Heath Fritillary at Blean Woods

[John W]

Hi,

Does anyone know if the Heath Fritillary is flying at Blean Woods yet? When does it normally start?

Cheers
John W

[bugboy]

There's nothing on BC Kent's first sighting yet. last year I went on the 16th June and they were in full flight so can't be long off though.

[Gnome]

I'm thinking of going to pay a visit tomorrow and would appreciate any information on how many are flying and where the best place to look is. The Kent BC branch first sightings page unfortunately hasn't been updated since the 20th May but I know from Twitter that at least a few have been seen there this year.

TIA

Adam

[Gnome]

I ended up going to East Blean Woods yesterday (6th July). I managed to luck into a nice sunny morning despite a cloudy forecast and there were about 30 or 40 Heath Fritillaries flying. The best spot seemed to be the first clearing that you come to from the car park. I also had some very nice views of a White Admiral a bit further along the path. For those who might be interested, there is a write-up of my trip at http://oxfordbirder.blogspot.co.uk/2016 ... woods.html

Adam

[Goldie M]

Do you think they'll still be flying in a fortnights time Adam? that's when I'm in Kent, Goldie

[Gnome]

They might be. According to the life cycle chart on the main web-site they are still flying for the first three weeks in July and the impression I get is that things are at least a week behind so you may well find a few still on the wing.

Good luck if you try for them!

Adam