Saturday 9th July 2022

Species: Comma (6) Gatekeeper (4) Green-veined White (1) Large White (1) Marbled White (1) Meadow Brown (7) Ringlet (2) Silver-washed Fritillary (6) Small Skipper (1) Small White (2) Speckled Wood (1) White-letter Hairstreak (2)

Male and female Silver-washed Fritillary - Midford 09-07-2022

The cool of the Combe Down tunnel was welcome as I headed towards Tucking Mill on Saturday 9th July. It felt hot (23c) and humid as I arrived at 3pm. I headed off towards Midford and stopped on the cycle-path just below Midford Castle. I checked the tall Wych Elms for any sign of White-letter Hairstreaks. None were spotted. This is a little disconcerting as this is the second year I have failed to see them in this location. 

Silver-washed Fritillary - Midford 09-07-2022

At this time of year, I would expect to see Silver-washed Fritillary flying in this location. The semi-wooded landscape in the valley seems to provide the right conditions for this butterfly to thrive. The first of the day was flying around one of the bramble bushes that over-hang the cycle path near Midford Castle.

Speckled Wood - Midford 09-07-2022

I continued on my way towards Midford, stopping to photograph a Speckled Wood and Comma along the way.

Comma - Midford 09-07-2022

Passing over the Midford Viaduct, I pass through the first gate that defines the start of the 'permissive' section that links Midford with Wellow. This stretch is heavily shaded by the surrounding trees. As I approach the second gate I notice a pair of Silver-washed Fritillary engaged in their elaborate courtship flight. They fly along the path in alongside my bike before finally coming to rest in a sunny spot. (See photo at the top of this post).

Chicory - Wellow 09-07-2022

The path towards Wellow opens out into a mix sunny, grassy embankments and shadier wooded stretches. Occasionally you can see Chicory plants growing wild in the grassy verges and, as was the case today, the bright blue flowers can catch the eye as you pass by.

Beautiful Demoiselle - Midford 09-07-2022

Another feature of this section of path are the Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies. They can be seen through the summer months flying and perching on the surrounding vegetation.

White-letter Hairstreak - Tucking Mill 09-07-2022

I return back along the path and briefly visit Horscombe Vale where more Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies were enjoying the wide glade left by the winter felling.

I wander back to my bike and as I cycle towards the tunnel for my return journey, I stop and viewed a Wych Elm that grows back from the path near the Tucking Mill Viaduct. In past years I have been lucky enough to spot White-letter Hairstreak butterflies on this tree, and sure enough I was lucky again as not one, but two could be seen fluttering around the canopy.



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