Aston Rowant ~ 7 August

A morning trip to Aston Rowant in search of butterflies, parking here and exploring the downs to the north of the M40.

Silver-spotted Skippers were in high numbers with over 40. Chalkhill Blues and Brown Argus were abundant, particularly towards the bottom of the slope as they nectared in high densities on Wild Marjoram.

Brimstones, Small Tortoisehells, Peacock and all 3 of the common orange skippers were in high numbers.

Stockbridge Down ~ 4 August

A very quick mid-morning trip where Chalkhill Blues were out in astonishing numbers with 500+ across the down. A couple of Essex Skipper were at the bottom of the down among the more numerous Large and Small.

A couple of late and rather tatty Dark Green Fritillaries were still flying

Chalkhill Blue ~ Polyommatus coridon

Chalkhill Blue ~ Polyommatus coridon

Essex Skipper ~ Thymelicus lineola

Alner's Gorse - 31 July

My first visit to this excellent Butterfly Conservation reserve between Blandford Forum and Yeovil. Parking available in a small layby here.

The main target of this visit was Brown Hairstreak, and 1m and 2f were found at 2 locations:
   ~ thistles at the end of the footpath running downhill from the entrance
   ~ on blackthorn/thistles on western side of main reserve

Purple Hairstreak were common on virtually all of the more substantial trees and regularly coming down to nectar on bramble. 1 White-letter Hairstreak was seen nectaring on brambles low down on western side of reserve.

Impressive numbers of Silver-washed Fritillaries were present in the woods to the north including one Valezina.

Purple Hairstreak ~ Favonius quercus

White-letter Hairstreak ~ Satyrium w-album

Brown Hairstreak ~ Thecla betulae

Brown Hairstreak ~ Thecla betulae