Wood White

[Mark Spedding]

Hi,

Could anyone endorse one of the Wood White site's mentioned on the site's pages. Have read the Monk Wood in Worcs is very good, but one of the Northants sites would be a bit nearer for me to travel to.

Also, have heard there is a site in Derbys, anyone know anything about this?

Thanks

Mark

[Pete Eeles]

Hi Mark,

Good questions. The site information on the UK Butterflies website has come from many sources, not all of which I've been able to validate However, I've had some corrections sent to me over the last couple of years, so I hope the current list is more-or-less OK. However, I would encourage anyone to double-check any site info before heading off, because things do change from year to year.

The Wood White sites I would endorse (since I've been there and seen the critters!) are Wicken Wood, Oaken Wood and Whitecross Green Wood. All 3 have good populations of Wood White.

As for others sites - I'm sure there are many that are not listed, and I'd encourage anyone to send me the info so that I can include these on the sites pages for the benefit of other enthusiasts.

Whereabouts do you live Mark? That might help refine suggestions.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Mark Spedding]

Thanks for that Pete.

I live in Wakefield. Was going to try one of the sites today, but went to Spurn for the Serin which I dipped (I'm a birder, first and foremost).

Are the WW's at the sites you mention quite easily found? I find with butties quite often its not only knowing the site, but the exact spot.

[Pete Eeles]

Unlike some species, Wood Whites do tend to roam, and are easily found in all of the sites I mentioned. They also have a very distinctive flight - possibily the "daintiest" of all butterflies found on our shores.

My first ever Wood White sighting was at Wicken Wood, about 5 years ago, where I found a Wood White within 5 seconds of entering the first ride! But you'd have no problem at any of the sites I've mentioned. They tend to occur along all of the main rides and aren't confined to a particular area.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Larry Wheatland]

Anyone know if the Wood Whites are out yet at Powerstock Common in Dorset ? I'm considering going there this weekend. I'd also like to know if the Small Pearl-bordereds have been seen at that site yet this year or anywhere nearby.

Any info greatly appreciated.

Larry

[Mark Spedding]

Just thought some of you guys may fancy an update from yesterday.

I visited Salcey Wood in Northants - this is the most Northern site I could find, 2 1/4 drive from Wakefield.

Struggled like mad to find a WW - eventually found 1 male after around 3 hours of searching down all the tracks and rides.

Was wondering if they were late emerging this year due to the very wet May, or should I have been looking in a particular spot? - couldn't find anyone around to ask. The impression I have is that they are all over the place. Don't think I was too late in the year, and it was a glorious summer day.

Was nice to see it as a lifer, but dissapointed that I didn't get "all I can eat", and no piccies either.

Other species present; Large White, Green-Veined White, Orange Tip, Comma, Speckled Wood and Peacock.

Cheers

Mark