Butterflies and Moths

Sunday, July 9th 2023

It is a strange year as far as recording our species goes. Some have appeared early, some very late, some in small numbers some in large numbers. We checked when the Dark Green Fritillary had been seen last year and it was around the 22nd June. So we were on the hunt looking for it in all the places it was recorded last year. To no avail. Walking on Friday a bright orange butterfly flew overhead. It could be nothing else other than a fritillary.

Out on the moor at least two were seen but it was very much it went that way, no the other way, it's landed over there, it's off again. Photos were to say the least dollops and splodges. I must admit I did get a lovely photo of a Black Knapweed where the butterfly had just taken off!

Andrew did manage to catch it and we could see its underwing and identify it as the Dark Green Fritillary.

Over the last few years the number of Narrow-bordered 5 Spot Burnet moths has increased and now many can be seen feeding on the Rayed Knapweed across the middle moor.

Of course there is always one!

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Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Monday 18th March 2024 |

The reserve is now open, although again with limited access.

Visitors will be able to access the reserve with the use of key fobs provided at the pass office upon entrance to the camp, or will be provided entrance and exit through the access gate by an officer from the camp Guard Room. In this case visitors will need a mobile phone to call the Guard Room when they wish to exit the reserve.

Please be aware that due to these circumstances, entering and leaving the reserve might take a little longer than usual.