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I'm hoping to see the pearl bordered fritillaries for the first time at Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire sometime during the week commencing 21st May weather permitting. Is this species still likely to be on the wing then, and if so where are the best places in the park to see them, as it is a vast estate stretching for several miles?

I have seen them in Overley Wood (eg SO971056) in north part of park during recent fine spell 26-28 May, also some Duke of Burgundy.

Many thanks for this information. I've found out since that they can be found in Hailey wood at the far end of the estate close to the Sawmill at the other side of the A419

Does anyone know if PB Frits are on the wing yet at Hailey Wood?

Mike

Mike, I'd be rather surprised if their not yet on the wing in Gloucestershire, I had them today in Herefordshire.

Bill

Thanks, Bill.

Nowadays, Hailey is probably my nearest site, as so many colonies have succumbed. I used to go to Somerford Common for them but they seemed to disappear from there, around the millennium.

Mike

I met Matthew Oates (National Trust) on Rodborough Common yesterday, I asked him about the Pearl-bordered Fritillary situation at Cirencester Park, he said that there was not a P-b F on the wing anywhere in Gloucestershire yet to the best of his knowledge. Stay positive though because as we know things can alter dramatically.

Bill

"When in doubt...venture out"

Thanks for the update,Bill. I'm glad I did not venture out over the BH! I was suitably recompensed by a very obliging Holly Blue, posing in my garden.

Mike

Mike:

I used to go to Somerford Common for them but they seemed to disappear from there, around the millennium.

In the 70s Somerford Common had:
PB Frit, Small PB Frit, Marsh Frit, SW Frit and Duke of Burgundy.

I last visited Somerford about seven years ago. The habitat still seemed fine but the weather wasn't so unsurprisingly, nothing seen.

Where is the Hailey you refer to? Preliminary search suggests several Haileys in England.

Jack

Just to let people know that there were several Pear-bordered Fritillaries about in Hailey Wood today. Look out for deer ticks though, I found a couple of the blighters on me when I got back home today. Trip report here for those who are interested.

Adam