slowly climb. Also found some pristine Peacock, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Ringlet and Comma.

Comma

Male Beautiful Demoiselle

Female Beautiful Demoiselle

male Gatekeeper

Green-veined white

Peacock

Peacock

Female Purple Hairstreak

Female Purple Hairstreak

Female Ringlet

Male Silver-washed Fritillary