2022 - Butterfly Summary

Slightly better than last year for species in that 16 species were recorded versus 14 in 2021. Numbers of most species were low however particularly some formerly 'common' ones such as Peacocks and Large and Small Whites. In addition the Small Copper was seen just once and the Small Skipper just a couple of times. On the positive side there continue to be good numbers of Marbled Whites - we seem to have a stable or perhaps growing colony based here. The particular management which leaves some longer grass until later in the summer must work for them but the weather at breeding time has also been kind for the last couple of years especially this year. There were reasonable numbers of Common Blues as well but perhaps not as many as lasy year which was particularly good for them. Photo - the elusive Small Copper.