Hi there,
this is my first post so please be gentle
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
...I live in South Wales and I'd really like to get some photos this year of the Black Hairstreak (adult). In the last couple of years I've tried visiting Bernwood meadows (near Horton-Cum-Studley, Oxfordshire) - which is a lovely spot on a sunny weekend - however, I'm yet to see any Black Hairstreaks there. Now of course, as with all species I know it's down to timing and the weather. Last year I think I went at the start of July (having been tipped off about the site whilst visiting Bernwood Forest just down the road) but was told I was too late. I went to the meadows last weekend (June 19th) and no sign yet, though admittedly it was a bit cloudy. I notice that one side of the meadow has Ash and privet flowers (though the privet flowers aren't quite in bloom yet).
So, a couple of questions: 1) are there still Black Hairstreaks at Bernwood Meadows? 2) are we now entering peak time (considering flying times are often earlier in the year for a lot of species) or (3) are there better sites in Oxfordshire quite near there? Please keep in mind that we can get to BM in just over 2 hours from Newport (Wales), and further afield may be a bit of a pain..(well definitely for my wife)
I also tried Whitecross Green Wood last week but couldn't find an entrance to that site, though along the road there was a fishing lake where I was told it was 'down the road'...
![Confused :?](./images/smilies/icon_confused.gif)