Hi Goldie, Your not alone in finding it difficult to locate butterflies here in Kent at the moment. We are out in the field most days somewhere here in Kent, but we also are finding Butterfly species and numbers very low this year so far. Brimstone numbers being the exception, but most other species...

18th to 27th May 2024. I personally have found seeing butterflies lately rather hard work. Numbers of many species appear to be down here in the locations that I visit in Kent. The same regards numbers of moths, and to some extent migrant birds, although Lesser Whitethroat appears to be having a goo...

2024 Catch Up 1st January to 20th February 2024. As you would imagine this period was not the most productive for Butterflies, but I have chosen these dates as it does include our first butterfly sightings of the year. Birdwise it was fairly quiet compared to previous years but we did see the follo...

BONSAI BANK (KENT) Excellent day out today before the cloud and drizzle arrived. At least 12 Duke of Burgundy, 3 Dingy Skipper, 3 Green Hairstreak, usual Brimstones, Red Admiral, Orange Tip and Small Whites. Also saw at least 6 White-spotted Sable Moths, many Lady Orchids , Greater Butterfly Orchids...

I will try and back date to the start of the year when time allows, in the meantime I post a few items seen since the start of May. The 1st is not a Butterfly but the mind blowing experience of Friday nights Aurora. To be seen so far South as Kent is almost unheard of, so to witness this over about ...

I have not updated my Personal Diary for 3 years. Because of the Covid situation we reduced our activities considerably but still managed to see some great nature sightings once the Stay at Home instruction was lifted. I did however decide to reduce the time spent on paperwork and my diary. Hopefull...

Hi Allan W. Very pleased you managed to get a ground photo of the Large Tortiseshell. It had remained stubbornly high feeding on the Sallow blossom for about 30 minutes before you arrived before it disappeared. As far as I know this was only the 2nd time this particular LT had been seen. We (family)...

Hi Goldie. I saw 19 Heath Fritillaries at East Blean Woods today after midday. I found the best spot was the footpath that runs parallel to the road to the left of the entrance to the car park. Plently of Ringlets in the same area. Excellent amount of Cow Wheat throughout the wood. Dave Heath Fritil...

Hi Goldie. You haven't updated for a while so I hope everything is alright. I expect you have been busy with moving in. Please beware of the Queen of Spain fritillary sightings quite near you, at Walmer (Kent). They have been around for a couple of weeks or so, maybe not many more suitable days left...

I correct a comment in my earlier post when I said that I believe they were first found on the 18th of September. It now appears that someone first saw and photograhed one on the 29th August, since when numbers have increased. Hence why some are worn whilst others look fresh.

A few photos from Thursday's visit to the Queen of Spain Fritillaries at Walmer(kent). Some are more worn than others suggesting that some at least had been present for a several days. I believe they were first found on the 18th or 19th of September. I never managed to get a decent photo of the unde...

In reply to Lawts. How would you rate the chance of success tomorrow? No news for two days now, but presumably due to the weather down there at the moment. There has been 2 days of rain on the East Kent coast so maybe no one looking. Tomorrow's weather is predicted to be much better. With at least 9...

TR36097/50365 will take you to start of the footpath. Nearest postcode CT14 9JN. Its actually only a 10 minute walk from Walmer station for anyone using public transport. One thing to note is limited car parking actually at the crossroads. Otherwise park near station and walk down.

Queen of South location is easy enough to find. Turn left off the main Dover to Deal road heading west towards Ellen Road and go past Walmer Railway Station. Where the housing ends you are on a country lane, after about 500m you approach a crossroads. Park sensibly here. The field is on your right, ...

Hi Goldie, I went to Bonsai Bank on Monday and can confirm that no work has been done to the entrance track. It is not deep rutted, infact it is as hard and level as always. Easy to walk, just the distance involved, probably between 800-1000 yds. Well worth it though with at least 11 Dukes, 21 Dingy...

R e; the entrance to Bonsai bank (Denge wood ) just had a look at Daves directions and i reckon that we,re both talking of the same entrance, but Daves coming from the opposite direction ,because the entrance that i,m talking about is also at the Waltham end of Tar pot lane ...............i may have...

Hi Goldie. I am not sure that you do have the right area at Denge Wood. I was there a couple of weeks ago and the track was not deep rutted then. Of course things could change quickly but the very deep rutted track was the small parking area at the Canterbury end of the wood. The best track to Bonsa...

Hi Goldie. Can't comment on Lydden/ Temple Ewell but we did not see any Adonis Blues at Wye NNR this weekend. Still plenty of Chalkhill Blues about. Wall Browns in decent numbers. Surprising few Common Blues seen. Silver Washed Fritillaries still in Orlestone Forest (Hamstreet), although many past t...

Hi Goldie.
The Dukes are now out at Bonsai Bank. We saw 4 late morning. I have sent you a PM.
Dave

Whoops. Think you are right Neil. Common Heath. Looked at the photo too quickly.