Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch
Saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. The very welcome cool rainy weather these last few days has meant that butterflies were more or less grounded for a while, so when I went walking in the woods yesterday morning I decided to instead casually look for a White Admiral pupa. No easy endeavour for sure but after some effort checking many Honeysuckles, I got very lucky and actually found one, easy to access and at perfect eye level - a great treasure for sure. I took photos of the pupa and could see it was nearly ready to emerge. I checked in on it every few hours and after lunchtime today it decided that the time was right. I didn't want to use any bright flash photography and because my aging DSLR camera is currently out of action, I stood alone in the woods (rain, wind and shine) with my trusty camera phone whilst also holding up a shaving mirror - to generate some soft reflected sunlight. The entire spectacle lasted just under two hours, all the while Song Thrushes and Wrens performed the soundtrack. Finally after the box fresh White Admiral had built up enough warmth in the dappled sunlight they took their first flight, promptly landing on my shorts; pausing briefly then effortlessly disappearing off into the woods. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Painted Lady at Trent Park. 1 Painted Lady settled, edge of Moat Wd/Trent Park this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood. At Bramley Rd, N14 'bus-stop shelter' - 3 Riband Wave & 1 Treble Brown Spot. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Edmonton. 1 Meal Moth in subway/underpass near North Middx Hospital & 2 Small White & 1 Treble Brown Spot at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Forty Hall CP, North Enfield, Gordon Hill Station & Southgate. At Forty Hall CP, Enfield - female Large Skipper. At Archery Wood, Enfield - 1 Comma - my first of the 'summer brood'. At Guy Lodge Farm, Enfield - 1 Painted Lady & 1 Cinnabar. At private sites in North Enfield - 2 Brown Argus, male Large Skipper, 27+ Painted Lady, 8 Small Heath, 2 Orange Beauty [Commophila aeneana] - one 'faded' & one 'fresh', several Cinnabar & 1 Silver Y. At Whitewebbs Park - 2 Green-veined White. At Gordon Hill Station - 2 Riband Wave & 1 Treble Brown Spot. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Common Marbled Carpet & 1 Riband Wave. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Rivers Orchard and fields Sawbridgeworth TL473145. Mid-Afternoon, cloudy but just about enough brightness to cast a shadow, 1 Small Copper, 3 Common Blue (inc a "Blue form" female), 2 Holly Blue, 4 Painted Lady, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Marbled White (ffy), 1 Meadow Brown (ffy), 8 Small Heath. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Much more comfortably cool today near Heathrow, but good amounts of hazy sunshine and plenty of butterflies. The highlight of the day was that the new brood of Commas (f. hutchinsoni) had chosen today to appear. Meadow Browns outnumbered Painted Ladies now as numbers of the latter appear to be gradually declining as they move north. A few new Red Admirals appeared to be mixed in with them, frequenting the same bramble bushes. One other point of interest was a Brown Argus with anomalous spotting on the underside. Today's count included 12 species: Meadow Brown (61), Painted Lady (36), Small Heath (29), Common Blue (13), Holly Blue (11), Brown Argus (10), Red Admiral (8), Comma (5), Large Skipper (4), Small White (4), Speckled Wood (3), Large White (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Many early dates are now recorded for many BC branches after this very warm dry Spring and after seeing the post from yesterday I thought I would check my local patch for an early White Admiral. I had two brief encounters, the same individual I think. Challenging with just a camera phone but great fun trying to predict which Bramble blossom will go to and waiting for them. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Henry Foundation Lake, Widford. First Marbled White this year [Posted by Mike Harris]
Mad Bess Wood, Ruislip. Butterflies seen were 3 White Admiral; 7 Meadow Brown and 1 each of Comma and Painted Lady. [Posted by Dick Middleton]
Sightings at Southgate, Oakwood Park & Boxer's Lake, Enfield. 1 Common Emerald at Dalrymple Close, N14 this morning - my second record this month, indicating that this species has emerged early this year. At Oakwood Park [0740 to 0830 BST] - 1 Common Blue & 9 Painted Lady. 1 Speckled Wood at Boxer's Lake, Enfield. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Meadows around Brickendon. After a couple of short walks today around the meadows in the now cooler weather. Painted Lady (25), Comma (1), Holly Blue (4), Large Skipper (6), Common Blue (4m/2f), Speckled Wood (2), Meadow Brown (10), Small Heath (15) and the highlight - Small Tortoiseshell (1). Moths: Cinnabar (2), Silver Y nectaring on Bramble blossom (1). [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Large White caterpillar on Garlic Mustard. Last instar caterpillar of Large White feeding on Garlic Mustard (= Hedge Garlic) in Harpenden. Also seen, 1 Holly Blue and 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by David Hunt]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Today was forecast to be the last of the May heatwave weather, and temperatures peaked locally at 30 degrees. I decided to attempt an accurate count of the butterflies along my usual route in the morning (before things became too hot). I ended up with a total of 212 butterflies from 13 species - the highest count so far this year: Painted Lady (64), Meadow Brown (48), Small Heath (39), Brown Argus (22), Common Blue (19), Large Skipper (5), Holly Blue (5), Large White (3), Speckled Wood (2), Red Admiral (2), Small White (1), Brimstone (1), Small Copper (1). The Painted Ladies really were a sight to see, taking advantage of the knapweed that is just coming into flower, plus the ox-eye daisies and the large areas of brambles. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Branch walk at Stafford Road Open Space. The following butterflies were observed: 1 Brown Argus; 10+ each of Common Blue; Meadow Brown and Small Heath; 4-5 each of Painted Lady; Speckled Wood and Holly Blue; 3 each of Small Copper and Large Skipper and 1 Small Skipper. The moths seen were Cinnabar; Garden Grass-moth; Meadow Grass-moth; Burnet Companion; Straw Dot and Six-spotted Burnet [Posted by Dick Middleton]
Branch Butterfly Walk in Heartwood Forwst. Around 50 Small Blues and similar number of Common Blues on today’s branch walk. 25 of us set off in two parties led by Andrew Steele and myself. Most of the Small Blues were in valley Field, focussed on the patches of Kidney Vetch seeded by the branch ten years ago. But both foodplant and Small Blue can now be found across the field. Small Blues were also found near the Scout Hut and at the Airfield. Other species included Brown Argus, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Burnett Companion, Silver Y, Brimstone, Cinnabar, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Yellow Shell plus caterpillars of Peacock and Spindle Ermine moth. Best ever total of Small Blues from a branch butterfly walk at this (and probably any other) site [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blue. Brief visit to Bourne End services and on slip road saw a male Small Blue, three Painted Lady, at least four Common Blue and a Burnet Companion moth [Posted by Paul Busby]
Therfield Heath. Bob Clift and I paid a late morning visit to Therfield Heath on the eastern side, yielding several butterflies in the warm sunshine but only occasionally settled long enough for decent photos. Even when they settled the wings were often closed to avoid the heat of the sun. The Small Heath and the Adonis Blue were the most common. Several Painted Lady were seen on the bramble bushes but the most thrilling sighting for both of us was one of the now 'rare' Small Tortoiseshell. Overall totals: Small Heath (50+), Adonis Blue (30+), Painted Lady (20+), Red Admiral (3), Small White (3), Brimstone (3), Holly Blue (3), Common Blue (3), Brown Argus (2), Orange-tip & Small Tortoiseshell. [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Cheshunt Park. Late morning, fairly brief but 100% sighting of my first for year and earliest ever White-letter Hairstreak over the park Elms, also 2 Holly Blue and 3 Painted Lady. [Posted by Laurence Drummond]
Sightings at Trent Park, Oakwood & Enfield. At Bramley Rd, N14 - 1 Treble Brown Spot at bus-stop shelter. At Trent Park - male Large Skipper edge of Rough Lot, 10 Painted Lady & 1 Small Copper by lower lake. At private sites near Trent Park - male Common Blue, male Large Skipper, 4 Painted Lady & 1 Brown Silver-line - my first of the year [FOY]. Also, 1 Four-spotted Chaser - my first of the year [FOY]. I did not count Meadow Brown or Small Heath today. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A cooler day at last, with just hazy sunshine, so I spent a few hours out on my local patch near Heathrow. Over the last week or so the variety of species found has changed a bit. As has been seen everywhere, it now includes numerous Painted Ladies! I suspect the last of the Orange-tips have gone now, but instead there are Meadow Browns and Large Skippers. Today's Mix: Small Heath (34), Meadow Brown (26), Common Blue (18), Painted Lady (14), Holly Blue (12), Brown Argus (10), Large Skipper (5), Speckled Wood (3), Small White (2), Red Admiral (1), Small Copper (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Common Emerald at Southgate. 1 Common Emerald at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon [1340 to 1505 BST] - 2 Holly Blue & 1 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings in Muswell Hill. A Small Tortoiseshell visited my garden around 7pm as I was watering the garden, it landed on a few oxeye daisies. By the time I dashed for my camera it had gone. This is a rare sighting these days. I saw my first of year Large Skipper today on my Alexandra Park transect. I also saw 6 Painted Lady, including 4 together. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Treble Brown Spot at Southgate. 1 Treble Brown Spot near front door at Dalrymple Close, N14 this evening - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Blues at Hillbrow Letchworth. Five Small Blues at Hillbrow, Letchworth plus two Painted Lady [Posted by Patricia Clegg]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Brown Argus, 5 Common Blue, 7 male Meadow Brown, 1 Holly Blue, male Large White, 4 Painted Lady nectaring on Bramble blossom & 21 Small Heath, 1 Brimstone Moth, 1 Burnet Companion & 1 Maiden's Blush - my first of the year [FOY]. Male Brimstone at Rectory Farm Rd, 1 Holly Blue at Strayfield Rd, EN2, 3 Large Skipper [2 along Jubilee Path/London Loop at Bay Farm & 1 at Brooke Wd], 3 Painted Lady [2 at Rectory Farm & 1 at Hilly Fields Park] & 7 Speckled Wood [3 at Brooke Wd & 4 at Strayfield Rd, EN2]. 1 Riband Wave at Gordon Hill Station - my first of the year [FOY]. Also, 9 Beautiful Demoiselle [male at a private site near Trent Park & 8, 5 males & 3 females at Hilly Field Park] - my first of the year [FOY]. At Bay Farm along 'Jubilee Path'/London Loop - 1 Silver Y. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Painted Lady influx. Painted Lady abundant in the Gilston/Hunsdon area of E Herts this morning, utilising almost every possible food source - dogwood, dandelion, ox-eye daisies, creeping cinquefoil and fox dung were those I noted. Most were in concentrations rather than scattered singles, e.g. ten in Gilston Churchyard, where there was also a brief Hummingbird Hawk-moth. Also in the same area were male Meadow Browns at four locations, a Large Skipper near Briggens, Mother Shipton near Lord's Wood and Brown Argus at two sites - including oviposition on Cut-leaved Crane's-bill near Allen's Green. [Posted by Colin Everett]
Meadow Brown on Halsey Field. I was surprised to see what I expected to be a Speckled Wood fluttering along a rather shady path, turn out to be a Meadow Brown when it settled. Isn't this rather early? No photo, sorry, but the eye spots were clearly visible. [Posted by MRS CHRISTINE RIDLEY]
Meadows around Brickendon. Having just returned from seeing beautiful Swallowtails in the Norfolk broads I am surprised to see as many Painted Ladys around here as I did there. 5 seen on a short walk around the meadows, some deliberately choosing Ox-eye Daisy and other preferred Knapweed. Large Skippers have now made an appearance here with 4 seen. 3 Holly Blues were seen on the new Bramble blossom and many Common Blues seen on the wing. Small Heath and Speckled Wood seen also. I suspect 2 Mother Shipton were seen but too hot to chase them down for a photo. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Small Blues on Clothall Common. After a bit of searching I found two Small Blues on Clothall Common, west of the A505 Baldock bypass. Several Common Blues were on the wing here and small numbers of Brown Argus and Small Heath were seen, along with a few whites and Cinnabar Moths and Burnet Companion Moths. However, the commonest butterfly was Painted Lady, with at least 30 seen, many feeding on the abundant Oxeye Daisies. There appears to have been a significant influx (from Europe?) in the last week - I had a couple in my Royston garden as well. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Painted Ladies in Muswell Hill. This week I have seen a half a dozen Painted Lady on my road, where we have Valerian in many of our front gardens. They have also been seen in increasing numbers in Alexandra Park. I hope it’s going to be one of those years. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park [1100 to 1210 BST] - 21 Common Blue including several females, 4 Holly Blue, 1 Large Skipper - my first of the year [FOY], male Meadow Brown - my first of the year [FOY], 9 Painted Lady, 1 Small Copper, 3 Small Heath, 3 Speckled Wood including two together & 1 Burnet Companion. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton [1400 to 1505 BST] - 2+ Holly Blue & 2+ Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Peacock caterpillars in St Albans. Spotted a Peacock nest on my allotment this afternoon. Caterpillars quite active in the heat. Unlike the few butterflies saw, which were all hiding in the shade! Holly Blues started flying again in the garden after the sun disappeared at 6.30 pm [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Small Blue - Grass Vetchling. Small Blue nectaring on Grass Vetchling. Well away from the Kidney Vetch @ Heartwood Forest. Recorded on iRecord. [Posted by Ian Carle]
Sightings at Oakwood Park & Grovelands Park, Southgate. At Oakwood Park [1030 to 1125 BST] - 12 male Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue,1 Small Heath, 1 Alabonia geoffrella, 1 Burnet Companion & 3 Silver Y. At Grovelands Park [1135 to 1320 BST] - 5 Holly Blue, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Small Heath & 7 Speckled Wood. Also, Emperor Dragonfly - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Ruby Tiger at Southgate. 1 Ruby Tiger freshly emerged at lighted window near front door at Dalrymple Close, N14 this morning at 0100 BST - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Even hotter today locally, and my walk was shorter and the butterflies harder to find. One exception was the Small Heath which appeared even more numerous than it had been the day before. I only counted 12 species today, but one of them was another first for the year - a fresh male Meadow Brown. None of today's Painted Ladies were as vibrant as yesterday's but with four seen altogether, they definitely seem to be on the move again. Other species seen: Common Blue, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Small White and Green-veined White. Dave [Posted by Dave Miller]
Blue Sunday. Heartwood Forest - I visited all 4 areas with Kidney Vetch and saw a total of 67 Small Blues. Interestingly several individuals were well away from the breeding areas, including two males taking salts at the dog pond. However they were out numbered by 91 Common Blues. Surprisingly only one Brown Argus. Other butterflies included Brimstone, Green-veined White, Large White, Orange-tip, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Copper, Small Heath and Speckled Wood. Most of the Painted Ladies looked very fresh, possibly a sign of a new immigration - all those I have seen until now have been faded or “grey” Day flying moths included Burnet Companion, Cinnabar, Grass Rivulet, Six-spot Burnet, Silver Y, Small Yellow Underwing and Treble Lines [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Southgate. 1 Red Admiral at Chase Road, N14 this morning at 1155 BST & 2 Holly Blue [1 at Chase Road, N14 & 1 at Southgate Chase Allotments]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Blue Butterfly in my Harpenden garden. Pleased to get a Small Blue butterfly in my garden for the first time after I planted kidney vetch the last few years [Posted by Jamie Brown]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A hot day again near Heathrow (often the warmest place in the UK in this kind of weather). I went out early and found the butterflies still active before it became really warm. A mating pair of Small Coppers was a high point, as was a fresh Speckled Wood and a relatively fresh Painted Lady (which was no larger than the Speckled Wood). I also had a glimpse of a Large Skipper (my first here this year), but it was supercharged in the sunshine and didn't stop for a second. Approximate totals today: Small Heath (25), Brown Argus (25), Common Blue (25), Holly Blue (22), Green-veined White (5), Small White (4), Red Admiral (4), Large White (3), Small Copper (3), Painted Lady (3), Brimstone (2), Peacock (2) Orange-tip (1), Speckled Wood (1), Large Skipper (1) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Grovelands Park, Houndsden Gutter, N21 & Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park [1000 to 1045 BST] - 3 male Common Blue, 1 Green Hairstreak [rather worn] - my first of the year [FOY], 4 Holly Blue, 2 Small Copper, 2 Burnet Companion - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Cinnabar, 1 Orange Beauty [Commophila aeneana] - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Yellow Shell - my first of the year [FOY]. At Houndsden Gutter, N21 - 3 Speckled Wood including two together. At Grovelands Park [1105 to 1300 BST] - 2 male Common Blue, 3 Holly Blue, 1 Painted Lady flew NE, 7 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper & 4 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Adonis Blues Flying on Therfield Heath. Not surprisingly, the hot weather has brought out the first generation of Adonis Blues on Therfield Heath. I saw at least 10 males on the wing on Church Hill this morning, alongside a few Common Blues (paler blue wings). Also seen were a few Small Heath and Brown Argus, as well as a single male Brimstone during a brief visit. Following the grass cutting in 2025 it was good to see lots of Horseshoe Vetch flowering here. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. 2 Holly Blue at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Red Admirals in Highgate Cemetery. During my transect I saw a couple of Red Admirals my first for the year at the cemetery ( West side) sparring with each other and Speckled Woods. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Hillbrow Letchworth Sightings. At about midday several (5+) Small Blues (TL205320), one very battered Small Copper, Holly Blues and Common Blues in reasonable numbers. [Posted by David Crawford]
Sightings at Trent Park, Monken Hadley Common & Covert Way LNR. At Trent Park - 3 Small Copper, 2 Small Heath together, 2 Chimney Sweeper - my first of the year [FOY] & 5 Alabonia geoffrella. At Chalk Lne, Cockfosters - 1 Holly Blue. At Covert Way LNR - 1 Holly Blue. At Monken Hadley Common - 2 Brimstone [male & female], 2 Green-veined White, 2 Orange-tip [male & female], 1 Red Admiral & 1 Holly Blue. At Bramley Rd, N14 - male Common Swift - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - female Brimstone, male Brown Argus, 1 Holly Blue, 12 Small Heath, 1 Small White & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Large Yellow Underwing at Edmonton. 1 Large Yellow Underwing in subway/underpass near North Middx Hospital this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - male Common Blue, 1 Green-veined White, 10 Small Heath & 1 Nettle-tap - my first of the year [FOY]. Also, 1 Cream-spot Ladybird - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this morning [0900 to 1000 BST] - 1 Hedge Beauty [Alabonia geoffrella] - my first of the year [FOY] at TQ300951, 1 Small Heath at TQ301951 & also, female Broad-bodied Chaser at TQ304952 - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Meadows at Brickendon Village. The nearby meadow which under a countryside stewardship scheme is currently blossoming with Vetch, Red Clover, Buttercups and Oxeye Daisy. During the sunny spells today Common Blues, and Brown Argus can be easily found in the meadow, Small Heath and Small Copper are sprinkled around the adjacent mown areas. Today they were joined by a hungry Painted Lady and a Holly Blue female, all seen nectaring on the Vetch. I am keeping an eye out for a Large Skipper but none seen yet. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Brown Hairstreak larva. Brown Hairstreak larva found using uv light at Hampstead Heath extension [Posted by Rohan Harris]
Butterfly Walk at Shrubhill Common today. In spite of rather cold and very overcast weather, we did see two Dingy Skippers on the common today together with a Common Blue, a Cinnabar moth and two unknown moths. Thank you to the patient and sharp-eyed attendees! [Posted by CHRISTINE RIDLEY]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The sunshine today round my way only lasted until about 1030, but a few butterflies took advantage of it. Most notable among them were three more Green Hairstreaks, found in two of the three areas I've seen them occupying so far this season. Today's list: Holly Blue (11), Small Heath (10), Brown Argus (9), Green Hairstreak (3), Small Copper (2), Green-veined White (1), Large White (1), Common Blue (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Grovelands Park & Southgate. At Grovelands Park, Southgate [1150 to 1430 BST] - 4 Common Blue [3 males & 1 female], 2 Small Copper, 2 Small Heath & 3 Mother Shipton. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Yellow-barred Brindle - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton [1435 to 1605 BST] - 2 Holly Blue, 1 Small Heath & male Small White. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Coppers. A break in the clouds allowed me to do my Alexandra Park transect this afternoon, I only got just enough sunshine. Not much flying, pleased to see a couple of Small Coppers about and great that the Knapweed is finally coming into bloom. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Butterflies in Queen Elizabeth 2 memorial garden Regents Park. I visited this recently opened garden in cold windy and showery weather today. Butterflies were the last thing I expected to see, however in a brief sunny interlude I saw a Small Copper and three Common Blues in the meadow area with lucerne and various grasses. The garden is beautiful and worth a visit. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Enfield. At a private site near Trent Park - male Brown Argus - my first of the year [FOY], female Small Copper & 2 Small Heath. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1245 to 1315 BST] - 2 Common Blue [male & female] & 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
TfL Verge monitoring- Hillingdon A40. Bright morning sunshine so monitored the TfL road verges along the A40. This is part of a four year monitoring project and these low mow verges with cut and collect methods in place are showing good results. A variety of grasses and wild flowers observed and a good selection of butterflies recorded which included a Small Heath, a female Common Blue, some Small Coppers, Holly Blue, Peacock, Orange-tips, Green-veined White and a Small White as well as a Small Yellow Underwing moth. An impressive list as the adjacent Gutteridge Wood and Meadow transect produced less butterflies and only 3 Species. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After another very chilly start, it was a glorious sunny morning on my patch near Heathrow. The Holly Blues in the area nearest home kept me entertained first - there seem to still be fresh examples emerging all the time. Out on the grassy areas, Brown Argus, Common Blues and Small Heaths are the main participants at the moment, but Small Coppers are always around and today yet another Green Hairstreak appeared, though it was a bit worn. There was also a fresh female Large White, a species that has been almost absent this year so far. 13 species altogether today: Small Heath (14), Brown Argus (13), Holly Blue (13), Common Blue (11), Small White (6), Peacock (3), Orange-tip (3), Small Copper (3), Speckled Wood (1), Green-veined White (1), Brimstone (1), Large White (1), Green Hairstreak (1) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Waterford Heath joint branch walk with HMWT. The weather forecast was far from favourable, so we were not optimistic of finding any Grizzled Skipper this morning - as it turned out we had a lot more sunshine than we expected. We were joined by HMWT staff members Anna and Iain so with attendees - 14 people in total. This was an advantage as we had many sets of enthsiatic eyes. We selected the most sheltered areas on the north pit between the slope on the east side from the seat to the far end and were absolutely thrilled to find 11 Grizzled Skipper, there could have been more but we were trying to not over count. Also seen were at least 5 Brown Argus, 2 Small Copper, 1 Common Blue, a Green-veined White & Large White as well as a Brimstone, Painted Lady and at least 1 Holly Blue. Anna and Iain also explained about the recent management of the site that the branch had been involved with and future plans. A truly excellent morning! [Posted by Liz Goodyear & Andrew Wood]
Northwick Park Hospital. A brief look at flower beds around Northwick Park Hospital and in a brief sunny spell, a male Common Blue perched on flowers [Posted by Paul Busby]
Branch walk - Hounslow Heath. An enjoyable nature walk through Hounslow Heath and onto Feltham Marshalling Yards looking at butterfly habitats and food plants with expert local knowledge from Pete Gore. Six brave souls completed a 3 hour walk in cool breezy weather conditions. Butterflies few and far between with an unidentified White and Speckled Wood on edge of Heath with a brief glimpse of a Small Copper and a Speckled Wood at the Marshalling Yards. Nice to see a female Mandarin Duck with 5 ducklings along River Crane with a couple of Banded Demioselles. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After a morning down on Salisbury Plain seeing slightly more exotic stuff, I spent the afternoon back on my local patch. There was plenty to see here, including three species that hadn't appeared in Wiltshire. Highlights today here were a mating pair of Common Blues, a courting pair of Painted Ladys (behaviour I'd not witnessed before in this species) and an unusually marked male Orange-tip with a black "eyebrow" over the forewing eyespot. Today's totals: Small Heath (19), Brown Argus (12), Holly Blue (11), Common Blue (10), Orange-tip (8), Brimstone (5), Peacock (4), Small White (4), Small Copper (4), Red Admiral (3), Painted Lady (3), Green-veined White (2), Comma (1), Speckled Wood (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
First Brown Argus record on Parkland Walk Site. On my transect at Parkland Walk Transect at the Highgate end in the wildlife reserve I was pleasantly surprised to see a Brown Argus. My first of year and the first record on that site. Record phone shot isn’t great but submitting as evidence! [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings at Grovelands Park & Southgate. At Grovelands Park [1240 to 1510 BST] - 8+ Holly Blue, 1 Small Copper, 6 Speckled Wood, 2 Cinnabar & 1 Mother Shipton - my first of the year [FOY]. At The Bourne, N14 - 1 Holly Blue. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Painted Lady. At Ivy Road Recreation Ground - 1 Painted Lady. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Trip to Hatfield Quarry (private site). Just a single Dingy Skipper again today, though I did manage a better photo. Fresh Common Blues(13) all males, accompanied by equally fresh Brown Argus (5). There’s been a small migration in the last few days. I saw 3 Painted Lady - 1 still in migratory flight hurtling NE at speed. Also a single Silver Y. Other species on the wing included Small Heath (4), Small Copper (1), Brimstone (1), Small White (4), Orange Tip (7), Large White (2) and Green-veined White (3) [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 5 Small Heath, 3 Speckled Wood, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Silver Y - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Cinnabar [FOY]. At Rectory Farm - 2 Brimstone [male & female], 2 Small White, male Orange-tip & 1 Holly Blue. At Strayfield Road, EN2 - female Brimstone. At Flash Lne, EN2 - 1 Holly Blue. At Hilly Fields Park - 2 Holly Blue. At Gordon Hill Station - 1 Figure of Eighty - my first record of this species & 1 Small Dusty Wave [FOY]. At Enfield Town Station - 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Another calm cloudy day alternating between cool and warm haze. Spent a peaceful lunchtime hedge walking looking for interesting resting insects, with plenty found and photographed. I found caterpillars for a Copper Underwing and a Drinker moth. Butterflies seen on the wing just along the tracks were Painted Lady (2), Holly Blue (2) laying eggs on Dogwood, Small Copper (3 including 1 ab. caeruleopunctata = blue marks on hindwing), Speckled Wood (1). [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A bit chilly this morning, but there was some sunshine around initially so I did a quick circuit of my local patch. After seeing so many in April, it seemed strange not to find a single Peacock during the walk. However, I did find 12 other species: Holly Blue (14), Small Heath (8), Orange-tip (4), Green-veined White (4), Brown Argus (4), Speckled Wood (3), Small Copper (3), Small White (2), Common Blue (1), Brimstone (1), Red Admiral (1), Painted Lady (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Oakwood. 1 Waved Umber at bus-stop shelter at Bramley Road, N14 - my first of the year [FOY]. 2 Painted Lady & 1 Small White at private sites near Trent Park this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 5 Small Heath - my first of the year [FOY],1 Painted Lady, 2 Green-veined White & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath. Had a wander around Waterford Heath with Helen Bantock. Started on the north pit in an anti-clockwise direction and in total encountered 6 Grizzled Skipper (scattered around the site), with a further 2 on the South Pit. Also seen were several Holly Blue, 2 Orange-tip, 5 Brown Argus including a mating pair, 2 Painted Lady and a Cinnabar and Treble-bar moth [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A blanket of low cloud sat stubbornly over my local patch almost all day. However, there was enough solar radiation coming through the cloud to keep the Painted Ladies active. I found six today and there were likely more hiding down in the grass. In rare bright moments a few other butterflies appeared. Totals today: Painted Lady (6), Small Copper (4), Orange-tip (3), Brown Argus (2), Small Heath (2), Red Admiral (2), Common Blue (1), Holly Blue (1). There was also a brand new Burnet Companion moth. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Angle Shades at a private site near Trent Park this morning - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Brimstone Moth at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
White-letter Hairstreak Caterpillars. Cool and cloudy today so didn't look for butterflies but it was good weather to look for caterpillars and other interesting insects. Whilst my daughter went on her scooter around Barclay Park Hoddesdon I managed to find White-letter Hairstreak caterpillars on the very first low hanging Elm tree branch I searched, which was a nice surprise. Even though I forgot my glasses I still found 5 without much difficulty, which is very encouraging. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Whippendell Woods Bluebell butterfly walk. When we arrived we did get some sunny intervals and before the walk started Rick spotted a male Common Blue. We did try and find it once the walk got under way but sadly the rest of us including me missed it, Rick did get a photo though. We found a few people that were in the wrong location eventually and all that attended seemed to enjoy the walk although it went quiet due to the overcast conditions. I didn't see any Holly Blues but Rick sighted one. We did get to see about 5 Orange-tips, 1 Speckled Wood, 1+ Red Admiral, Green-veined White certainly 2 as in the photo's. The female was having none of the males advances! There were a few more white butterflies seen that were unidentified. Although not as good as last weekend we had a better count than last years spring walk. It was great to have Chris Newman with us who does all the great transect work over at Bricket Wood. The bluebells were still holding on although going over in a few places they were at their peak a couple of weekends back as they started flowering early this year. The coral root that was in full flower last weekend had practically gone but we did find the last remnants of flowers. We thank and hope all that attended enjoyed the walk and sorry if we missed anyone trying to find us. [Posted by Peter Fewell/Rick Vickers]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Another sunny and warm day in my part of the world - at least until the rain arrived late afternoon. In a lengthy walk around my local patch I started somewhat unusually with a Painted Lady, two Green Hairstreaks and three Small Coppers. The highlights later in the walk were brand new Common Blues and Brown Argus. The totals seen today: Holly Blue (23), Small Copper (12), Orange-tip (11), Brown Argus (10), Green-veined White (5), Peacock (5), Common Blue (3), Speckled Wood (3), Small White (3), Brimstone (3), Green Hairstreak (2), Red Admiral (2), Painted Lady (2), Comma (2), Small Heath (1). I also saw my first Mother Shipton moth of the year. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. At private sites near Trent Park - male Common Blue - my first of the year [FOY], 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 4 Speckled Wood. At Trent Park - 1 Green-veined White at Williams Wd, 1 Peacock by lower lake & 2 Speckled Wood [1 along Leeging Beech Gutter near Water Grdn & 1 near Equestrian Centre]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Green Hairstreak. Green Hairstreak found today (02/05/2026) by Neil Anderson while leading a LNHS field meeting on Poor's Field, Ruislip, Grid Ref TQ086895. (also submitted on iRecord Butterflies). [Posted by Richard Middleton]
Sightings at Southgate, Trent Park, Enfield & Edmonton. At Dalrymple Cose, N14 - 1 Holly Blue. At Trent Park - 2 Speckled Wood along bridle-path near Equestrian Centre. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 male Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, 3 Holly Blue, 3 male Orange-tip, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral & 1 Speckled Wood. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton - 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
arrival of Brown Argus and Small Heath. I walked the quarries, Rickneys and South and North pits at Waterford Heath. 11 Brown Argus at Rickneys my first this year and 2 Grizzled Skippers of note. On North Heath I saw 6 Grizzled Skippers, 3 Brown Argus and also Cinnabar moth of note. On South Heath Grizzled Skippers 5, best of the year there and well spread out. 3 Small Heath, my first of the year and also 5 Brimstones. Moths had Cinnabar, Latticed Heath and Silver Y. [Posted by steve kiln]
Small Tortoiseshell King's Mead. 1 Small Tortoiseshell Park Mead, King's Mead near Hertford [Posted by Alex Lewis]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton [1615 to 1700 BST] - 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip & 2 Red Admiral together. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings. 2 Green Hairstreaks and a single Small Blue on the perimeter footpaths of the old Butterfly World site, Chiswell Green. [Posted by Clive Burrows]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I wasn't able to go out and enjoy today's sunshine until after four, but the walk was worth it, as I found examples of three new species for the year in the space of around an hour - Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Heath. Overall numbers seen in the late afternoon sun: Peacock (18), Holly Blue (18), Orange-tip (14), Green-veined White (12), Small White (5), Small Copper (4), Red Admiral (4), Brimstone (2), Brown Argus (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Speckled Wood (1), Common Blue (1), Small Heath (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 male Brimstone, 1 Comma, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Holly Blue, male Large White, male Orange-tip, 4 Peacock, female Small Copper & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Painted Lady at Brickendon. One very timid Painted Lady seen this sunny lunchtime, resting briefly in the meadow then back on the wing in this moderate ESE breeze. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Sightings at Oakwood Park. At Oakwood Park this afternoon [1215 to 1305 BST] - 3 Brimstone [2 males & 1 female], 7 Holly Blue & female Small Copper apparently egg-laying. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. On a very windy but warm and sunny day, I ventured out onto my local patch in the afternoon. White butterflies were being blown around like confetti, but the many Holly Blues seemed to have more control by hugging the hedgerows. A Small Tortoiseshell was flat on the path until it was suddenly energised into accosting a nearby Peacock. I guessed that the low numbers of his own species meant that in the absence of females, the next best thing was a butterfly from the same genus. After that unusual interlude, the highlight was my first Painted Lady of the year. Totals this afternoon: Holly Blue (21), Peacock (12), Orange-tip (12), Green-veined White (9), Small White (6), Brimstone (5), Red Admiral (4), Small Copper (3), Speckled Wood (3), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Painted Lady (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small Heath and other Butterflies in Royston. Three Small Heath butterflies were seen today in a field at Greys Farm in Royston and another was seen on Therfield Heath (Old Rifle Range). At least three Brown Argus were seen in a field close to my home in south Royston. Also seen in the area today were Holly Blue (lots), Orange-tip (lots), Green-veined White (a few), Brimstone (a few), Peacock (a few) and single Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral. I haven't seen any Comma butterflies locally this spring. [Posted by Martin Johnson]
Sightings at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon - 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip,1 Red Admiral & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Dingy Skipper at Hatfield. Single Dingy Skipper at private site in Hatfield today [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Green Hairstreak - Hounslow Heath and Feltham Marshalling Yards. In preparation for the 10th May walk, a visit to Hounslow Heath was rewarded with numerous Small Coppers, Orange-tips. Brimstones. Peacocks, Holly Blues, Speckled Woods, Green-veined Whites and a single Green Hairstreak. Onto Feltham Marshalling Yards, similar butterfly species plus a Cinnabar moth, with the highlight of seeing three Green Hairstreaks including a pair around Hawthorn and Oak. [Posted by Paul Busby]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Gave the tracks around the local woods a go this lunchtime instead of the usual meadows. Many Peacocks still guard the tracks but they let me pass by. I found a Small Copper feeding on Dandelion and she promptly went about egg laying on a Broad-leaved Dock plant which was barely surviving on the dry dusty track, two eggs placed only an inches apart. Seen on the wing - Green-veined White 1 (pictured), Red Admiral 1, Large White 1, Speckled Wood 2, Orange-tip 2, unidentified Whites 8. (Also seen on the track - Glow Worm larvae 1). [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Perseverance. Missing photos [Posted by steve kiln]
Perseverance pays off. I returned to Rickneys Quarry off Sacombe Road Hertford after disappointing visits last week. As i descended into the quarry there were 3 Grizzled Skippers almost immediately and 2 more at the bottom. Also 2 Small Coppers, 2 Peacock and 2 Green-veined Whites. Need to come soon as area drying up and wild strawberry almost over, They did not hang around last year. Will try and download photos later. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park - male Brimstone, 1 Green-veined White, 4 Orange-tip [3 males & 1 female], 2 Peacock & male Small Copper. At Bay Farm along 'London Loop' - female Brimstone, 3 male Orange-tip & 1 Peacock. At Brooke Wd, Enfield - 1 Speckled Wood. At Rectory Farm, Enfield - male Brimstone, 1 Holly Blue, male Orange-tip & 2 Small White. At Strayfield Rd, EN2 - 1 Holly Blue. At Flash Lne, EN2 - 1 Red Admiral & 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Small Coppers. Pair of Small Coppers seen at Norton Green Stevenage during warm sunny morning [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings at Southgate & Enfield Town. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Holly Blue this morning. At Town Park, Enfield - male Brimstone along New River near Carr's Basin this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath. Quick safari around Waterford Heath today started at 1.30pm and left around 3pm. Plenty of small dogwoods around and coming into flower soon which made finding a Holly Blue busy egg laying easy enough, 3 seen. This Small Copper (FFY) was seen fiercely defending the skies of a path from all comers, the path down to the Eastside of the pond in the North Heath. I wasn't too focused on Grizzled Skippers but I did see 3 near said pond and 3 on the east bank in the South Heath so 6 in total. Others seen on the wing Brimstone 3, Orange-tip 2, Peacock 3, Green-veined White 1. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Whippendell Woods. A lovely sunny afternoon with Rick Vickers in Whippendell Woods finally kicked off the butterfly season for me. After parking up by Rosebarn lane we had already clocked up a good tally of Holly Blue along with a few other butterflies before we entered the woods. It was neck and neck with Holly Blue and Orange-tip at the end with 29 of each sighted. With both of us sighting Holly Blues before we left home over 30 seen. 13 whites seen were unidentified with a few likely to be female Orange-tip they would probably just topped 30. Other butterflies seen Brimstone 5+, Large White 2. Green-veined White 3, Peacock 12, Red Admiral 2, Comma 1, Speckled Wood 6. [Posted by Peter Fewell/Rick Vickers]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Green Hairstreaks topped the bill again on my local walk near Heathrow today. I found a little colony very close to the M25, and saw a minimum of four individuals. I first saw one fly out of the hedge at low level, and then the Small Copper I'd been following disturbed two more. A Holly Blue then did the same with another. I managed to get reasonable shots of two of these. Overall numbers on the walk, in glorious warm sunshine: Orange-tip (21), Holly Blue (17), Peacock (13), Green-veined White (13), Small White (7), Brimstone (6), Red Admiral (6), Speckled Wood (4), Green Hairstreak (4), Small Copper (2), Large White (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - female Brimstone near Sports Field, 1 Holly Blue at 'New Fields', male Large White edge of Moat Wd, 2 male Orange-tip [1 near Oakwood entrance & 1 near Cockfosters entrance], 7 Small Copper [6 at 'New Fields' & 1 near Water Grdn] - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Speckled Wood at Snakes Lne. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Brimstone [male & female], 1 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue, 2 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell - my first of the year [FOY], 6 Orange-tip [5 males & 1 female] & 1 Small White. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hexton Chalk Pit. I visited late morning and saw about 4 Brimstone, 1 Speckled Wood, 1 Orange-tip and 3 Dingy Skippers which were fast flying & I had to wait some time to get my photo. [Posted by Phil Barron]
Sightings from Church Hill, Therfield Heath. A nice hour in the sunshine 2.30-3.30pm with a lovely fresh Brown Argus, 2 Small Coppers, Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Peacocks, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Holly Blue, 3 Orange-tips and 5 Brimstones. Day-flying moths included several male Emperors checking me out as I must still have pheromones on me after using the lure three weeks ago, plus female Muslin Moth, several Elachista argentella and most surprisingly a Small Purple-barred, seemingly Herts' earliest ever by a week. [Posted by Andy Symes]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The wind was gentler today on my local patch, and after another very chilly start the temperature rose rapidly around lunchtime. I found yesterday's Green Hairstreak again, sitting in the same spot, and discovered another Small Copper once again occupying a territory used by its ancestors over many previous years. Orange-tips and Holly Blues once again dominated the sightings here today: Orange-tip (24), Holly Blue (23), Peacock (17), Green-veined White (16), Small White (10), Brimstone (6), Red Admiral (6), Small Copper (2), Comma (2), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Speckled Wood (2), Large White (1), Green Hairstreak (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
second time lucky. I decided today to walk most of the Rickneys gravel pit to look for Grizzled Skippers in particular. I got there at 11am, it was a lovely sunny day but still the cold east wind was blowing. Temperature about 14. There were large patches of wild strawberry flowers and swathes of common storksbill but no Grizzled Skippers. The highlight were three Small Coppers and a Mint Moth. This site used to be so good. I thought it was probably too cold and popped back after lunch and found only one Grizzled Skipper, but a newly hatched one. Maybe they will come out once the cold east wind stops as this site is very exposed from the east wind. In contrast I went to Waterford Heath North which is more protected from the wind, and saw 6 Grizzled Skippers east of the pond . That is the place to go. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 1 Green-veined White, 1 Holly Blue & male Orange-tip along bridle-path near Merryhills Brook, 1 Speckled Wood at Icehouse Wd, 1 Green-veined White at 'Old Golf Course', 2 male Orange-tip together & 1 Peacock edge of Moat Wd. At private sites near Trent Park - 1 Green-veined White, 2 Orange-tip [male & female], female Large White, 1 Small White, 2 male Brimstone, 1 Peacock & 2 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I only had a relatively brief window for a local walk today, which was a shame as it was warming up nicely and the annoying wind was starting to drop. However, I managed to squeeze in some good sightings, including another Small Tortoiseshell, one of the Small Coppers seen a few days ago, and the icing on the cake, another Green Hairstreak. This one was a male, and I found it nowhere near the female I'd seen on 21st (or indeed the locations of any of my 2024 and 2025 sightings). Eleven species seen today, despite the brevity of my walk. Orange-tip (23), Peacock (15), Green-veined White (10), Holly Blue (7), Small White (4), Brimstone (3), Speckled Wood (3), Comma (1), Small Copper (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Green Hairstreak (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Palmers Green, Edmonton & Southgate. At Aldermans Hill, Palmers Green, N13 - 1 Holly Blue. At Statham Grove, N18 - 1 Holly Blue & male Orange-tip. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton - male Brimstone & 1 Comma. At Silver Street Station - 1 Holly Blue. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 1 Holly Blue. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Waterford Heath south. Spent over 2 hours walking (my watch recorded 2.3 miles) around the south pit, with absolutely NO Grizzled Skipper sightings. The nearest thing seen was 2 Pyrausta aurata. A HMWT work party was on site, working on the east slope, but I was told that the only one they had seen was whilst they stopped for lunch over on the other side of the pond. Somewhere, in the past I have tended not to look. Only highlight was a Comma, my first for the year! (Please, everyone keep looking at the south pit, as we need the records including negatives) [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath north. Visited this afternoon, for the first time since Grizzled Skippers were reported this year and spent just under 2 hours searching. I was delighted to find 7 after a slow start. First was at the far end of the area between the pond and conifers and as I walked back, I saw another which flew up and clashed with a third individual. I then walked slowly around the pond by the track towards the north end of the pit and found two more well apart on the area just before the northern gate on the east side. I checked the other side of the track but nothing was seen, but then returned to the cliff area where I found one, not seen on my previous search there and to my surprise as I walked up the track to the seat, I encountered one more. All sightings were very brief but definite! Also encountered was a Pyrausta aurata and what I think was a manic Silver Y moth. Otherwise, I just followed bees and flies! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
grizzled skipper etc.. I saw my first Grizzled Skipper in Rickneys Quarry this afternoon.. I was unable to find any though on the South Heath at Waterford Heath but I had plenty of Orange-tips and Green-veined Whites and my first Holly Blue and Speckled Wood all there. [Posted by Steve Kiln]
Sightings at Enfield. At private sites near Trent Park this morning - female Brimstone [my first female of the year], 1 Comma, 2 male Orange-tip, male Small White & 2 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. It seems at the moment that every time I wander round my local patch near Heathrow there is always something new and/or interesting to report. Today was no exception! After watching a lovely female Holly Blue laying on dogwood, I decided to look at some other areas where Small Coppers have appeared in the past. No Small Copper, but down on the new grown vetch plants I found a female Green Hairstreak. I saw the first of this species here in 2024, and in 2025 I counted just four, all widely separated. Today's butterfly was not too far from one of those. After that excitement, I saw another Small Tortoiseshell too. Seen today in all: Orange-tip (12), Red Admiral (10), Peacock (10), Holly Blue (10), Green-veined White (8), Small White (5), Brimstone (3), Comma (2), Large White (1), Speckled Wood (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1), Green Hairstreak (1). No Small Coppers today, and overall numbers were down in the chilly wind and diminishing sunshine. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At a private site near Trent Park - 1 Speckled Wood & 1 Green-veined White. 1 Small White near Brooke Wd. At Strayfield Rd, EN2 - 2 male Orange-tip, 1 Peacock & 1 Red Admiral. At St John The Baptist, Clay Hill - male Holly Blue settled. At Flash Lane, EN2 - 2 Orange-tip [male & female], 1 Green-veined White & 1 Speckled Wood. At Gordon Hill Station - male Brimstone. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Southgate. 1 Peacock this morning at a private site near Trent Park. 1 Lunar Marbled Brown at ASDA Southgate this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Distinctly chilly again first thing, but a local walk before the sun disappeared was productive. A third Small Copper appeared (yesterday's pair were around again as well), and two Small Tortoiseshells - the extensive nettlebeds by the River Colne seem to be a suitable habitat for them as well as the many Peacocks. Orange-tips were the most frequently seen butterfly of the morning. The totals seen today: Orange-tip (22), Peacock (12), Holly Blue (10). Green-veined White (7), Red Admiral (6), Small White (4), Speckled Wood (3), Small Copper (3), Small Tortoiseshell (2), Comma (2), Brimstone (1), Large White (1). I also spotted half a dozen Silver-Y moths, and with the increase in the number of Red Admirals, I suspect there may be some immigrants arriving so will be on the lookout for Painted Ladies in the coming days. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A cool sunny morning became distinctly hazy by the end of the afternoon. The butterflies were a bit slow to appear today on my local patch near Heathrow, but they did include my first Small Coppers of the season (appearing a week earlier than last year). They were a long way apart, but both were occupying territories used by their forebears in previous years. Sightings today: Peacock (22), Orange-tip (20), GVW (13), Holly Blue (13), Brimstone (8), Small White (7), Comma (5), Speckled Wood (5), Red Admiral (4), Small Copper (2) [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At Glenbrook wetlands, Lonsdale Drive, EN2 - 1 Speckled Wood this morning. At Chase Green, Enfield Town - 1 Holly Blue & 1 Green-veined White. At Chase Green Grdns, Enfield Town - male Holly Blue settled. At River View, EN2 - male Orange-tip. At Town Park, Enfield - 1 Speckled Wood. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Grizzled Skippers at Waterford Heath. This morning, one towards the northern end of the east bank of the south heath and two individuals (in view at the same time) on the north heath between the pond and the east bank [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Large White on Harpenden Common. Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Holly Blue, Peacock, Comma and Speckled Wood on Harpenden Common this afternoon. [Posted by David Hunt]
Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath. Popped into Waterford Heath today before the big shop. Whilst I scoured the East bank of the South Heath from the path hoping for a sighting, my daughter who is seven went with her mum to do a loop around. I didn't see any Grizzled Skippers the entire walk (very dry) but my daughter was extremely smug as she had found one basking amongst a large patch of Ground Ivy, SW side near the small exposed steel pipe. Mum helping to provide the photographic proof. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Clouded Yellow. Whilst walking my transect today at Greenwood Park I was very surprised to see a Clouded Yellow flying in my first section. I didn’t get a photo as it wasn’t settling much, but definitely a Clouded Yellow. Is this very early? [Posted by Mandy Floyd]
Sightings at Enfield, Edmonton & Southgate. At a private site near Trent Park - male Orange-tip & 1 Speckled Wood. At Statham Grove, N18 - 1 Holly Blue, 1 Green-veined White, male Orange-tip & 1 Speckled Wood. At Tanners End Lane, N18 - male Brimstone. At ASDA Southgate - 1 Holly Blue. At Southgate Chase Allotments - 2 Holly Blue together. At Dalrymple Close, N14 - 1 Holly Blue. My first sightings of Holly Blue this year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Grizzled Skippers. I walked my transect at South Heath Waterford Heath and saw a small butterfly on the purple ground ivy after settling twice I realised it was a Grizzled Skipper. There was plenty of wild strawberry on the south heath but in exposed positions. This was a nice sheltered area from the north wind near the steps up in the middle. With optimism I went to the North Heath, which is under renovation but in a scrubby area to the west of the pond near the wood I spotted another Grizzled Skipper, quite flighty. I got no pictures of either one. Saw both about 2pm. [Posted by steve kiln]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A mixed bag weatherwise today near Heathrow, with a bright warm morning, a cloudy afternoon and the a fine end to the day. Butterflies were around early and late, with the morning being mostly Holly Blues and the early evening Orange-tips going to roost. Numbers seen today: Orange-tip (19), Peacock (14), Holly Blue (13), Green-veined White (10), Small White (6), Comma (4), Speckled Wood (3), Red Admiral (2), Brimstone (2). I found a Green-veined White laying on hoary cress (and an Orange-tip was doing the same thing close by). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Trent Park & Enfield. At Trent Park - 2 male Orange-tip [1 at Shaws Wd & 1 near Shaws Wd Cottages] & 1 Speckled Wood at Icehouse Wd. At a private site near Trent Park - 1 Small White. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Some spells of intermittent sunshine today locally after a drizzly start - not cold, but the warmth of the sunny spells was tempered by a cool breeze. However, there were a lot of butterflies around, and all eleven of the species I've seen here this year made an appearance. In particular, Holly Blue numbers rose dramatically - good news after two comparatively poor seasons. Orange-tip numbers were high too, a new set of Red Admirals were occupying the favoured spot, and another Small Tortoiseshell appeared today. The totals: Peacock (34), Orange-tip (31), Holly Blue (25), Green-veined White (14), Brimstone (12), Small White (11), Speckled Wood (4), Comma (4), Red Admiral (3), Large White (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings at Enfield. At Enfield Rd, EN2 - male Orange-tip & female Small White. At private sites near Trent Park - male Brimstone, 1 Comma, male Orange-tip, 3 Peacock & 1 Painted Lady at Hog Hill/Vicarage Farm - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
UKBMS 2025 results. How did our butterflies fare in 2025? Check the results from the UKBMS here [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Peacock at Enfield. 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park this morning. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. It felt warmer today, but the very limited sunshine only came in short bursts in the afternoon. It was enough to bring out a few dozen butterflies on my local patch near Heathrow. Holly Blue (7), Orange-tip (7), Peacock (6), Small White (4), Green-veined White (4), Brimstone (3), Large White (1), Speckled Wood (1), Red Admiral (1), Comma (1). The Holly Blues were the most noteworthy with half a dozen appearing within a minute or two of home, including a mating pair. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock at Enfield Town Station. 1 Peacock at Enfield Town Station at 1537 BST - seen from the train carriage. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After a few chilly days away in Devon with very few butterflies, I returned to my local patch near Heathrow and a sunny morning with quite the opposite. Seen today: Peacock (31), Orange-tip (18, inc. 4 females), Green-veined White (15), Small White (10), Holly Blue (8), Brimstone (6), Comma (3), Speckled Wood (2). One of the Holly Blues was a beautiful new female. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Painted Lady!. Just seen a fresh Painted Lady, two Holly Blue and a Peacock in a garden in Berkhamsted. [Posted by Sue Taylor]
Sightings at Enfield. At a private site near Trent Park - 1 Speckled Wood, 2 male Orange-tip & 1 Green-veined White - my first of the year [FOY]. At Bay Farm along 'London Loop' - 1 Peacock & 1 female Orange-tip. At Brooke Wd - 1 Speckled Wood. At Flash Lne, EN2 - 1 Peacock. At Hilly Fields Park - 2 male Orange-tip. At Enfield Chase Station - 1 Lunar Marbled Brown - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Millhoppers Reserve footbridge Opening. This morning saw the official opening of the new footbridge at Millhoppers Reserve. This was also the unveiling of a plaque to the memory of John & Margaret Noakes, the first wardens of the reserve. Event attended by branch committee members, reserve wardens, volunteers, plus family and friends. [Posted by Chris Hilling]
Orange Tip in Chelsea. I had a random and unexpected sighting of a Male Orange-tip on the Kings Road this afternoon during a brief window of sunshine when the wind dropped momentarily. i record used. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A warm morning locally, with hazy sunshine until the middle of the day. It obviously wasn't good enough for the Brimstones today as I saw none (by contrast they were flying till gone five yesterday afternoon). However, they were made up for by the abundance of Peacocks, and by the welcome appearance of a single Small Tortoiseshell. Today's totals: Peacock (39), Orange-tip (11m; 2f), Green-veined White (10m; 1f), Small White (5); Holly Blue (2m; 1f), Speckled Wood (3), Comma (2), Small Tortoiseshell (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Northaw sightings. Brimstone, Peacock, Holly Blue, Orange-tip and Small Whites in the garden today [Posted by Sam Fuller]
Sightings at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, Pymmes Park, Edmonton & Southgate. 1 Peacock & 1 Small White at Broomfield Park, Palmers Green, N13 this morning & male Orange-tip & male Brimstone at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon. 1 Double-striped Pug at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Pair of Orange-tips. Lots of Orange-tips around Great Gaddesden today - including this pair [Posted by Paul Cross]
Sightings at Enfield, Trent Park & Edmonton. At private sites near Trent Park - 2 Peacock, 2 Orange-tip [male & female] - my first of the year [FOY] & 1 Comma. At Trent Park - 1 Peacock near Obelisk, male Brimstone, 1 Comma & 13 Adela reaumurella settled on Hornbeam leaves in clearing in Rough Lot - my first of the year [FOY], 2 Orange-tip [male & female] near Water Grdn, male Brimstone & 1 Peacock along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three Bridges' & male Brimstone at Williams Wd. At Pymmes Park, Edmonton - female Small White & 1 Comma & several other white sp [probably Small White]. At Warwick Rd, N18 - 1 Peacock. At Church Street, N9 - female Large White - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Merry Hill and more. Taking advantage of a fine day, I decided to go on a long walk following the blackthorn from Merry Hill and other local places, where the Brown Hairstreak has been seen, and we've returned the eggs, and, also, to satisfy my curiosity of a few footpaths as well. Starting from Attenborough Fields, where there isn't any, but I did see 1 Brimstone and 1 Peacock. Then to Merry Hill where its everywhere, and I saw 10 Peacocks, 3 Commas, 16 Brimstones, 13 Orange-tips, including a mating pair, and 6 Speckled Wood. Exiting there I came out by Carpenders Park nursery, and down Little Oxhey Lane where there is a good scattering of blackthorn along the hedges. Crossing the rail line, via the bridge, across the road and there was the footpath that goes in the direction too Hatch End. I didn't go that far, just to Prestwick Road Meadows. Our ribbons and returned twigs with BHS eggs are still there. Also, 5 Speckled Wood, 1 Brimstone, 6 Orange-tips, 1 Peacock, and an unknown White. Back out the way I came in, and on to Oxhey Woods, 1 Brimstone, no blackthorn seen but it could be around the edges, I went through the middle. There was plenty of honeysuckle, so must go and have a look for White Admirals there one day - been saying that for a while now... Finally through the woods and on to South Oxhey Playing Fields, but it was getting on and nothing seen there. Past Hampermill Lake and Farm, and more blackthorn, unfortunately it gets cut regularly here. Then to the Ebury Way and 3 Speckled Woods. Through Riverside Park and Watford Fields and home. That was a long walk, I probably won't be doing it again for a while, but it was fascinating to see these places linked up - in a very green way that you wouldn't really expect from Watford. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Couple of firsts on Knebworth transects. My firsts of the year for Speckled Wood and Orange-tip in and around Norton Green Common in mid afternoon plus a nice Green-veined White in Wintergreen Wood, Knebworth Park [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Speckled Wood. Speckled Wood seen outside Main Hide at Lemsford Springs [Posted by Rose Newbold]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Wall-to-wall spring sunshine today and an unsurprisingly enthusiastic response by my local butterflies. Numbers were more than twice those of any previous day, and nine species were seen: Peacock (35), Brimstone (14), Orange-tip (11), Green-veined White (8), Speckled Wood (8), Comma (4), Small White (3), Red Admiral (1), Holly Blue (1). The abrupt emergence of the GVW to outnumber the Small Whites was notable, as was the large number of Peacocks. They were everywhere and my count might well have been an underestimate. After my comment yesterday, the appearance of the Holly Blue was very welcome. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock at Edmonton & Brimstone at Southgate. 2 Peacock at Edmonton this afternoon [1 at North Middx Hospital & 1 at Park Avenue, N9] & male Brimstone at Dalrymple Close, N14 this afternoon. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First 4 Transects completed. The weather was finally favourable to do my transects, so I completed all 4 today, clocking up 7 miles. Species seen : Speckled Woods, Brimstone, Small White, Peacock. Photo is of Speckled Wood in Highgate Cemetery. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. More sunshine today near Heathrow, but it was cooler and breezy. There were more butterflies though: Peacock (10), Orange-tip (6m+1f), Small White (4), Speckled Wood (4), Brimstone (3m), Green-veined White (1), Comma (1), Red Admiral (1). It was good to see a few more Orange-tips, though I am concerned about the lack of Holly Blues here so far this year. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Speckled Wood. I visited Batchwood near St Albans this afternoon. Amongst the amazing display of Bluebells, I saw my first Speckled Wood of the year, two Peacocks and a Brimstone [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Quite warm, quite windy, largely cloudy - not ideal for butterflies, but I did manage to encounter a few this afternoon on my local patch near Heathrow. The roosting male Brimstone was a bit of a lucky find, and the brief spells of sunshine kept a few Orange-tips from snoozing too. Today's relatively slim pickings: Orange-tip (3), Peacock (2), Speckled Wood (1), Brimstone (1), Small White (1), Red Admiral (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock & Speckled Wood at Edmonton. 1 Peacock at Haselbury Road near Westerham Avenue & 3 Speckled Wood including two together at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First Orange Tip in my garden. One of the great delights of Spring and a good chance to try out my new phone camera. Two more spotted at my allotment. [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
First Green-veined White of the year. Spotted my first Green-veined White of the year in this afternoon’s sunshine along with my first Speckled Woods and some Peacocks [Posted by Julia Hawkins]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A cool and cloudy morning was followed by a very sunny (but still cool) afternoon. The sun brought the butterflies out again on my local patch, though the Brimstones soon disappeared again as it wasn't really warm enough for them. The highlights today were my first Green-veined White of the season and a lovely fresh female Orange-tip nectaring on the plant from which it got its etymological name. 36 butterflies overall: Peacock (15), Small White (7), Brimstone (5), Red Admiral (2), Comma (2), Orange-tip (2), Speckled Wood (2), Green-veined White (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Moth trap at Heartwood Forest. The weather was freezing cold on the evening of Saturday 28th March. However, we did manage to get one trap in sufficient shelter from the wind and had around 40 moths of 13 species in it including 2 Blossom Underwings, the third and fourth records for Heartwood of this scarce and local species. I must have seen around 10 Light Orange Underwings at Heartwood in the past week or so. Another benefit of all the Aspens which have been planted on the site. The Orange Underwing also occurs there but it is much scarcer at that site. If you want to see that one then you need to go to Bricket Wood. [Posted by News from Mark Sterling]
Small White Alexandra Park. My first of year seen by Ally Pally Garden Centre. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Holly Blue. One Holly Blue in my garden in Hemel Hempstead. 15. 50 this afternoon [Posted by Ashley Cox]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A much warmer day today, and a lengthy spell of sunshine mid-afternoon brought forth a good selection of butterflies on my local patch. These included my first Speckled Woods of 2026, plus the first female Brimstone I've seen here this year. Overall numbers seen: Brimstone (12), Small White (5), Peacock (4), Red Admiral (3), Orange-tip (3), Speckled Wood (2), Comma (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Transect walking season starts on Wednesday. Good time of year for the Branch to say a big thank you to all our transect walkers and other butterfly recorders. Your hard work and diligent reporting provide vital information which informs all the work that we do. Quite overcast here in St Albans today, but in a brief sunny spell after lunch I saw three male Brimstones hurtling around Verulamium Park. The lack of any females so far is an interesting observation for me but infuriating for the male Brimstones [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. During one of the very sparse sunny intervals today, two of the Red Admirals that have set up shop on a certain spot on my local patch were tussling as usual. No other butterflies seen today though. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Though it remained cold today, the wind had dropped, the hail showers had stopped and there was a decent amount of sunshine. I found a handful of butterflies on my local patch near Heathrow: Peacock (4), Red Admiral (3), Comma (1) and my second Orange-tip of the year (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small White at Pymmes Park, Edmonton. 1 Small White at Pymmes Park, Edmonton this afternoon at 1229 GMT - my first confirmed sighting of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Hazy sunshine again today, but quite a bit warmer. Today's highlight was another Small Tortoiseshell - a long way away from yesterday's example, being found north of the M25-T5 link road bridge. I also found my first male Small White of the year; all of the other sightings so far have been females. Today's overall totals: Peacock (15), Comma (8), Brimstone (3), Red Admiral (2), Small White (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1). Peacocks appear to be dispersing now - both yesterday and today I found more flying over the open grassland areas and fewer basking on brambles near the lake. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Berkhamsted. 1 Female Holly Blue in garden. [Posted by Ian Gamble]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A cold and misty start to the day, with the sun appearing rather hazily just before midday round my way. Butterfly numbers were generally lower, though Peacocks seemed undaunted. However, the highlight of the day was finding a Small Tortoiseshell within five minutes of home, my first of the year. They really have become a relative rarity here these days. Totals today: Peacock (19), Red Admiral (3), Comma (2), Small White (1), Small Tortoiseshell (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Small Tortoiseshell. 11:15 today in South Mimms TL191024 near Salisbury Hall a single Small Tortoiseshell sunning itself on the grass. [Posted by Terence Wood]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. I found seven species seen on my local patch near Heathrow today, where the brilliant sunshine masked the fact that it wasn't actually as warm as recent days. These included two new species for 2026: Holly Blue and Orange-tip. Unfortunately I was unable to get more than fly-by shots of either butterfly - just enough for the I/D! Overall, I reached my highest total seen so far this year. Peacock (22), Comma (11), Red Admiral (3), Small White (2), Brimstone (1), Holly Blue (1), Orange-tip (1). I also found an Orange Underwing moth, which I only recognised after seeing dozens down in Kent earlier in the week. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After two gloriously sunny and warm days away from my local patch (watching Large Tortoiseshells in Kentish woodland), I returned today to cooler weather with only hazy sunshine. It had clearly dropped below the acceptable level for Brimstones (as I didn't see any), but there were plenty of other butterflies around: Peacock (16), Red Admiral (5), Comma (3), Small White (3). I had been hoping for Speckled Woods or even Holly Blues, but none were forthcoming. [Posted by Dave Miller]
First Small White seen in Alexandra Park. One small white seen for the first time this year in Alexandra Park, N London. (Sorry moved too quickly for a photo.) [Posted by Stephen Middleton]
Orange Tip. An Orange Tip flying across The Warren at Hartham Common just before noon today [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Tracks around Danemead HMWT. Enjoyed a morning walk in the glorious spring sunshine to check the goat willow catkins for butterflies. The usual hibernators seen Peacock 25+, Brimstone 6 (males), Comma 5 and Light Orange Underwing 4. One very excited Brimstone male thought he found the love he had been dreaming about all winter and was very upset at me for litter picking his mate. [Posted by Nathan Ellis]
Speckled Wood and Brimstones at Alexandra Park. The first Speckled Wood of the year was on the wing by the golf course at Alexandra Park today. Also a Brimstone nearby (others reported seeing five Brimstone) [Posted by Reuben Braddock]
Speckled Wood Sighting. Seen near the golf course in Alexandra Park on Wednesday by Reuben Braddock I heard of it via the local birders WhatsApp. First of year for the park. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Garden sighting. My first garden Peacock nectaring in the sunshine today in Muswell Hill. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Peacock at Southgate & Trent Park. 1 Peacock near Triangular Wd/Trent Park this afternoon & another one at Dalrymple Close, N14 at 1544 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The forecast sunshine arrived near Heathrow at lunchtime, and the butterflies were quick to respond. It was a bit warmer, and the Brimstones reappeared after a two-week absence. Small Whites had begun to emerge as well, to join the usual roster of Commas and Peacocks, and there was a Red Admiral in the usual spot by the river. Today's totals: Comma (10), Brimstone (5), Peacock (5), Small White (4), Red Admiral (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone at Southgate. Male Brimstone at Dalrymple Close, N14 this afternoon at 1303 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Early Thorn at Southgate. 1 Early Thorn at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Hedge planting at Lannock Farm, Weston. Volunteers from Herts CPRE and Butterfly Conservation planting hedges on Lannock Farm this morning. All 15 species of hedgerow plants have been selected as being particularly attractive for butterflies and moths. More planting sessions are planned at Lannock Farm and at Woodhall Estate. Contact james@cpreherts.org.uk if you would like to join in [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Lots of sunshine today in my part of the world, though it was relatively cool after a chilly night. It proved enough motivation for a few butterflies, and during early afternoon, I managed to find nine Commas, three Peacocks and a Red Admiral. This last butterfly was in exactly the same spot as others seen both this year and at the end of 2025, but wasn't the same individual as any of these. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Comma & Peacock at Grovelands Park, Southgate. 1 Peacock near Rangers' Hut at 1316 GMT & 1 Comma near Priory Hospital at 1440 GMT, at Grovelands Park, Southgate [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Peacock resumes hibernation. Surprised to record four hibernating Peacocks on todays shed transect. There were four there two weeks ago, but one had subsequently emerged (see news for 9 March). Three of those recorded today were in the same positions as they had been since July. The fourth was in an entirely different location. So it seems that the individual which emerged on March 9th thought better of it! I have witnessed Peacocks breaking their hibernation before, by emerging for supplementary feed in August or September. I've never known one re-enter hibernation after Spring emergence and would be interested to know if others have witnessed this [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. More sunshine round my way than yesterday, but it was a bit cooler and breezier. Butterflies seen today comprised two Peacocks, three Red Admirals and four Commas. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Oak Beauty at Southgate. 1 Oak Beauty at ASDA Southgate this afternoon [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. There was some decent sunshine for an hour or two in the middle of the day today, and a local walk revealed a handful of butterflies: three Peacocks, two Commas and a surprisingly fresh Red Admiral. I wondered if the Red Admiral might be an early migrant rather than a local overwinterer. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Comma at Trent Park. 1 Comma along Leeging Beech Gutter near 'Three Bridges', Trent Park this afternoon at 1314 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Peacock emerging from hibernation. Cold and overcast all day in St Albans and just 10 degrees when I stepped out at lunchtime. Surprisingly one of my Peacocks had chosen today to emerge from hibernation. It was sitting with wings closed in the middle of the doormat outside my back door. To arrive in this position it must have dropped to the floor of the shed and then walked out, squeezing itself through the gap underneath the door, rather than taking the more obvious route of flying out of the unglazed window. I’ve seen both exit routes from the shed used before. Not sure why they’d use the walking/squeezing exit route, which must be more risky? Maybe it’s just too hard to warm up sufficiently to fly on a cold day? Or is it a sign their bodily reserves are low after an unusually long hibernation (2025 saw the earliest recorded hibernation) [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Garden sightings. Two Brimstones and a Comma in my Harpenden garden. [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Brimstone. 1.40. Brimstone in my garden Acton W3 6DR. [Posted by Trevor Porter]
Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstones. Walking the dog this morning in North Mymms I saw my first butterflies of the year, 1 Small Tortoiseshell at TL226031 and 1 Brimstone at 217031. Then in early afternoon I saw a further Brimstone in my South Mymms front garden (TL221008). [Posted by Terence Wood]
Sightings at Enfield, Cockfosters & Trent Park. At a private site near Trent Park - male Brimstone, 1 Comma & 1 Peacock late morning. Near Enfield Rd, EN2 - male Brimstone & 1 Peacock. At Westpole Ave, Cockfosters - male Brimstone. At Trent Park 'New Fields' [1300 to 1400 GMT] - male Brimstone, 2 Comma & 1 Peacock. At Bramley Rd, N14 - male Brimstone. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Alexandra Park Sightings. Saw 5 Brimstones and 1 Peacock this morning. The Brimstones were patrolling the edge of the anthill meadow. The Peacock was puddling at the bottom of the eastern slope below the BBC tower. [Posted by Dee Cullen]
Therfield Heath and Royston. Saw my first Peacocks today, along with Brimstone. Saw Comma a couple of days ago. I also saw a Pieris, which I think was a Large White, flying strongly on Heath. [Posted by Nick Keep]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. The sun finally appeared in hazy fashion around half one today, too late for Brimstones it would seem, and there was just the one Peacock. However, on my usual walk I still managed to see six Commas and three Red Admirals, two of which were conducting an aerial battle high above my head at one point. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Today's sunny intervals were not really ever long enough to tempt the butterflies out, but on my local patch I managed to find just one each of Comma, Brimstone and Peacock. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone at Wareside. Finally the rain has stopped, and in the fine summer sun one male Brimstone seen in our Wareside garden this lunchtime. [Posted by Philip MacMurdie]
Butterflies on Harpenden Common. One Comma and One Peacock enjoying the sunshine on Harpenden Common on the St John's Wood area [Posted by David Hunt]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. A glorious sunny day, and though not as warm as 25th February had been, I found more butterflies today during a lengthy walk around my local patch near Heathrow. The highlight was a newly-emerged female Small White, the first non-hibernator of the season. The totals today: Peacock (12), Comma (9), Brimstone (5), Small White (1). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone & Red Admiral at Oakwood. Male Brimstone & 1 Red Admiral - my first of the year [FOY] at Lakeside, EN2 at 1256 GMT. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Sightings at Enfield & Trent Park. 1 Peacock at a private site near Trent Park at 1012 GMT. At Trent Park - 2 male Brimstone [1 at Rough Lot & 1 at Williams Wd], 2 Peacock [1 at Rough Lot & 1 near 'Three Bridges'] & 1 Orange/Light Orange Underwing seen in flight at 'Old Golf Course' - my first of the year [FOY]. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
early walk of transects plenty of butterflies. waterford heath south 2 Brimstones, 4 Commas , and 5 Peacocks. [Posted by steve kiln]
Brimstones. Lovely to see two Brimstones enjoying the sun this morning whilst walking in the Amwell - Stansted Abbots area.(TL386134 and TL374123) [Posted by Roger Newbold]
Dull day in St Albans. Just 5mins of sunshine and no butterflies in action. So a perfect day to carry out my shed transect and check on hibernating butterflies. Of the Five hibernating Peacocks, one has flown and four are still present. Weather for the coming week looks warm and sunny, so keep your eyes peeled for more butterflies in flight [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Oak Beauty at Upper Edmonton. 1 Oak Beauty near outside light at Silver Street Station, Edmonton this morning [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First thrills. Thrilled to see my first butterflies of the year whilst on a yomp from Enfield Town to Edmonton Green: Brimstone (m) + 2 x Comma: Town Park, Enfield Peacock: Enfield Playing Fields 2 x Comma: Lee Road Open Space Peacock: Salmons Brook Park, Edmonton Green [Posted by Nicholas Barnett]
Fairlands Valley Park Stevenage. My first butterflies of the year with 7 Brimstone (all male) hugging the woodland edge and 2 Peacock in and around the Shackledell Grassland in the southern section of the park. [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. After a bit of fog had cleared mid-morning locally, the day became one long sunny period with temperatures up to 17 degrees. I ended up with an impressive butterfly count, finding 8 Peacocks, 7 Brimstones, 5 Commas and a single Red Admiral (it's less than ten weeks since I saw the last one). [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock in Cuffley. First butterfly of the year flying around Cuffley Car Park this afternoon [Posted by Sam fuller]
Double figures!. Full sun and 14? in our Harpenden garden brought out the first Brimstone (and first butterfly) of the year: an event we traditionally celebrate with a bottle of fizz. This pioneer was followed by no fewer than thirteen more Brimstone fly-throughs. These sightings were both welcome and unexpected, coming after a dreadful autumn for garden butterflies and the dullest of winter birding (no blackcaps, redpolls, siskins, redwings, fieldfares or bramblings in our garden). Plenty of bees and several ladybirds about today, too. [Posted by Alan Jackson]
Butterflies in Hertford and Ware. Two walks today, one in each town. The total was Brimstone 12, Peacock 9, Comma 7, most satisfyingly a Small Tortoiseshell in Ware Cemetery and surprisingly a definite Small White on Wadesmill Road, Ware [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Peacocks. 3 Peacocks in Broxbourne Woods west ride [Posted by steve kiln]
Brimstone in garden. Had a male Brimstone in my Harpenden garden today, first butterfly of the year! [Posted by Robin Pearson]
Brimstone & Peacock at Enfield. Male Brimstone seen in flight & settled, E edge of Shaws Wd/Trent Park at 1100 GMT. Male Brimstone & Peacock at Lakeside, EN2 at 1117 - 1118 GMT. My first butterflies of the year. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Habitat management for Duke of Burgundy. Volunteers from Herts joined Upper Thames Branch and the Chiltern Rangers to manage scrub for Dukes. We created small clearings about 5 meters in diameter within the scrub, providing the right niche for this most exacting of species. The work took place at Wadborough Field, a good breeding site for Dukes just a few hundred meters from the Herts border. We hope that the Dukes will continue to spread and one day breed in Herts again. Many thanks to Nick Bowles and Upper Thames branch for organising the volunteer work party of 25 people [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Brimming with joy. Today I saw nine Brimstones on the towpath beside the short stretch (15-minute walk) of the Grand Union Canal between Bulbourne and Marshcroft Lane (SP 937133). For the next 2 hours, I only saw one. The canal is very sheltered and it was quite windy after leaving the towpath. [Posted by Rikki Harrington]
Sightings from Stanwell Moor. Increasingly sunny today and temperatures up to 14 degrees - not unexpectedly the butterflies on my local patch near Heathrow responded. I found four Peacocks, two Brimstones and a Comma over the course of a longish walk. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Brimstone at Ashridge. Male Brimstone at Ashridge Golf Course SP 986 130 at 11:56 hours, flying around evergreen shrubs and possibly resettling within them [Posted by Colin Everett]
Red Admiral at Trent Park. 1 Red Admiral reported at Trent Park by Eugene Dillon-Hooper [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Another Brown Hairstreak egg.... When the sun appeared this afternoon, I squelched my way around my local patch near Heathrow hoping that one or two butterflies might have been tempted out of hibernation. I wasn't fortunate on that front, but I ended up having a close look at a wild plum tree that was just coming into flower just in case it harboured any Brown Hairstreak eggs. I managed to find just the one, but it is notable that this tree is some way away on the other side of the M25-T5 link road from the eggs found on the blackthorn hedge back in January. I appears that the butterfly is even more widespread in this area than previously thought. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Peacock in St Albans. 12 degrees and sunny this afternoon with a hint of Spring in the air. Enough to encourage a Peacock out of hibernation in Mount Pleasant. However it seemed to be regretting its choice as it was perched on the pavement in a shady position. Luckily I didn’t tread on it and relocated it to a more favourable position. I do hope it does OK! [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
BHS egg return Prestwick Road Meadows. The blackthorn had been cut, winter is nearly gone and it was time to return the Brown Hairstreak eggs that had been rescued last year and have been sitting at the bottom of my garden for the last few months. Since our (Pete Fewell and I) last returning at Merry Hill the other week, we seen to have got the hang of it and we went quite quickly this time attaching approx 25 BHS eggs on 23 twigs and a further 2 blue bordered carpet moth eggs in a couple of hours. Special thanks goes to Aneel Odhwani, who joined us, we were very grateful of the extra pair of hands! That gave us a bit of time to have a look about the site, and we found another 10 BHS eggs. Things are looking good for this location, and hopefully we will see then matured later in the year. [Posted by Rick Vickers]
Millhoppers Reserve hits the Headlines. Completion of the new bridge at our Millhoppers Reserve recently featured on BBC news. Click on this link to read more. Listen to Christine Ridley interviewed on Three Counties radio. Many thanks to Chris Hilling, Paula Reid, Christine Ridley and Peter Mellitus for all their hard work in getting the bridge completed [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Valentine's Peacock. I saw a Peacock at 12.20 today (14th February) on the Grand Union Canal towpath between Cow Roast and Dudswell SP962102. [Posted by Rikki Harrington]
Red Admiral - broxbourne school. A surprise and early first record of the year - while leaving the Broxbourne School car park, a Red Admiral flew into the car. After a few seconds exited fit and well, but very surprising given the wet weather. best regards Phil [Posted by Philip & Oliver MacMurdie]
National Moth Recorders Day Recording. National Moth Recorders day was held last weekend in Birmingham. There were some excellent speakers including Tim Blackburn from UCL who spoke at last years Herts & Middx Members Day. If you missed it and want to catch up, there's now a recording available on the BC website, available by following the link below National Moth Recorders Meeting 2026 [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Free Wildflower Seeds for Branch Members. The Branch is offering free native wildflower seeds suitable for butterflies and bees. The mix of 24 species includes some excellent nectar flowers as well as well as larval food plants such as Birds-foot Trefoil, Agrimony, Kidney Vetch and Yellow Rattle. They are suitable for sowing in neutral or alkaline soils and the recommended density is 3 grams per sq meter. Suitable for sowing this Spring in gardens or local green spaces Seeds are available free to branch members on a first come, first served. Contact malcolmhull@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk Bee and Butterfly Wildflower Mix [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Pale Brindled Beauty at Southgate. 1 Pale Brindled Beauty at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my second of the year at this site. [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
First sighting of 2026 at Stanwell Moor. Good spells of sunshine and temperatures around the 11 degree mark locally today. After a longish (and rather muddy) walk around all the likely spots, I had almost given up on seeing a butterfly. However, back at the start I disturbed a Comma which was basking low down. I managed to track its direction, but the sun went in at a crucial moment and I couldn't work out where exactly it had landed. This meant I ended up disturbing it for a second time and unfortunately failed to find it again to record its image for posterity!. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Large White pupating. Berkhamsted - a week ago three Large White caterpillars were spotted looking for sites to pupate. One got squashed, but two made it as far as my grandchildren’s front door. Progress was slow - after 5 days the caterpillars had attached themselves with a silk girdle, but still had their caterpillar skin showing. After 7 days the first one pupated. I guess everything moving slowly due to the cold [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Merry Hill Brown Hairstreak egg search. Despite the muddy conditions and the problem with the road closure signs up a fantastic small group of people joined us for the egg search. We headed for the area we first recorded an adult on the wing as we did last year. The first eggs were recorded on blackthorn stands that had been clipped back before we could conduct an egg rescue there. The first 3 eggs were found low down on bits that survived the maintenance, I suspect a lot more eggs were removed here during the maintenance season. That said more eggs were found in the area searched which was left alone. We got to 17 eggs in this area searched with the remaining 3 eggs found in the area beyond the hedge-line towards Merry Hill Road. Eggs found with a green tinge noted of which looks like algae is confirmed by the superb photo's of eggs by Aneel Odhwani who attended. Awesome egg photo's thank you Aneel for those! Rick and a few others didn't get to find an egg but they all saw one. Rick saw the most though as he was doing the recording! Rick and myself returned after to find a few suitable spots for returning rescued eggs from Merry Hill. The first phase now complete but more to return at Merry Hill. Will keep you posted with that. [Posted by Peter Fewell and Rick Vickers]
Completed Work for the Grizzled Skipper at Waterford Heath. This is how the site looks now after the work has been done [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Enhancing Grizzled Skipper habitat at Waterford Heath. In the past two and a half weeks Herts & Middx Wildlife Trust in association with our branch of Butterfly Conservation have been doing a major piece of habitat restoration on the north section at Waterford Heath. An area that was once a stronghold for this rare butterfly had during Covid and after become overgrown with Italian alder, hawthorn, wild rose and dogwood that was too well rooted to clear to allow wild strawberry and cinquefoil (caterpillar foodplants) to recover. We agreed that drastic work was needed to clear this area, scrape off some of the topsoil and see if a major intervention can help this threatened butterfly. It all looks very muddy and messy and some roots remain despite the use of mechanical plant to extract roots. The scraped soil has been moved to a very barren area to create sheltered banks which we also hope will be beneficial to insect and plant populations on the heath. The first set of pictures show the area (about the size of two football pictures) before clearance and the second set below what it looks like at the end of the work. [Posted by Andrew Wood]
Brown Hairstreak eggs near Heathrow. After recording (on 13th August 2025) the first ever adult Brown Hairstreak to be found on the Heathrow River Colne Biodiversity Area (part of my local patch to the north of Stanwell Moor), I had arranged with the relevant team from LHR to join them for a winter BH egg hunt in the most likely part of the site. This is an east-facing hedgerow containing a fair bit of blackthorn, including some low suckering growth encroaching into the grassland. Over the course of a couple of hours between five of us we found eleven Brown Hairstreak eggs. This was an excellent result, and will have a direct bearing on how this bit of the site is managed in the future. [Posted by Dave Miller]
Red Admiral. Seen in a garden in Bishop's Stortford by Andy White [Posted by Peter Clarke]
Pale Brindled Beauty at Southgate. Male Pale Brindled Beauty at ASDA Southgate this afternoon - my first moth of the year! [Posted by Robert Mark Callf]
Butterfly artwork in Hatfield. If you go to Hatfield, visit the Queensway Subway in the Town Centre. Today the mayor of Hatfield, 'opened' the recently commisioned subway artshow to complement the existing mural. Features some lovely artwork by local painters of our Hertfordshire butterflies and well worth a visit. [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Butterflies of Southern Mexico - Ian Small. For those that missed the Zoom Presentation on the 21st January, it can now be viewed on YouTube. YouTube recording can be viewed here [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Millhoppers Reserve footbridge. I am pleased to inform everyone that the footbridge at the Millhoppers Reserve is open and ready to accept the feet of all lepidopterists and other like minded folk. A good job as we now have quite a bit of water flowing in the stream! Huge thanks to fellow warden Peter plus volunteers Len and Phil who helped me with constructing the ramps either side of the bridge. [Posted by Chris Hilling]
Ealing Beaver Project Brown Hairstreak egg hunt at Paradise Fields. I have now heard back from the co-ordinators of the egg hunt on 11th January and the final count was a phenomenal total of 242 eggs counted during the morning; 71 of the eggs were found in the 2nd year regrowth in the 'beaver coppice area'! [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Hedgerow Heroes. Volunteers from BC and CPRE Herts planting hedges on the Woodhall Estate north of Hertford today. The 15 species selected are all good for butterflies or moths, including Buckthorn for Brimstones, Elm for White-letter Hairstreak, Holly for Holly Blue and Blackthorn for Brown Hairstreak (ready for when it arrives in this area!). There’s another task at the same site at 10 am next Sunday 25th. Email james@cpreherts.org.Uk if you’d like to volunteer to help. All necessary tools and training provided [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Hibernating Peacocks. Today I carried out my first hibernating butterflies transect of the year. Five Peacocks all still dormant in my shed. One has acquired an unusual pale spot on the underwing. I’ve not seen this before and interested to know if anyone has an idea what may have caused it? [Posted by Malcolm Hull]
Welsh Harp Brown Hairstreak egg hunt. The recent Brown Hairstreak egg hunt/survey at the Welsh Harp is reported as having found 59 eggs - a superb result Full report here [Posted by Liz Goodyear]
Branch Event- Brown Hairstreak Egg Hunt at Ruislip Gardens. -5c @ 8am on my garden thermometer so no surprise we had a few drop outs but the sun shone on the 6 that braved the cold which was to be a sunny pleasant social event along the 2+km loop passing various Brown Hairstreak master trees and clearings where the adults frequent. 28 eggs were found in total with everyone including the 3 first timers finding 2+ which was a reasonable count due to the blackthorn hedges having been cut back hard upto the Ickenham Marsh Reserve entrance, which we didn't venture to for the above reason. Nice that 2 eggs were found in an area of very heavy flailing. Egg picture courtesy of Dee. [Posted by Nick Furtek]
