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Quite extraordinary.

Lee Hurrell wrote:

David M wrote:Quite extraordinary.

not sure what the 20 species of butterfly would include ?

Hello Charles ,
Sadly not the first time this has happened ,a before and after of my local wood (in Kent ) and a colony of probably 1500 + Common Spots
reduced ,down ,to probably 2-300 at best, a forestry contractor in this instance I believe.
Regards Allan.W.

That's sad beyond belief, Allan. What was the pretext for destroying this tract of meadow?

Yes David ,very sad , but I believe that the time for the cropping of the pines/firs had been reached,and like so many woodlands these days,other access points,have been heavily gated or a raised bund positioned (due to excessive fly tipping !),so most local woodlands have only one vehicular access .
This particular orchid ride was very badly churned up,and I suppose the contractors did their best to flatten and re-lay a leval (ish !) surface
but sadly the damage is done !
That said all is not lost,one of the untouched side rides still holds around 250+ ,with others scattered here and there ,so i'll be keeping my fingers crossed ! Regards Allan.W.

Couldn't resist putting a few Common Spotted detail shots from the above colony ……………..so much variation !
Regards Allan.W. [

They surely must have been able to find a less damaging solution? It's a good job not all authorities go in with such a gung-ho attitude.

Shame about the orchids in particular; those images you posted are beyond divine.

Allan.W. wrote:Hello Charles ,
Sadly not the first time this has happened ,a before and after of my local wood (in Kent ) and a colony of probably 1500 + Common Spots
reduced ,down ,to probably 2-300 at best, a forestry contractor in this instance I believe.
Regards Allan.W.
P1120919.JPGP1200267.JPG

what a hideous sight

i am glad there were a few survivors....