Info needed - Bentley Wood, Hampshire

[Catteraxe]

Whilst working through some site updates I came across a Countryfile article dating back to 2013 listing Bentley Wood as a site to see Dingy and Grizzled skippers and the "odd Marsh Fritillary". Can anyone confirm if these butterflies are still to be seen in Bentley Wood?

Thanks,

Kevin.

[Wurzel]

I've seen both the Skippers there in the Eastern Clearing. As for the Marshie they're all a bit hush hush as to whether they're still there or not but you could check out Alan Thornbury's website or PM the local BC branch. Hope this helps...

Have a goodun

Wurzel

[Catteraxe]

Thanks Wurzel. I'll check Alan Thornbury's website and update our site data.

Kevin.

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Kevin - I wouldn't mention the Marsh Frits to be honest given that we don't publish sites where the combination of species and site is fragile (which, at Bentley, this species is). Visitors may also be disappointed were they to visit Bentley and not find them, although there used to be the occasional sighting in the Eastern Clearing.

Cheers,

- Pete

[bugboy]

Two years ago I bumped into Neil Hulme there and between us we didn't get a sniff of a Marsh Frit.

[millerd]

In ten years of visits to Bentley on various April and May dates, I have never chanced upon one, though Dingies, Grizzlies and Dukes have all appeared along with the PBF and SPBF.

Dave

[Catteraxe]

Thanks for all the responses - Dingies and Grizzlies have been added to the site data and Marshies ignored.

Kevin.

[RobS]

I have seen and photographed a couple there, think it was 2015 or 2016, but possibly a release.

[Jack Harrison]

Some eight or nine years ago I tried the "confidential" locality in Bentley but no luck.

In SW England, chalk hills would today seem more reliable than woodland, eg [the well known site] Cerne Abbas.

Jack

[Susie]

Hello!

I'm going to Bentley on Tuesday with a lady new to butterflying and I would love to show her a purple emperor.

Could someone please recommend the best part of the wood to head towards for them?

What else is out there at the moment?

Many thanks for your help x

[Jack Harrison]

As your friend is new to butterflying, maybe best she doesn’t see Purple Emperor too soon in her “career”. The early days of a new interest are in many ways the most enjoyable. So certainly show her Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral and the common but [often] difficult-to-see Purple Hairstreak. Save His Majesty until she is well and truly hooked.

Jack

[Susie]

Hi Jack,

She’s been butterflying for long enough to have seen those. She is now keen to see Purple Emperor hence my request.

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Susie,

Take the entrance to the Beechwood Copse car park:

In the car park you'll find a notice board, with a log book (take a look) that observers use to record their sightings:

Head down the main track into the wood (know as the "Switchback") where you may find Emperors grounded:

The path goes down and then rises up again. You'll eventually come to a crossroads:

I've seen Emperors grounded at the crossroads, on the path to the right (which goes on for quite some way toward Redridge Copse), and also on the path to the left (just follow it down toward Heath Copse and Dean Copse).

I suspect that you'll see other observers that will help you out! Hope this helps!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Susie]

Thank you, Pete. You are, once again, a complete star I’m very grateful x

[David M]

If I remember rightly, just beyond that crossroads in Pete's image is a rutted section where muddy water collects. I don't know whether there'll be any moisture to attract Emperors down in this warm year, but if you do find any, then it's worth hanging around for a while to see what happens!

[MikeOxon]

The car-park itself can be as good as anywhere. The first photos I ever took of PE were actually inside a car in that car-park! He flew in through an open window and made himself comfortable for some time on one of the front seats

PE on Car Seat
Bentley Wood - August 1991

Mike

[Susie]

Thanks David and Mike

[Susie]

A big thank you from me. We did indeed see purple emperors this morning (at least one) so I’m very pleased