Gorgeous weather,stunning scenery,wonderful butterflies and staying in a pub - Hoggers Heavenly Holiday at the Hunter's Inn,Heddon's Mouth!
I'd originally planned to visit South Wales but "Things Happened" and I had to make different arrangements. I wanted to see Fritillaries so Heddon's Mouth came to mind.
On our way there we stopped off at Collard Hill to see Large Blues. We arrived to begin our search at 3pm. This turned out to be very unwise of us: it was baking hot, so hot that no sensible butterfly would be out and about (apart from Meadow Browns and Marbled Whites) so we didn't see any Large Blues. Never mind: we determined to try again on our way home on Friday morning.
So Wednesday evening we were safely ensconced at the Hunter's Inn carrying out a purely scientific survey of the local ales which set us up perfectly for a whole day's butterflying on Thursday.
We got off to a cracking start with the first of many Silver Washed Fritillaries
I noticed a Buddleia Bush by the stream close to the pub which was bustling with Fritillaries including the much prized High Brown
We then headed out along the road past the cottages to find the meadow mentioned by NeilF in his diary (Neil had also kindly posted me some directions). I'm not sure that we did find it but nonetheless there were meadows on either side of the road with thistles and Cow Parsley type flowers and in them we found Silver Washed, Dark Green and High Brown Fritillaries
These meadows whilst ornamented by these beautiful insects are also populated by large numbers of big ugly blood-sucking monster flies that seem to be immune to Jungle Formula "Maximum". Fortunately I had my brother with me - they find him to be a tastier meal,so he acts as a diversion. I think I should hire him out.
But biting flies aside, Heddon's Mouth is a fantastic place to see Fritillaries and for me, to see High Browns is a marvellous treat.
We set out early on Friday morning with Large Blues in mind. This time we arrived at Collard Hill at a sensible hour. Within minutes of our arrival we saw our first Large Blue
Though a bit flighty!
We saw 3 or 4 in total
What a debt of gratitude we owe to the marvellous people who saved this butterfly from extinction here.
I'd also been sent directions on how to find the Silver Studded Blues at Fairmile so we stopped off there
A Wonderful way to end our short break.
Back home, on my walk with the dogs this morning I believe I've found an Essex Skipper
Black on the antennae and a short straight sex brand - An Essex? Certainly looks different to this Small Skipper