Butterfly Conservation - saving butterflies, moths and the environment
Butterfly Conservation
40 years of saving butterflies, moths and our environment
   Cambridgeshire and Essex Branch

SIGHTINGS 2025

Please send us your butterfly sightings for inclusion on this page.

Other years' Sightings:

2025  2024  2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014  2013  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006  

First Sightings 2025

 Red Admiral 30th Jan Brimstone 25th Feb
 Small Tortoiseshell 28th Feb Comma 3rd Mar
 Peacock 3rd Mar Small White 18th Mar
 Green-veined White 24th Mar Speckled Wood 24th Mar
 Large White 25th Mar Orange-Tip 30th Mar
 Holly Blue 2nd Apr Small Copper 3rd Apr
 Wall 4th Apr Grizzled Skipper 6th Apr
 Green Hairstreak 7th Apr Painted Lady 12th Apr
 Dingy Skipper 14th Apr Small Heath 17th Apr
 Brown Argus 20th Apr Common Blue 27th Apr
 Adonis Blue 28th Apr Small Blue 1st May
 Heath Fritillary 8th May Large Skipper 12th May
 Meadow Brown 21st May Black Hairstreak 24th May
 Marbled White 29th May Essex Skipper 30th May
 Dark Green Fritillary 30th May Small Skipper 30th May
 White Admiral 4th Jun Silver-washed Fritillary 9th Jun
 Purple Hairstreak 9th Jun White-letter Hairstreak 10th Jun
 Ringlet 12th Jun Purple Emperor 15th Jun
 Gatekeeper 15th Jun Clouded Yellow 17th Jun
 Chalk Hill Blue 30th Jun Brown Hairstreak 11th Jul

To best view photos on this page, JavaScript should be enabled. See also the complete gallery of photos for 2025

We do not post Hummingbird hawkmoth (or other moths) records on this sightings page. Butterfly Conservation UK records sightings of migrant moths centrally at migrant watch

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
August 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
25thThorndon Park SouthPeacock, Small White, Large White, Clouded Yellow, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew Cox
25thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve BindingSunny, breezy 10.45/2pm.
(3)SmCopp.(3)ComBlue.(8)BrnArg.
(1)PCock.(1)SmHeath.(10)MedBrn.
(2)LrgWht.(2)GVWht. Lots of SmWht.
(1)Clouded Yellow in the Arable field TL202630. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thDevils Dyke racecourse (TL6161)Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill Blue, Adonis BlueVince Lea, Louise Bacon And Amy WolstenholmeTwo mating pairs Adonis plus 1 male and 3 females unpaired. Maybe 20+ Chalkhills, more females than males. 4-5 Common Blue in Bomber Gap. 3 Small Copper together plus 1-2 others and similar numbers Brown Argus & Small Heath. Nectar in short supply, Carline Thistle best option.
24thThaxted (TL6131)Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BlueStephen Dutton8 Small Heath, 6 Common Blue (decline from a week ago
2 Gatekeeper, 2 Meadow Brown, 3Small White, 2 Large White
24thRspb rainham marshesRed Admiral, Small White, Large White, Wall, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Day
24thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueBrian Goodey12 holly blues and 5 speckled woods.
22ndSt Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hockley (TQ826934)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Glover5x Meadow Brown
4x Large White
3x Small White
3x Speckled Wood
2x Wall
2x Small Copper
2x Common Blue
2x Comma
1x Red Admiral
1x Holly Blue
1x Gatekeeper
20thThrift Wood, Bicknacre (TL793020)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid LazarusVery large numbers of Common Blue [200+] in fields of Lucerne; Clouded Yellow in double-figures; 50+ migrant Large White (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
18thDevil's Dyke (TL575645)Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BlueMike DuckhamAt least 5 Chalkhills, 1 of which female. The Common Blues were in the long meadow on the east side of the Dyke - the Chalkhills in the railway cutting. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
17thGreat Staughton river walk (TL135642)Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding11.30/1.10pm sunny /breezy.
(2)SpecW.(21)SmWht.(30)GVWht.
two pairs in copp.(1)LrgWht. plenty UN ID White.
(5)SmCopper.(5)BrnArg.(1m)ComBlue.
(11)SmHeath.(1fm)GateK.(3)MedBrn.
17thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding1.16/2.10pm sunny/breezy.
The meadow has been cut down so just the field edges
left for nectar.
(12)MedBrn.(43)SmHeath.(8)GVWht two pairs in copp.
(2)LrgWht.(2)SmWht. only a few UN ID Wht.
(2)SmCopper.(2)BrnArg.(11)ComBlue.(2fm)GateK.
15thHatfield Forest (TL534210)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusGood numbers of Speckled Wood & increasing with Green-veined White; relatively quiet with all other species counts reduced (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
15thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueBrian GoodeyC2 RA5 B2 SmW4 LW11 GW21 SpW3 SH9 MB13 GK19 HB1 BA5 CB22
15thDevil's Dyke RacecoursePeacock, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Chalk Hill Blue, Adonis BlueSharon HearleTwo Adonis Blue male with numerous Chalkhill Blue male and female.
15thDevil's Dyke July RacecourseBrimstone, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, Adonis BlueFrancis Woodroffe
14thMaldon to Maylandsea seawall (TL879053)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, White-letter Hairstreak, Common BlueDavid LazarusVery good numbers of Common Blue [150+]; my first sighting of White-letter Hairstreak on Northey Island; increasing numbers of Small Heath (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
13thLittle Waltham Meadows (TL712116)Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown ArgusRob Smithmost meadows cut, but great to see a Clouded Yellow. Also Meadow Brown 4, Small Heath 4, singles others
12thLingwood Common (TL776057)Painted Lady, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid Lazarus4 male & 3 female Clouded Yellow in a field full of clover & lucerne; very large numbers of Common Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
11thWallasea Island (TQ967937)Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus & Zayed AhmedVery good numbers [100+] of Small Heath, Common Blue, & Brown Argus; good numbers of Small White (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
11thTrumpington Meadows (TL438545)Clouded Yellow, Common BlueTrevor SawyerBrief visit before it got too hot. Female Clouded Yellow busy egg-laying along with large numbers of Common Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
11thTrumpington Meadow, Cambridge (TL438545)Clouded YellowAmy WolstenholmeHelice form of clouded yellow

(Apologies for blurry photos, I only had my phone)
11thHolland Haven (TM216170)Comma, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC1 SWt23 LW5 GW3 CY3 SWd1 SH18 MB2 GK7 HB1 BA1 CB14 SC1. Three clouded yellow. No vanessids seen. A single 2g (winter) comma.
11thChurch Lane LNR, North Weald (TL495046)Clouded YellowIan Watts3 x Clouded Yellow, including helice female.

(Also 59 x Common Blue recorded on transect earlier – an unusually high number for this reserve.) (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
11th'Strandlands' near Wrabness (TM188317)Clouded YellowRichard GreatRex And Steve BaileyClouded Yellow flew ashore on the Stour Estuary, paused to feed on Sea Lavender, then continued inland.
10thRamsey Marsh (TL944060)Small White, Green-veined White, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BlueRob Smithtransect: Small White 32, Green-veined White 4, Common Blue 14, Wall Brown 4 plus others on top of sea wall, Gatekeeper 8, Meadow Brown 6, Small Heath 9
10thPortholme Meadow, Godmanchester (TL238704)Small White, Large White, Clouded Yellow, Meadow Brown, Common BlueAlan OwersApart from Common Blues (approx 20) very few butterflies about. Single Clouded Yellow that's been around for a few days. Saw a 2nd Clouded Yellow in Godmanchester when walking home. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thOld Hall Marshes, Salcott Channel (TL9613)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Small CopperMartin PeersSmall Heath c20, Meadow Brown 8, Gatekeeper 4,
Common Blue 2mm., Small Copper 4 (2 pairs).
9thPottonSmall White, Large WhiteWSlight wind and hot conditions
9thHare Park Six Mile Bottom. (TL583588)Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueKevin WilsonNumerous Whites seen-Large Whites, Green-veined Whites, Small Whites, Very good numbers of Brown Argus and Common Blues,6 Small Heaths,5 Meadow Browns,2/3 Clouded Yellows,1 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Gate Keeper and 1 fast flying Fritillary, probably a Silver Washed? 5.25 pm- 6.40 pm. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
9thHare Park Six Mile Bottom (TL583589)Silver-washed FritillaryKevin WilsonDuring a morning walk with my dog i was pleased to see a male Silver-washed Fritillary nectering on a Marjoram. My first confirmed sighting of this Fritillary at Hare Park.Probably the Fritillary i saw here yesterday. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
9thCircular walk from High Ongar to Willingale via No (TL579046)Comma, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common BlueRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.20+,Clouded Yellow, 25+,Common Blue, 1,Holly Blue, 1,Speckled Wood, 10,Gate Keepers, 10,Meadow Brown, 4,Small Heath, 30+,Large White, 30+,Small White, 10+,Green Veined-white. 1,Comma.
8thThames Estuary Path, near East Tilbury (TQ692778)Comma, Peacock, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid LazarusOne Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady each; a surprising appearance of a tiny female Essex Skipper; very good numbers of Common Blue and Small White; thriving colony of Brown Argus at SSSI Grasslands NR - Coalhouse Fort; end of 2nd brood Wall (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
8thSt Peter and St Paul’s Church, and adjacent fiel (TQ826934)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Glover20x Gatekeeper
12x Large White
10x Meadow Brown
4x Wall
3x Small Heath
3x Speckled Wood
2x Red Admiral
2x Comma
2x Common Blue
1x Holly Blue
1x Small Copper
1x Peacock
8thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding4hr search of Paxton except quarry area.
All morning. 19c+ sunny but breezy.
(31)MedBrn.(17)GateK.(2)SmHeath.(12)SpecWood.
(23)LrgWht.(5)SmWht.(8)GVWht.(3)Brim.
(2)HollyB.(30)BrnArgus.(8m+10fm)ComBlue.
(2)RedAD. And (2)Clouded Yellow.
One in Redlands area the second opposite whats called the BusStop viewing platform/hide. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
8thEly, north near outskirts, but suburban built up a (TL5581)Silver-washed FritillaryChris ThaxterVery tattered and worn, male I think. Seen about 1600 sunny conditions quite breezy, found flying fast around back garden. I didnt see it feeding directly only perched briefly in a sunny spot, flew out of sight after a minute of seeing, then 10 mins later seen again, flew due east not seen again. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thBurwell fen (TL564680)Painted Lady, Clouded YellowAndrew Maddocks1 Clouded yellow near the cycle bridge
Also a fresh Painted lady in same area
7thClaybury Park (TQ425909)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid Lazarus & Zayed AhmedOne worn male Brown Hairstreak under the Ash 'Master Tree' in the south-western corner; very quiet day with few Gatekeeper & Meadow Brown left (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
6thNewport (TL5133)Clouded YellowStephen DuttonOne flew across Newport Recreation ground
6thHatfield Forest (TL536212)Comma, Peacock, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Common BlueDavid LazarusA few stunning Peacock and Brimstone but generally quiet; Silver-washed Fritillary still on the wing. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
6thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC4 P2 RA7 PL3 B1 SWt7 LW15 GW8 SWd5 SH2 MB7 GK24 HB5 BA3 CB11 SC2
6thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Speckled Wood, Holly BlueBrian Goodey2g Holly blues (12) have emerged strongly over the past few days; speckled wood 10.
6thClaybury Park, WoodfordComma, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueIan WattsThe final field trip of the season enjoyed perfect conditions for seeing butterflies and a small group enjoyed seeing a decent range of species. The target species, Brown Hairstreak, largely eluded the group, but the three members of the group left at the end had a fleeting view of one (probably male) nectaring on Thistle before flying into the middle of half an acre of inaccessible Bramble scrub, not to be seen again.

Other species seen: Purple hairstreak (12), Speckled Wood (9), Holly Blue (7), Gatekeeper (31), Red Admiral (2), Meadow Brown (16), Large White (4), other Whites (8) and singles of Small Heath, Comma and Common Blue.
6thBedford PurlieusComma, Peacock, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BluePete Freeman4 rather worn Silver-washed Fritillary, 13 Brown Argus, 6 Common Blue, 1 Holly Blue
6thBarnack Hills & HolesRed Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalk Hill BluePete Freeman36 Chalkhill Blue (1 female), 11 Common Blue, 9 Brown Argus, 7 Small Heath, 1 Silver-washed Fritillary
6thBarnack Hills & Holes NNR (TF0704)Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BlueDave O'Brien (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
5thWrabness EWTSmall White, Clouded Yellow, Gatekeeper, Common BlueLiz Huxley1 clouded yellow. 5+ common blue. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ695860)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid Lazarus2 meta-colonies of Wall at One Tree Hill; good numbers of second brood Common Blue; large numbers of browns (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve BindingQuick morning visit . Not ideal windy,
sun/cloud 18c.
(26)MedBrn.(53)GateK.(23)SmHeath.
(1m)ComBlue.(3)BrnArgus (3)RedAD.
(9)LrgWht. (3)SmWht.(1)Comma. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thWestley Heights C.Park.Comma, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Small CopperAndrew CoxAll records from Church Lane Meadow.
2ndTrumpington Meadows (TL438545)Large White, Clouded Yellow, Meadow Brown, Common BlueTrevor SawyerDelighted to spot 2 Clouded Yellows on one of the recently cut meadows at Trumpington. Plenty of clover for egg laying. A male and a female seen. Also lots of Common Blues egg-laying on the Bird's Foot Trefoil. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
1stLingwood Common (TL775059)Comma, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid LazarusOne male Clouded Yellow in a cloverfield with a couple of Painted Lady, very large numbers of Meadow Brown, Large White & 140+ recently emerged Common Blue; 3 female Silver-washed Fritillary remain. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )

July 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thBobbingworth Nature Reserve (TL536063)Clouded YellowTom Simon1 Clouded Yellow near car park.
28thFairlop Water CP (TQ4590)Comma, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common BlueColin Jupp & Alan Bell1m Brimstone, 10 Large White, 5 Green-veined White, 5 Small White, 5 Holly Blue, 3 Common Blue (1 fem), 2 Comma, 12 Small Heath, 60 Gatekeeper, 50 Meadow Brown, 12 Speckled Wood. Also for Alan Bell on the 22nd a Silver-washed Fritillary and Brown Argus
28thClaybury Park (TQ431910)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid LazarusRelatively quiet with decreased counts for Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large white & Purple Hairstreak but all still in good numbers; recently emerged Painted Lady (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
26thRainham Marshes RSPB (TQ5478)Wall, Brown HairstreakAndrew Middleton , Laurence Drummond And Andy GoodEarly morning in good sunny spells at least 5 Brown Hairstreaks chasing, clashing around and perching on trees between the car park and the Mardyke, 1 Wall along the sea wall.
26thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueSteve BindingFriends of Paxton .Dragonfly & Butterfly
Survey Route A. Route B cancelled due to bad
weather. Not ideal conditions overcast but warm 20c.
(19)GateK.(8)MedB.(1)LrgWht.
(2)GVWht.(1)SmWht. Some UN ID Wht.
(1)SpecW.(1)RedAD.(1)HollyB.
26thLangdon Hills EWT Great Berry.Large White, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BlueAndrew Cox
25thHatfield Forest (TL533210)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid LazarusFirst sighting of a homegrown Painted Lady; large numbers of Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Green-veined White and Ringlet; still 60 silver-washed Fritillary on the wing; second brood Brown Argus & Common Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
25thFordham (TL9228)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BlueSteve Hallam
25thBenfleet CreekPainted Lady, Small White, Large White, Clouded Yellow, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown ArgusAndrew CoxOne Clouded Yellow.
At least five Wall Browns.
One Brown Argus.
23rdconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareRed admiral 1,Gatekeeper 15,Comma 3,Small white 8,Meadow brown 1,Holly blue 1.
23rdMonks WoodComma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAlan Day
23rdLeyton Lee navigational wall (TQ3587)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, GatekeeperAnthony HareRed admiral 2,Gatekeeper 17,Comma 1,Small white 4.
23rdHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, GatekeeperAnthony HareRed admiral 1,Speckled wood 1,Gatekeeper 17,Comma 1,Whites 10.
23rdGreat Staughton river walk (TL135642)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding11.40/2.20pm long slow walk. Overcast but warm odd
sunny moments.
(1)HollyB.(1)SpecW.(27)GVWht.(15)SmWht.
(26)LrgWht. Numerous UN ID White.
(59)GateK.(27)MedBrn.(6)SmHeath.(1)PLady.
(3)Comma.(14)PCock.(25)RedAD.(2)SmTort.
(11)BrnArgus.(3m)ComBlue.(2)SmSkips.
23rdGreat Staughton Old Cemetery (TL123647)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding2.34/3.45pm Overcast but warm.
(4)Comma.(3)RedAD.(1)HollyB.
(5)SmHeath.(1)SpecW.(3)SmWht.(10)GVWht.
(9)Lrgwht incs a Pairing some UN ID White.
(14)MedBrn.(25)GateK.(1)worn Ringlet.
(10m+1fm)ComBlue.(15)BrnArgus.
Not bad for such a small location.
23rdEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueBrian GoodeyTen speckled woods, a single holly blue and a worn purple hairstreak.
23rdCottenham Garden CB24 8QZPeacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueMarilyn PeterkinSunny day 23degrees.SWF flew in and landed on ground for approx. 30 secs. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdBlue House Farm EWT Reserve (TQ8696)Red Admiral, Small White, Clouded Yellow, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common BlueSteve GrimwadeCircular walk around EWT Reserve. Minimum number of Gatekeeper c.400 plus first Clouded Yellow of year.
22ndBeth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market (TM068123)Other butterflyJulian SidneyLong Tailed Blue see at Beth Chatto Garden. First seen by Chris Gibson a couple of days before.
Recorded on IRecord. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
21stWalthamstow Marsh (TQ3487)Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Common BlueAnthony HareGatekeeper 5,Small white 6,Common blue 4,Meadow brown 5,Holly blue 1.
21stVange Marsh RSPBRed Admiral, Small White, Wall, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common BlueAndrew CoxOne Wall Brown.
21stByron's Pool (TL438548)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small BlueTrevor Sawyer2hr afternoon visit between showers... A lovely fresh-looking male Silver-Washed fritillary to (hopefully) join the female seen recently at the same site. Still large numbers of other butterflies. Number of 2nd brood Holly Blues starting to increase. Also a couple of Jersey Tiger moths (one red and one orange version)
20thPound wood,daws heath essexComma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakSteve Day40+ gatekeeper,6 purple hairstreak
20thHoneypot Lane Allotments, Brentwood (TQ583935)WallBarbara BeckettSecond sighting in a week of a Wall Brown at the Honeypot Lane allotments on the North side of Brentwood, Essex. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
20thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareRed admiral 1,Speckled wood 2,Gatekeeper 16,Small white 9,Large white 4,Holly blue 3.
20thBradwell Gravel Pits, near Coggeshall (TL824211)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BlueAndrew GoodeyWall Brown along footpath leading to main pit. Flew off before photo could be obtained. My first Wall Brown ever in central Essex
19thThaxted (TL6131)Silver-washed FritillaryStephen DuttonFirst SWF that I have recorded in this area. On Buddleia after rain stopped
18thThaxted (TL6131)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BlueStephen Dutton30 Meadow Brown,22 Gatekeeper, 20 Common Blue all males, 5 Large White,4 Small White, 3 Small Heath, 2 Red Admiral, 1 Peacock, 1Comma.

1 Marbled White 16/07/25, none seen today
18thLangdon Hills EWT Willow Park.Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxOne silver washed fritillary (female).
One white admiral.
At least two marbled white.
One wall brown.
18thLangdon Hills EWT Marks Hill.Silver-washed FritillaryAndrew CoxOne silver washed fritillary (female).
18thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyA single white admiral. Around ten brown argus and one location, nice to see them out in force at last. A single small skipper egg laying.
18thFulbourn Fen Nature Reserve. (TL528563)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueKevin WilsonI spent 3 hours counting butterflies around Fulbourn Fen 10.30am-1.30pm.. Butterflies seen-28+ Large Whites,5 Red Admirals, 7 Common Blues,6 brimstones 5 males,1 female.7 Green-veined Whites, 30+ Gatekeepers, 4 Peacocks, 16+ Meadow Browns, 4 Brown Argos,2 Small Tortoiseshells,3 Holly Blues,4 Essex Skippers,1 Small Heath, 1 Marbled White, 5 Comma's, 4 Speckled Wood,1 Silver-Washed Fritillary and obtainsd flight views only of 1 Hairstreak flying around the top of an Oak. Presumably a Purple Hairsteak. Also flight views only of at least 28+ unidentified smaller white butterflies.
18thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Speckled Wood, Holly BlueBrian GoodeyTen speckled woods and three holly blues, between generations but which are having an indifferent year.
18thClaybury Park, Woodford (TQ432910)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus & Ian Watts1 x male Brown Hairstreak seen nectaring on Thistle at 10.15am.
17thNew Shardelows Farm near Fulbourn (TL537542)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueKevin Wilson.Observed some Buddleia bushes for several minutes from 1.47 pm. Delighted to see 1 fresh male Silver Washed Fritillary nectaring. On and around the Buddleia's-4 Peacocks,3 Red Admirals,2 Large Whites, 3 Small Whites,1 Comma, 3 Gatekeepers,1 Painted Lady and 1 Holly Blue. Also 1 Jersey Tiger Moth Seen.
17thHolland Haven (TM216170)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyA noticeable reduction in numbers, especially the whites. Common blues still going well. Essex skippers plentiful but small skippers less so.
17thGrants Meadow Allotments, Colchester (TM0124)Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperOle Wiedenmannwas exclusively looking at one ca. 1sqm Oregano patch at our allotment: 13 Gatekeeper, 4 Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlets, 3 Common Blue (2m/1f), 2 Essex Skipper, 1 Small Copper, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Small White, 1 Large White (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thTanholt Farm, Peterborough (TF242015)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common BlueAlan Owers1-2 hours mid-morning in mainly overcast and breezy conditions but warm. 5 Wall Browns. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thRussell Green nr Little Waltham (TL741128)Comma, Large White, Wall, Small Heath, GatekeeperGeorge BrownWarm, cloudy with sporadic weak sunshine, NW wind. 12-12.30pm. Numerous Gatekeepers, others singles. The Wall butterfly (male) was the first I have seen at this site.
16thOne Tree Hill - Johnson's Meadows (TQ699864)Large White, Green-veined White, Wall, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusWall in double figures; very large numbers of Gatekeeper within the shrubby grassland; second brood grassland specialists throughout meadows (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thFields End Pond, Doddington (TL379909)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperA.J.HUDSONLarge White 30 , Small White 6 , G.V.W. 4 , Gatekeeper 100+ , Wall 1 , Peacock 1 , Ringlet 1 , Small Tortoiseshell 1 , Red Admiral 1 , Meadow Brown 42
16thClaybury Park, Woodford (TQ430910)Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak, Common BlueIan WattsBrief mid-afternoon visit. 1 x male Brown Hairstreak seen nectaring in the south west part of the park. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
16thBetts Wood, Hockley (TQ832928)Comma, Small White, Large White, Wall, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Glover15x Purple Hairstreak - seemingly feeding from the lenticels of an ash tree (picture attached).
12x Gatekeeper
10x Meadow Brown
8x Large White
4x Small White
3x Common Blue
2x Comma
2x Small Copper
1x Wall (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
15thGreat Widgham Wood (TL670554)Silver-washed FritillaryKevin WilsonReturned to Great Widgham Wood early morning. Not as hot as yesterday so able do a more accurate count of the Silver Washed Fritillaries. 43 counted in the same area as yesterday. Also 2 fresh Valezina females seen. Did not see the one with the damaged hind wing photographed yesterday. Therefore must be 3 Valezina in that area. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
14thNorth edge of Great Widgham Wood. (TL670554)Silver-washed FritillaryKevin WilsonLost count of the Silver Washed Frittilaries along the first 2-300yds of the North edge of Great Widgham Wood just left of Kirtling Wwiers. 28 at least. 2 Valezina females seen. Photos obtained. Will send them later.
14thLangdon Hills EWT Great Berry & Plotlands.Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxAt least eight small copper.
10-15 brown argus.
One marbled white.
14thGreat Widgham Wood (TL670554)Silver-washed FritillaryKevin WilsonPhotos as promised. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
14thClaybury Park (TQ430909)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid LazarusMy first Brown Hairstreak of the year - 2 flitting around & settling at the top of an oak at map ref. TQ43099094; very large numbers of Gatekeeper; 20+ Purple Hairstreak descending to ground level; fresh second brood male Holly Blue. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
13thconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueAnthony HareRed admiral 1,Gatekeeper 17,Silver-washed fritillary 1,Small white 8,Ringlet 2,Large white 7,Meadow brown 12,Holly blue 1.
13thThorndon park brentwood essexComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueSteve Day6 purple hairstreak,60+gatekeeper and meadow
browm,1 swf
13thSt Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hockley (TQ826933)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BlueDavid Glover7x Wall (3 in the churchyard, and another 4 in the field adjacent)
12x Large White
10x Meadow Brown
7x Gatekeeper
5x Small White
2x Speckled Wood
2x Red Admiral
1x Comma
1x Holly Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
13thGreensted (TL5403)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Common BluePeter Merrett
13thDevil's Dyke (July Course end) (TL615361)Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BlueMartin Peers350+ Chalk Hill Blues; 45 Gatekeepers; 30 Meadow
Browns; 4 Marbled Whites; 2 male Common Blues.
13thBedford Purlieus (TL038988)Peacock, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueMatt HeaverMostly on Southern ride. 9 WL Hairstreak, 3 Silver-washed Fritillaries. North Meadow provided 1 Dark-green Fritillary and Marbled Whites (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
12thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperAnthony HareRed admiral 2,Speckled wood 3 (in woodland near to the meadow),Gatekeeper 40,comma 1,Ringlet 1(in the woods) Common blue 7,Large white 6,Small heath 5,Meadow brown 16,Large skipper 3,Holly blue 3,(in the woods)Small copper 1.
12thSt. Faith's Park, Brentwood (TQ585936)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperBarbara Beckett10:30-12:45 on hot sunny day with grass fields still not cut. Gatekeeper 87, Meadow Brown 51, Large White 17, Common Blue 15 mostly on NW side of park. Others included Small Skipper 10, Green Veined White 9, Essex Skipper 4, Purple Hairstreak 4, Small Copper 3, Brimstone male 1 and Small Tortoiseshell 1.
12thRainham Marshes RSPB (TQ5478)Brown HairstreakAndrew Middleton & Laurence DrummondOne around and perched on Ash trees between the car park and the Mardyke, viewed through binoculars mid morning.
12thMonks WoodSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueAlan Day
12thLingwood Common (TL777058)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusFirst recorded sighting of Wall at this site; female Purple Emperor basking in morning sunshine; large numbers of Meadow Brown while Ringlet on the decline; good numbers of Common Blue including female ovipositing; first Small Heath for a while (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
12thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Ringlet, GatekeeperAnthony HareRed admiral 1,Gatekeeper 18,Small white 25,Ringlet 1,Large white 7.
11thRowney Wood (TL5733)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakRichard Berry1x PE flying high over canopy
1x SWF
2x WA
9x PH
11thLangdon Hills EWT Willow ParkComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxFour silver washed fritillary. One female, two probably three males.
At least 12 marbled white.
At least ten peacock. All on one big buddlia.
Many gatekeepers included 20 on one small patch of fleabane.
11thLangdon Hills EWT Marks HillComma, Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueAndrew CoxOne white letter hairstreak.
Two marbled white.
11thHillhouse Wood, West Bergholt, Colchester (TL945281)Purple HairstreakSteve HallamI surveyed around 20 Oak trees, on which I counted 41 Purple Hairstreaks. As this is only a small proportion of the Oaks in the wood, there could be quite a decent sized population here.
11thHatfield Forest (TL541210)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakDavid LazarusOne female Purple Emperor ovipositing on Goat Willow Salix caprea; one male also; very large numbers of all 3 browns; 46 Silver-washed Fritillary; and fresh broods of Peacock & Brimstone in good numbers (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
11thClaybury Park, Woodford (TQ432910)Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperIan Watts1 x male Brown Hairstreak nectaring on Thistles around 10.30am. On a very hot morning I arrived around 6.45am but failed to locate/see any assembly tree activity. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thWestly Heights C. Park.Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxMale SWF in flight.53t
10thTrumpington Meadows (TL4354)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small BlueTrevor SawyerA 2hr visit this morning before the heat got too much for me. Lots of butterflies in and around the remaining uncut fields. Silver-Washed Fritillary was first spotted a few days ago (same female individual) along the edge of the wood nectaring on scabious. A couple of Purple Hairstreaks up high and a White-Letter Hairstreak coming out of grass. Signs of second brood Small Blues (6 seen) NB: 1 Small Heath also seen - forgot to report 2 the other day, so that reminded me. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thThames Estuary Path (TQ692778)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Clouded Yellow, Speckled Wood, Wall, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusFirst Clouded Yellow of 2025; 600+ recorded sightings with Gatekeeper & Essex Skipper 100+; excellent numbers of fresh second brood Common Blue & Brown Argus; good numbers of Wall (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
10thLangdon Hills EWT Lincewood/Great Berry.Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxFemale swf.
Three wall browns inc one in the middle of Lincewood, along a path.
Four marbled white.
Mamy common blue & gatekeeper
10thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyA single purple emperor and two very faded white admirals
10thBroakes Wood , GosfieldComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakRoy HodgkinsonPurple Hairstreaks in Oak Nr Chimney Cottage
10thBrampton Wood (TL184699)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperRichard Bircham & Ruth KellyA 2-hour walk from 10am until midday.
10thBlackmore End (TL738308)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperAndy Goodey
10thAversley Wood (TL162820)Peacock, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small CopperChris Brown10.20-12.15 Warm, sunny. SW Fritillary 11, Peacock 11, 2 each Brown Argus and Speckled Wood, single White-letter Hairstreak, Small Copper, Holly Blue, plenty of Whites, Gatekeepers, Ringlets, a few Brimstone, Large and Small Skippers.
9thWeeleyhall Wood (TM1620)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakRichard GreatRexMultiples of most species seen, although White Admirals have declined. The bramble has finished flowering, so there is very little apparent flower resource apart from Marsh Thistle. Highlight was a female Purple Emperor near the entrance to the wood, observed egg laying for several minutes.
9thClaybury Park (TQ435909)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusQuite a few female Purple Hairstreak descending to oviposit; very large numbers of Gatekeeper (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
8thVange Marsh RSPBPeacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxThree marbled white.
Two small copper.
At least 13 common blue.
Many gatekeeper.
8thTrumpington Meadows/Byron's Pool (TL4354)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small BlueTrevor SawyerIncredible numbers of butterflies this morning. Many Green-Veined, Small and Large White and Meadow Brown; Tens of Common Blue, Gatekeeper, Small and Essex Skipper, Brown Argus: 10 Ringlet; 6 Comma, 5 Small Copper, 5 Purple Hairstreak, 5 Red Admiral, 3 Peacock, 3 White-Letter Hairstreak, 3 Small Blue and singles of Marbled White, Speckled Wood and Holly Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
8thThaxted (TL6031)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueRichard Berry1 x PH
3 x WLH
1 x CB
1 x BA
All other butterflies in high numbers
8thSouth Essex Woods (TQ835916)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusDavid LazarusLast 2 Heath Fritillary at Hockley Woods, with 4 Wall there also; single Purple Emperor at Hadleigh Great Wood with a few White Admiral; also White Admiral & Silver-washed Fritillary at Hockley Woods; good numbers of all 3 browns & whites (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
8thMagog Down Stapleford (TL4853)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Small Copper, Small BlueChris BrownHot and sunny; 50 minute walk from 2.15 produced 15 species including Small Blue 2, Holly Blue 2, Small Skipper 3, Essex Skipper 1, Brimstone 6, Marbled White 10, Peacock 13, Red Admiral 7.
8thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Holly BluePhillip Hastings4 x Gatekeeper (first seen in the garden this year, all looked very fresh)
6+ x Peacock, Red Admiral, Large White
3-4 x Small White, Meadow Brown
2-3 x Commma
1 x Brimstone (m), Brimstone (f), Holly Blue, Small Tortoiseshell
Mixed year for sightings in garden so far: Larger than average number of Red Admiral, Peacock and Large White seen but no sightings yet of several species seen in some previous years, inc Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Ringlet abd Large/Small Skippers. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
8thLangdon Hills EWT Great Berry Meadow.Wall, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, GatekeeperAndrew CoxFemale wall brown.
8thLangdon Hills Country park.Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small CopperRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.5,Silver Washed Fritillary, 7,Common Blue, 1,White Letter Hairstreak, 4,Purple Hairstreak, 1,Small Copper, 16,Comma, 4,Peacock, 3,Red Admiral, 10,Marbled White, 80,Gatekeeper, 20,Meadow Brown, 2,Speckled Wood, 4,Small Skippers, 7,Green-veined White, 10,Small White, 40,Large White.
8thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyTwenty speckled woods and four holly blues. Biblical numbers of seven-spot ladybirds.
8thCottenhamSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly BlueDavid BradleyHave lived here 41 years and never seen a silver washed fritillary in the garden before. Have now seen 25 species in my garden but not a Wall for over 30 years. Numbers this year in garden and rewilded old orchard are fantastic.Weather bright, sunny, about 24 degrees. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thAubrey Buxton Nature Reserve (TL5126)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakJohn LandelsActive Purple Hairsreaks on oak tree on lane close to reserve car park. Single SWF on Buddleia just outside the reserve.
7thLangdon Hills EWT Plotlands/Great Berry.Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew CoxFemale silver washed fritillary, feeding on bramble.
At least four small coppers.
Two marbled white.
6thGrants Meadow Allotments, Colchester (TM0124)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperOle Wiedenmannsmall part of on the western site of the allotments, more than 20 Gatekeepers, +10 Ringlets and Meadow Browns, several Small Copper and Small Skipper and large Whites, single individuals of the other species mentioned (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
5thAversley Wood (TL162819)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, White-letter HairstreakRosalyn Payne8.30-10am Sunny Periods, windy. Silver-washed Fritillary 5, White-letter Hairstreak 3, Comma 1, Red Admiral 4, Speckled Wood 1.
4thThaxted (TL6131)Peacock, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Common BlueStephen Dutton45 Marbled White, 35 Meadow Brown, 25 Large White, 10 Small White, 2 Green veined White, 8 Small Skipper, 8 Gatekeeper, 4 Peacock, 2 Painted Lady, 2 Ringlet, 1 Common Blue (fresh male)
4thThames Estuary Path, East Tilbury (TQ694781)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid LazarusLarge numbers of Essex Skipper & Gatekeeper; good numbers of all 3 whites; Wall numbers reduced by SW wind but increasing [29]; second brood Common Blue & Brown Argus in double figures (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
4thShoeburyness,essexComma, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Small CopperSteve DayIn garden
4thShadwell Wood (TL5741)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakJohn Landels12+ SWF and 2 Purple Emperors in Dunns Clearing.
4thRowney Wood (TL5733)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large SkipperRichard Berry3 PE flying high in the oak canopy
1 WA also flying in canopy, did descend, but did not land.
4thMonks Wood (TL1979)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakChris Brown10.15 to 13.00 Cloudy at first then sunny. 2 White Admiral near a dried pond on wide N/S ride, 2 SW Fritillary in southern part of the wood, 2 Purple Hairstreak; otherwise the main feature was huge number of Peacock (100+); Gatekeeper and Ringlet also numerous.
4thLangdon Hills (TQ6786)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond1 male patrolling at the territory briefly chased a 2nd male early afternoon.
4thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueBrian GoodeyFive holly blues and fourteen speckled woods, and an unexpected wall brown (only the second I've seen in northeast Essex in the last ten years.
4thBrampton WoodsComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperNola Bowles
4thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve BindingMid morning sunny warm 25c+.
(51)PCock.(13)Comma.(5)RedAD.(2/3)WhtAD.
(16)SilvWFrit.(1)MarbWht.(2)SpecW.
Lots of Ringlet+GateK. Some MedBrn.
(27)LrgWht.(1)Smwht.(14)GVWht.(4m)Brim.
(32)LrgSkip.(11)smSkip.(6)BrnArg.(1)HollyB.
(1m)ComBlue.(2)SmCopper.(10+)PurpHS .
(1)WhtLtHS. Search includes a section of field
edge Top ride to East ride.
3rdWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding + Roger OrbellSun, cloud warm 20c.11.40/2.20pm.
(3)EssexSkip.(23)SmSkip.(5)LrgSkip.
(12)LrgWht.(5)SmWht.(2)GVWht.
plenty Ringlet, MedBrn , UN ID White.
(20+)MarbWht.(2m+1fm)Brim.(33)PCock.
(1)PLady.(3)Comma.(6/7)GateK.(1)RedAD.
(6)BrnArg.(3m+1fm)ComBlue.(1)PurpHS.
(1)WhtLtHS.
3rdWoodwalton Green Lane (TL209813)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding + Roger OrbellSun, cloud, breezy 2.30pm .
Only some species counted.
(50+)Peacock.(3)RdAD.(1)PLady(3)Comma.
(1)Brim.(3/4)Marbwht.(6/7)BrnArg.
(2/3)ComBlue.(4)SmTort.(4)SmCopper.
(1)SmHeath.(6)GateK. Plenty MedB. Ringlet.
Sm/essexSkip.SmWht.LrgWht.odd GVWht.
3rdThaxted (TL6031)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueRichard BerrySingle tatty WLH seen feeding on thistle
3 Purple Hairstreak sitting high in oaks
good numbers of all other species (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
3rdRowney Wood (TL5733)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperRob Pople09:55‒11:55. Mostly clear/sunny; c.18-21°C. Mainly in SW quadrant of Wood [my first visit, so don't know how representative this part / spp. listed is?]. 1+ White Admiral. 4+ Purple Emperor (in oak just W of central path 'crossroads'). Also brief views of unID'ed hairstreak [Purple?].
3rdHolland Haven (TM216170)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Small CopperBrian GoodeyTwo marbled whites from two separate locations. Hundreds of small and large whites, and small skippers plentiful.
3rdGreat Holland Pits NR (TM201192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueDavid LazarusA couple of Purple Emperor in the canopy of the oaks at the pond congregation area. Half-a-dozen tatty White Admiral - mostly female.Good numbers of Gatekeeper & new brood whites. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
3rdDevils Dyke Newmarket Racecourse (TL615616)Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Chalk Hill BlueRichard BerryChalk Hill Blue - too numerous to count
Mostly males, but a few females seen, including mating pairs (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
1stHatfield Forest (TL5218)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondAt the Wall wood territory Woodside Green early afternoon ,a brief male around the tree tops and a female cruising around lower down , not seen to interact.
1stGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyAt least two purple emperors seen on several occasions over The Tarn. Loads of freshly emerged gatekeepers; a few tired large skippers. All smaller skippers examined were Essex skippers.

June 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thSt. Faith's Park, Brentwood (TQ585936)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueBarbara Beckett12-1pm on very hot sunny day. 3 Marbled White seen for only the second time at this site. 40+ Small/Essex Skippers. 2 Common Blue. 2 Purple Hairstreak. 10+ Ringlet. 200+ Meadow Brown. Grass fields have not yet been cut which is unusual.
30thSea wall GoldhangerOther butterflyStephen MurrayPossible Bath White butterfly seen at 2.30pm today
30thMonks Wood (TL1979)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakP Bromley R Payne R&S Orbell J Winterbottom EtcA walk around the SW corner of Monks Wood produced 17 species this morning including 10+ Silver-washed Fritillaries. The Purple Emperor was seen in the parking area at Brown's Gate.
30thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Holly BluePhillip HastingsSurge in garden sightings over last few days coinciding with buddleia and lavender coming into flower.
3-4 x Peacock
2-3 x Large White, Small White, Meadow Brown
1 x Red Admiral, Marbled White, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Comma, Brimstone (m), Holly Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
30thDevils Dyke (July Course End) (TL614161)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Chalk Hill BluePaul Fisher07.30-10.00 AM Visit 21-29C.
No Overall Count Done But Of Note:
x2 Chalkhill Blue Males Seen In Section 2.
x7 Dark Green Fritillary's, 4 Of Which Were Very Worn.
x3 Small Copper's.
x1 Painted Lady.
Plenty Of Gatekeepers Along The Eastern Side Of The Dyke.
Lots Of Peacocks.
29thWoodwalton Fen (TL230850)Peacock, Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Small White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Purple HairstreakDiana SpencerAt least 3 Purple Emperor around the bungalow, Purple Hairstreaks very high up. Hot but very cloudy.
29thWoodland Trust wood, Theydon Bois (TQ457979)Purple EmperorIan Watts6pm. Single territorial male.
29thSouth Essex Woods (TQ835916)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusDavid LazarusLast 30 Heath Fritillary across all sites; second brood Wall at Hockley Woods; all 4 new brood whites in all woods & in good numbers; White Admiral & Silver-washed Fritillary in both Hadleigh Great Wood & Hockley Woods. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
29thBeachet Wood, Tawney Common (TL491012)Purple EmperorIan Watts8pm. Single seen high on north western fringe of wood.
28thWoodwalton FenComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Purple HairstreakAlan Day
28thMonks Wood (TL198792)Comma, Peacock, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperSimon IngateComma x 3, Peacock x 2, Comma x 3, Silver Washed Fritillary x 10, Brimstone x 3, Marbled White x 6, Large Skipper - lots, Meadow Brown x 10, Ringlet x 20 also Small white x 3 Green Veined White x 2, 4 x White Admirals (some video - can this be uploaded)?
28thHoughton Meadows (TL293717)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperJeremy MilneWhite-letter Hairstreak 2, Purple Hairstreak 1, Small Copper 8
28thHolme Fen (TL2089)Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large SkipperDiana Spencer6+ Silver Washed Fritillary throughout Holme Fen, mainly near Holme Fen Posts. 50+ Red Admirals.
28thHatfield Forest (TL5218)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondSingle male holding territory at the pond/cattle grid Wall wood, early afternoon.
27thWoodwalton Fen (TL230849)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple HairstreakAlan Owers5 purple emperors around bungalow at one stage this afternoon including 1 that spent more than half an hour on my hand. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
27thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding11am/2.20pm sun, cloud, breezy but hot.
(12)Pcock(25)Comma.(18)RedAD.(1)PLady.
(31)LrgWht.(45)SmWht.(18)GVWht. so many UN ID
White. Lots of MedBrn + Ringlet.(11)Gatekeeper.
(4)SmCopper.(3)LrgSkip.(23)SmSkip ID.
(2)PurpHS.(1)SpecWood.(3)SilvWashFrit.
(3fm+2m)Brim.(1)ComBlue.(1)BrnArg both 2nd gen .
Good numbers thanks to masses of bramble and thistles. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
27thMonks Wood (TL488036)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter HairstreakAndrew TerrellFriday afternoon, 3pm to 4pm. Sunny intervals, 27 degrees.
27thMonks Wood (TL488036)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter HairstreakAndrew TerrellFriday afternoon, 3pm to 4pm. Sunny intervals, 27 degrees.
27thMonks Wood (TL205805)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakAlan OwersSingle purple emperor on scat along footpath outside wood at Woodwalton end. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
27thHatfield Forest (TL5421)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond2 males chasing at the gate 32 territory.
27thHatfield Forest (TL5321)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond3 males at north west territory.
27thHatfield Forest (TL5320)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond2 males clashing at central west territory, 2 females and a male at eight wantz.
27thHatfield Forest (TL5319)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond3 males chasing at Lodge cottage and 2 at Central.
27thAbberton Reservoir & Roman River SSSI (TL962177)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid Lazarus8+ Purple Emperor at the entrance to the reserve; large numbers of Purple Hairstreak; both Meadow Brown & Large White in very good numbers at both sites; Comma doing well too. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
26thHigh Wood Gt Dunmow (TL6022)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondEarly afternoon, 1 Female along the side of the wood and 2 males chasing at the territory here.
26thHatfield Forest (TL535212)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common BlueDavid LazarusVery large numbers of Ringlet; good numbers of Small & Large Skipper, Comma & Silver-washed Fritillary; 4 Purple Emperor with two low-flying through a ride. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
25thRowney wood (TL5733)White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond14 Purple Emperors here this morning 10.00- 12.30, 13 Sallow searching/Oak edging males and 1 female, 2 SWF, 2 White Admiral including 1 aberration with no white bands on the upper wing.
25thRoughtalleys Wood Local Nature Reserve (TL488036)Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Large White, Ringlet, Meadow BrownTom SimonPurple Emperors flying around the canopy in the NE corner of Roughtalleys Wood. Viewable from right angle bend in long boardwalk. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thPhyllis Currie EWT Reserve, Great Leighs (TL721182)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small CopperGeorge BrownSunny and warm, S wind. !.40-2.20p.m. Single Small tortoisehell, Peacock, Speckled wood and Small heath. 2 Marbled whites and Small coppers. (Also Small/Essex skippers not specifically identified).
25thMonks Wood, Cambridgeshire (TL198792)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperRichard BirchamLarge numbers of Comma and Marbled White.
25thLingwood Common (TL775059)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusMy first Purple of Emperor of 2025 at Lingwood Common; good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary, Meadow Brown & Ringlet (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
25thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Small CopperSteve BindingLate afternoon, overcast but warm 25c.
(10)GVWht.(3)LrgWht.(10)Smwht lots of UN ID
White.(21)MarbWht. Plenty MedBrn Some Ringlet.
(2)LrgSkip.SM/Essex Skip Lots of. (4)EssexSkip .
(2)fresh looking male Brimstone.
(1)PLady.(1)SmTort.(2)RedAD.(1)PCock.
(11)Comma.(26)SmHeath.(1)SmCopper.
Search includes top headgerow of 2nd meadow. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC14, P2, RA3, WA8, PE3, B3, SWt5, LW3, GW2, SWd1, SH3, R13, MB21, LS2, SS14, ES2, WH6, PH5, HB1, SC2. One female and two male purple emperor. Good numbers of white admiral and comma. Our first ringlets of the year.
25thDitton Park Wood (TL666571)Purple EmperorNeil DickinsonThe Purple Emperors are out! At least half a dozen different individuals around the tops of the oaks with occasional sparring between pairs. One briefly came to the ground but only lingered long enough for a poor photo that’s not worth sharing. Visit made over a hour either side of midday. Better numbers than seen here in recent years.
25thBaddow Meads (TL728061)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusMeadow Brown in their 100s; highest number of recorded sightings of Marbled White seen in the floodplain ever & good numbers of Essex Skipper & Small Tortoiseshell (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
24thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192160)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC5, P2, RA2, SWt13, LW4, GW1, SWd5, MB6, SS4, ES1, WH3, HB17, SC1. Second generation small and green-veined whites out in numbers, only a few checked. Small copper don't appear to have a focused first generation this year.
23rdVange Marsh RSPBComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperAndrew CoxAt least 43 marbled whites, many feeding on brambles.
Many smaller skippers.
23rdHatfield Forest (TL5421)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondSingle territorial male at the gate 32 territory.
23rdHatfield Forest (TL5321)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondSingle territorial male at the North west territory.
23rdHatfield Forest (TL5320)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond2 territorial males at the central west territory.
23rdHatfield Forest (TL5319)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond2 Males at the Lodge cottage territory, 2 at central and a ride side newly emerged female here.
23rdChurch Broom Wood, Little Leighs (TL719165)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common BlueGeorge BrownSunny and warm, fresh W wind, 3.15-4.10p.m. 4 Commas, 1 Red admiral, 6 Ringlets, 4 Marbled whites, 1 Large skipper, 1 male Common blue. (Also c.8 Small or Essex skippers).
23rdBelton Hills to Benfleet Downs (TQ785857)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusVery Large numbers of Large & Green-veined White; also, Small & Essex Skippers; 30+ White-letter Hairstreak (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
22ndSouthey WoodComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Black HairstreakMatthew WebbMale Purple Emperor, female Black Hairstreak, 2, possibly 3 White Admirals, 6 Silver-washed Fritillaries and a aberrant Comma the highlights. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
22ndLoshes Meadow (TL871369)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small SkipperGerard Fletcher & James ElseySingles of Brimstone, Red Admiral, Marbled White & Small Tortoiseshell. 4 x Comma, 4 x Small Heath,60+ Meadow Brown. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
22ndLangdon Hills EWT Marks HillComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueAndrew CoxAt least six silver washed fritillaries, both sexes noted.
At least eight white admirals.
Two red admirals.
One marbled white.
Many ringlets & meadow browns.
22ndLangdon Hills EWT Lincewood & Great BerryComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow BrownAndrew CoxTwo each of silver washed fritillary & white admiral.
At least six marbled white.
22ndHatfield Forest (TL545210)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Small CopperDavid LazarusVery good numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary; & a single Purple Emperor (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
22ndHardwick Wood (TL3557)Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow BrownJames Smith
22ndGreat holland pits,Great holland essexComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Other butterflySteve DayWent looking for purple emperor,possible sighting high in oak tree near bird hide,
22ndFowlmere RSPB (TL4045)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common BlueAde CooperIncredible number of Marbled White on the reserve and some adjacent fields. 415 counted
22ndDevil's Dyke (July Course end) (TL615361)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperMartin PeersSmall Tortoiseshell 2 (both fresh), Dark Green
Fritillary 2, Brimstone 2, Large White 10+, Small Heath 14, Marbled White c270, Ringlet 30, Meadow
Brown 48, Large Skipper 3, Small Skipper 6, Essex Skipper 2
22ndConeyfield wood Tiptree (TL8918)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond5 Purple Emperors at the territory here early afternoon, 4 males and 1 probable female.
22ndBirch Green (TL9418)Purple EmperorLaurence Drummond1 Male at the territory Layer Breton heath.
22ndAbberton reservoir (TL9617)Purple Emperor, Purple HairstreakLaurence DrummondAt least 3 males around Oaks at the old road 12.30
22nd800 Wood (TL3959)Comma, Small White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow BrownJames SmithGood numbers of whites, meadow browns and marbled whites.
21stconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperAnthony HareSpeckled Wood 2,Marbled White 2 (seen on Grassland on the lake approach) Small/Essex Skipper 3,(constantly on wing couldn't tell them apart)Comma 3,Silver-Washed Fritillary 2,Ringlet 6,Large White 2,Large Skipper 1,Meadow Brown 3,(seen on grassland on the lake approach.
21stSouth Essex Woods (TQ835916)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly BlueDavid LazarusEnd of season with numbers halved; Good numbers of Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Large White; Silver-washed Fritillary in all 4 woods & White Admiral seen in Hadleigh Great Wood only.
21stPaxton Pits (TL195629)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small SkipperSteve BindingFriends of Paxton Pits. Survey Dragonflies
and Butterflies. (6)MarbWht.(15+)Ringlet.
Lots of MedBrn.(7)LrgWht.(5)GVWht.(2)SmWht.
Plenty of UN ID White.(6)SmSkip.(1)LrgSkip.
(3)RedAD.(2)SpecW.(1)Plady Very fresh looking.
(1)new Peacock.(1fm)Brim(6)Comma. Very Hot conditions so only route A surveyed. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
21stLordsbridge (TL3954)BrimstoneVince LeaHaving seen a worn individual on transect earlier in the week, surprised to see a fresh male in the garden. There's usually a few weeks gap between the generations.
21stLangdon Hills EWT Plotlands.Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueAndrew CoxOne WL hairstreak
21stGiants Hill Rampton (TL432680)White-letter HairstreakChris BrownOne W-L Hairstreak after an hour searching; feeding on bramble near elms trees, viewed from within Giants Hill hay meadow (accessible to public). (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
21stEpping Forest (TQ3995)Speckled Wood, RingletAnthony HareSpeckled Wood 4,Ringlet 11.
21stCastor Hanglands NNRComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Black HairstreakMatthew Webb2 White Admirals, a few Silver-washed Fritillaries, a tatty Black Hairstreak and a Purple Hairstreak the highlights. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
20thWoodwalton Fen (TL230849)Comma, Red Admiral, Purple Emperor, Large White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple HairstreakSteve Binding7am/10.30am hazy sunshine. Warm 17c .
(1)PurpEmp.(3/4)PurpHS.(16)LrgSkip.
(14)Ringlet.(2)LrgWht.(11)GVWht.
(3)RedAD.(3)Comma.(3)MedBrn. Plenty UN ID White. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
20thMarks Hill Wood & Northlands Wood (TQ686877)Comma, Peacock, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly BlueDavid Lazarus25 Silver-washed Fritillary across both woods plus a few White Admiral; v. large numbers of Meadow Brown in the rides & clearings; large numbers of Large White & Marbled White; Ringlet & Green-veined White numbers increasing; new brood Peacock (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
20thLangdon Hills EWT Willow Park.Comma, Peacock, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperAndrew Cox
20thLangdon Hills EWT Marks HillComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueAndrew CoxAt least three white admiral.
Male silver washed fritillary.
Two purple hairstreak.
20thLangdon Hills EWT Lincewood & Great Berry.Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueAndrew Cox
20thHighwoods Country Park, Northern Woodlands (ColcheComma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex SkipperOle Wiedenmannat least 7 White Admirals, 2 Silver Washed Fritillaries, many Meadow Brown and Skippers (difficult to quantify) (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
20thHawkwood allotment. (TQ3795)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, RingletAnthony HareSmall Tortoiseshell 1,Red Admiral 1,Speckled Wood 3,Small White 12,Ringlet 5,Large White 3.
20thBarrington (TL4150)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Painted Lady, Large White, Clouded Yellow, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow BrownPaddy GroveLovely to see a Clouded Yellow flying in the evening sunshine
19thThaxted (TL6131)Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Small White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Common BlueStephen Dutton10:00 -11:00 25 deg
70 Meadow Brown,60 Marbled White, 12 Small Heath, 8 Small White, 2Small Skipper, 1x Brimstone,Small Tortoishell,Common Blue
19thRoman River SSSI - Friday Wood (TL990209)Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakDavid LazarusWhite-letter Hairstreak all along Cherry Tree Lane; all 3 premier woodlanders inside Friday Wood with good numbers seen of SWF & White Admiral; single male Purple Emperor (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
19thMeadgate Park (TL722059)White-letter HairstreakDavid LazarusFirst White-letter Hairstreak in my local recreational park/urban green space - 3 meta-colonies found
19thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Comma, White Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Purple HairstreakSteve Bindingearly morning sunny 17c.
(6)WhtAD.(5)SpecW.(27)LrgSkip.
(23)Ringlet.(41)MedBrn.(4)SmSkip.
(1)PurpHS.(3)GVWht.(1)SmWht.
(6)Comma. SEV UN ID White.
18thDuck End Green, Rayne (TL721230)White-letter HairstreakAndy Goodeyc.10 tussling above elms in traditional site for species
17thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Comma, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperAnthony Harespeckled Wood 3 (on the woodland edge) Marbled White 21, Small & Essex skippers 10 (unable to break that number down as they were constantly on wing) Comma 1, Ringlet 1, Common Blue 3, Small Heath 39, Meadow Brown 63, Large Skipper 2, Small Copper 1.
17thMagog Down (TL4953)Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Common Blue, Small BlueDuncan McNiven4 x Small Blue inc pr in cop (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thHatfield Forest (TL529207)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Emperor, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusFirst Purple Emperor of 2025; ~250 Meadow Brown; Good numbers of new brood whites [all 4] & Comma; also good numbers and increasing Silver-washed Fritillary, Large Skipper & Ringlet. [woodland rides only - 479 butterflies] (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
17thBury (TL281825)Clouded YellowJohn TemprellAn unexpected sighting while walking mid day in hot sun. Very skittish and hard to photograph as not geared up for shots of butterflies. On a footpath between crop fields. A worn individual. Flew off east across field. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
16thStour Wood (TM193311)Comma, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueDavid LazarusGood numbers of Silver-washed Fritillary and a couple of White Admiral; also, new brood Comma (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thShadwell Wood (TL5741)Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow BrownJohn Landels4 SWF in the Wood and 1 Marbled White at entrance to Wood.
16thMonks Wood (TL2080)Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter HairstreakRosalyn Payne & Karen SandersonSunny, 21 Deg, 9.45-11.45. Comma 2, Red Admiral 3, White Admiral 7, Brimstone 1, Green-veined white 2, Large Skipper 6, White-letter Hairstreak 2.
16thLangdon Hills EWT Marks HillRed Admiral, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueAndrew CoxOne white admiral.
Two silver washed fritillaries, male & female feeding on bramble together.
16thLangdon Hills EWT Lincewood & Great Berry Meadows.Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Essex Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueAndrew CoxOne white admiral.
Four marbled white.
16thGreat Wilbraham Common (TL534576)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow BrownChris BrownMeadow Brown 60, Small Heath 7, Small Tortoiseshell 2, Large White 2,
Green-veined White 1, Small White 4, Brimstone 1, Comma 2, Marbled White 1
16thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyST1, C6, RA4, WA5, B5, SW4, LW1, GvW1, SWd4, SH2, MB11, LS2, SS6 (checked), WlH5 HB7, SC2. Earliest we've seen w-l hairsteaks.
16thEssex University, Wivenhoe Park (TM031239)Comma, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large Skipper, Small SkipperOle Wiedenmannfirst Gatekeeper of the year, 50-60 Meadow Browns, 4 Commas, 1 Large White, 1 Small Heath, 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Small Skipper, 2 Large Skipper (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
16thEWT Great Holland Pits (TM201193)Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple HairstreakDavid LazarusGood numbers of White-letter Hairstreak & White Admiral and new brood Comma; all 4 whites new brood but few of them
16thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Comma, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Bindingearly morning visit sunny and warm 18c.
First Butterfly of the day (1).SWFrit.
(10)WhtAD various locations some on brambles,
(5)Comma.(16)LrgSkip.(49)MedBrn.(1)LrgWht.
(5)GVWht.10 UN ID White.(1)v worn ComBlue fm.
(1)V worn BrnArg.(9)Ringlet.(6)SpecW.
(3)SmSkip.(1)MarbWht flying down from the top of the main ride.(2)BlkHS. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
16thBedford pulisComma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Black HairstreakRay ChurchCompletely different from last Tuesday when I visited,4white Admirals towards wood and south end path ..unfortunately no photos.
15thWoodwalton Marsh (TL210812)Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew Terrell13:00 to 14:00, Sunny Intervals.
1 x very battered White Letter Hairstreak.
2 x very fresh Dark Green Fritillary.
1 x brimstone.
Several Small Heath.
Multiple Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper.
1 x each male and female very faded and battered Common Blue.
1 x very faded and battered Brown Argus.
15thWestley Heights, Church Lane Meadow.Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperAndrew CoxAt least six each of comma & painted lady.
One marbled white.
15thLangdon Hills EWT Lincewood & Great Berry.Comma, White Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueAndrew CoxTwo or three white admirals.
One marbled white.
15thHayley Wood (TL293527)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large SkipperJohn Murray & Adrian SargentSunny early morning 20 degrees C. One sliver-washed fritillary seen in the open glade. Two ringlets also seen. Numerous meadow brown around woodland edge. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
15thHavering country park (TQ5093)Purple EmperorLaurence DrummondMy first of the year and my earliest ever by one day, a territorial male at 14.15.
15thHatfield forest,essexComma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Common BlueSteve Day30+ meadow brown ,15 marbled white,1 ringlet 1SWF
15thD'Engaynes Meadow, Stow cum Quy (TL515593)Comma, Peacock, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common BlueChris Brown48 Marbled White, 35 Meadow Brown, 12 Small Skipper, 4 Large Skipper, 2 Common Blue, one each Comma, Specked Wood, Small Heath, Peacock, Large White.
14thTiptree (TL8918)Comma, White AdmiralLaurence DrummondAt Coneyfield wood early afternoon, 3 White Admiral and 4 Comma.
14thThaxted (TL6131)Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Small White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Common BlueStephen Dutton3 Marbled White (first here), 1 Small Tortoishell (1st at this location)
2 Brimstone,3 Common Blue,males.
1xHolly Blue, Small White. Small Heath and Meadow Brown not counted
14thHoughton Meadows (TL293717)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Small CopperJeremy MilneSmall Tortoiseshell 2, Comma 8, Peacock 1, Red Admiral 1, Brimstone 3, Small White 1, Large White 1, Green-veined White 4, Small Heath 2, Meadow Brown 50, Large Skipper 3, Brown Argus 1, Large Skipper 3
14thHoughton Grange Grasslands (TL294718)Comma, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common BlueJeremy MilneComma 3, Green-veined White 1, Small Heath 1, Marbled White 2, Ringlet 10, Meadow Brown 20, Large Skipper 3, Small Skipper 2, Common Blue 2
14thHatfield Forest (TL5319)Comma, Red Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Brimstone, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueJohn Landels1 SWF and 3 Marbled Whites
13thLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ691871)Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid LazarusMy first White Admiral of 2025 with White-letter Hairstreak also in Northlands Wood. New brood Brimstone, Large, Small & Green-veined White and Comma. Good numbers of Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, & Marbled White; 250+ in total. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
13thHighwoods Country Park, Squirrels' Field (Colchest (TM0028)Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueOle Wiedenmannlarge numbers of Large Skippers and Meadow Browns (difficult to count, >50), at least one Small Skipper, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Small White, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Common Blue (1 fresh)
13thGt Holland Pits (TM202192)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueLiz Huxleyincluded 5 comma, 3 brimstone, 2 large skipper & my first white letter hairstreak of the year (seems quite early) (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
13thGreat Staughton river walk (TL135642)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperSteve Binding9.05/10.35am very warm but breezy.
(6)LrgSkip.(1)RedAD.(7)SmTort.
(1)very fresh looking PLady.
(4)GVWht.(6)MedBrn.(11)SmHeath.
(1)MarbWht.
13thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding10.45/12.10pm hot but breezy.
Main meadow plus 2nd meadow. Lots of MedBrn.
(62)SmHeath (8)SmSkip.(2)Brim.(3)BrnArg.
(2)MarbWht.(1)RedAD.(2)Comma.(3)sMTort.
(4m)ComBlue.
13thDevils Dyke (July Course End) (TL615361)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Common BluePaul Fisher08.00-10.30AM; 20-24ºC; Sunny. East facing banking was also checked:
SECTION ONE:
Comma x1; Red Admiral x1;Dark Green Fritillary x5;Small Heath x3; Marbled White x64; Ringlet x4; Meadow Brown x11; Large Skipper x2; Small Skipper x1.
SECTION TWO:
Red Admiral x1; Painted Lady x1; Dark Green Fritillary x6; Brimstonex1; Green-Veined White x1; Unident White x2; Small Heath x7; Marbled White x127; Meadow Brown x34; Large Skipper x5; Common Blue x2.
SECTION THREE:
Dark Green Fritillary x8; Brimstonex1; Small Heath x13; Marbled White x91; Meadow Brown x49; Large Skipper x4;Small Skipper x1; Common Blue x11.
13thBrampton Wood (TL180770)Comma, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Purple HairstreakPaul FisherMidday; 25ºC; Sunny.
No counts done but of note was a Purple Hairstreak along the main ride(North), with no Black Hairstreak's seen.
13thBlackheath , Colchester (TM009286)Comma, Painted Lady, White Admiral, Meadow Brown, White-letter Hairstreak, Holly BlueSimon PatientOur first White-letter Hairstreak of the year in our garden, on the same Elder/Ivy bush used last year by combating males.
12thThaxted (TL6131)Brimstone, Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueStephen Dutton20 Meadow Brown, 10 Small Heath, 4 Small White,2 Common Blue
1x Holly Blue, Large Skipper, Brimstone,
12thNorman Cross, Peterborough (TL1690)Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperJames Hanlon
12thFingringhoe Wick (TM045194)Comma, Red Admiral, White Admiral, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Common BlueLiz Huxley2 white admiral by Trout Pools - earliest I've ever seen them (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
12thBelton Hills to Benfleet Downs (TQ785857)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid LazarusThree firsts for 2025 - good numbers of Marbled White; a couple of Ringlet; & start of White-letter Hairstreak in double-figures; Also, second brood Small & Green-veined White, plus Comma. Over 250+ v. active. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
11thRoman River SSSI + Abberton Reservoir (TL973191)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid LazarusAll 3 golden skippers; new brood Small & Green-veined White and Comma; Meadow Brown & Small Heath numbers increasing (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
11thDavy Down Park, South Ockendon, Essex (TQ591801)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown ArgusPaul & Barbara BeckettWalk along the Mardyke Way in the afternoon; warm and sunny. At least 10 fresh-looking Small Tortoiseshell.
10thWoodwalton Marsh (TL210812)Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueRosalyn Payne11.45, Sunny. Brimstone 2, Large Skipper 1, Common Blue 9, Brown Argus 4, Small Heath 3, Marbled White 4, Meadow Brown 5, Dark Green Fritillary 1 (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thRampton (TL432467)White-letter HairstreakDavid BradleyWe've had White-letter HS on this patch since 2022. I'd not seen them there prior to that and there were no reports AFAIK. Probably half a dozen today, maybe more.

There have Purple HS here too, also since 2022. Will check the site again for them and report in if they're showing. It's possible there were some today, but I didn't get photos as I had with the WLs.

Trees on Lode edge about 60m from the Rampton Road bridge
10thPaines Brook, Harold Wood (TQ551912)Comma, Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, White-letter Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak, Holly BlueColin Jupp21 White-letter Hairstreaks with frequent clashing male activity in particular over ash trees early-mid pm. My highest count here. Also 3 Large Skipper, 1 Small White, 3 Holly Blue, 5 Comma, 2 Red Admiral, 5 Speckled Wood, 5 Meadow Brown and on evening return visit 5 Purple Hairstreaks 8pm. nearby, Harold Hill, Petersfield Avenue: 2 White-letter Hairstreak over elm near A12 bus stop, 1 Purple Hairstreak, 2 Holly Blue. Harold Hill/A12: 7 White-letter Hairstreak central reservation elms, 2 Holly Blue
9thWestley Heights C. Park.Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueAndrew Cox
9thMeadgate Park (TL720058)Purple HairstreakDavid LazarusFirst Purple Hairstreak of 2025 in the local park
9thHayley Wood (TL293527)Silver-washed FritillaryAdrian SargeantCentral along the main ride within the woods, the SWF was feeding on dogwood flower. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
9thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueBrian GoodeyST1, RA5, SWt1, SWd4, SH5, MB18, LS3, SS1, GH1, HB2, CB5. Our first small skipper and meadow browns of the year.
9thAlconbury Flower Bank (TL190761)Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small SkipperSteve BindingMid afternoon sun, cloud ,very breezy.
(25+)MarbWht + the same amount in the
private area beyond the gate. (10)MedBrn.(3)SmWht. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thGreat Staughton river walk (TL135642)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Small White, Green-veined WhiteSteve Binding3.55pm/4.45pm odd sun ,cloudy breezy,
Not ideal even so (12)SmTort found on the field edges on the bare earth and along the pathways.
Possibly more. Also (1)very fresh Comma.
(1)GVWht.(1)SmWht.
8thBurwell Cuuting (TL575465)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common BlueLorraine Mathews16°C mostly overcast. 25+ Marbled Whites, 2 Large Skippers, 2 Brimstones (f), 15 Meadow Browns, 3 Common Blues, 1 Comma, 3 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Green veined White,2 Red Admirals
8thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Black HairstreakJohn MurrayDamp and breezy morning, 07:30 - 11. Very little activity. Numerous speckled woods and 2 x red admiral. 4 black hairstreaks seen on the main ride opposite site 1.
6thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Large White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueStephen Binding + Paul FisherMidday odd sun, cloud 16c.
(1)MarbWht.(7m+3fm)ComBlue.(4)SmHeath.
(1)SmTort.(6)MedBrn.(1)LrgSkip.(3)BrnArg.
(1m+1fm)Brim.(3)BlackHS. (1)LrgWht.
(1)Grizzled.
6thWoodwalton Green Lane (TL209813)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperStephen Binding + Paul FisherMid afternoon Sun ,cloud 16c.
(1m+1fm)Brim.(2)LrgWht.(6)SmWht. Plenty UN ID White.
(2)LrgSkip.(1)SmSkip.(2)Comma).
(3)BrnArg.(8m+2fm)ComBlue.(7)SmTort.
(3)SmHeath.(9)MedBrn.(1)SmCopp.
(8)Black HS low on Blackthorn near the railway
bridge . The most seen here. Of which there were at least 2/3 females egg laying.
6thMonks Wood (TL201803)Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Black HairstreakStephen Binding + Paul FisherSun + cloud still warm Late afternoon.
(4)RedAD.(17)SpecWood. (11)BlkHS.
(1)GVWht.(4)LrgSkip.(1m)OrgTip.
6thHighwoods Country Park, Squirrels' Field (Colchest (TM0028)Small White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperOle Wiedenmannaround 2 pm, changing between sunshine and clouds: 1 Small White, 1 Small Heath, 5 Meadow Brown, 8 Large Skipper, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
6thFoxearth Meadows and adjacent disused railway tracSmall Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Meadow BrownLawrence Garside5 Small tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Small white, 1 GV White, 2 Speckled wood, 1 Meadow brown
4thWoodwalton MarshSmall Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding11am/12.40 sun/cloud 17c.
(4)MedBrn.(7m+3fm)ComBlue.(3)BrnArg.
(7)SmHeath.(1)LrgSkip.(2)fresh SmTort.
(2)GVWht.(1)LrgWht.(1)Brim.(5)BlkHS on
privet flowers.(2)Grizz one very worn
and damaged one fair. No marb white yet. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thBrampton Wood (TL184698)White AdmiralSteve Binding Reporting For Roger Orbellone White Ad seen at the top main ride.
4thBlackheath. Colchester (TM009286)White AdmiralSimon PatientOne inside our conservatory this evening was a bit of a surprise, my earliest sighting.
4thBaddow Meads & Meadgate (TL721060)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusAt last signs of a recovery with healthy numbers of Small Tortoiseshell having emerged - so far, 30+ across half of the floodplain; Also, first Small Skipper in Meadgate Fields of 2025 (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
2ndThames Chase Forest Centre (TQ584864)Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Meadow Brown, Green Hairstreak, Common BlueRob SmithGreen Hairstreak 1, Common Blue 2 (m+f), Small Tortoiseshell 2, Meadow Brown 5, Small White 1. (9.45-10.15am) (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
2ndPerry Lagoons (TL157669)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding1pm/3pm Sun + Cloud, breezy 17c.
(4)SpecW. (2)LrgWht. (3)GVWht. (2)SmWht.
(1m)OrgTip. (3)Brim. (6m+1fm)ComBlue.
(2)RedAD. (1)SmTort. (1)fresh Comma.
(1)BrnArg. (5)SmHeath.(8)MedBrn.
2ndHigh Ongar to Paslows Common, a circular walk.Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large SkipperRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.1,Wall, 1,Large Skipper, 4,Meadow Brown, 1,Orange-tip, 1,Painted Lady, 1,Red Admiral, 15,Small Heath, 4,Speckled Wood, 15,Green -veined White, 12,Small White, 5,Large White.
2ndFields adjacent to St Peter and St Paul’s Church (TQ828934)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Large White, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueDavid Glover5x Large White
3x Small Tortoiseshell
3x Small Heath
2x Comma
2x Meadow Brown
1x Holly Blue
1x Painted Lady
1x Red Admiral

Since the good sized field margins were established - now full of Oxeye Daisey and Birds-foot Trefoil - this is now developing into a rather profitable site for many common butterflies.
2ndEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Holly BlueBrian Goodey12 speckled woods—good number for this time of year; 26 holly blues, well down compared to early June last year. A single meadow brown is our first for the year.
2ndDevils Dyke racecourseDark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Adonis BlueHoward ButlerAdonis Blue x2 DARK-GREEN FRITILLARY x 7. Some very early sightings.
2ndDevil's Dyke July Racecourse (TL617616)Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Small White, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueJohn MurrayEvening visit, warm and sunny 20°C. 2 dark green fritillaries seen feeding on privet flowers. Numerous marbled whites, along with common blue, some of which are now quite worn. Several brown argus also seen. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
2ndBrampton Wood (TL184698)Comma, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Black HairstreakSteve Binding + Roger Orbell9.30am/12.30 Sun, Cloud ,Breezy
but warm. A general walk around
the wood.
Black HS (30/35) main ride opp site 1.
(2) car park.
(10) west ride.
(2) glade area.
Others (27)SpecWood.(2)LrgWht.(1) LrgSkip.
((4)RedAD.(2)SmHeath.(1)Brim.(1)Comma.
1stnr St Osyth (TM144159)Peacock, Painted Lady, Holly BlueSimon CoxSingle Holly Blue, Painted Lady and Peacock, latter two on flowering pyracantha, all in our garden

May 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
31stThe NazePainted LadyLiz Huxley4 painted lady
31stSawtrySmall Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueJeremy Milne1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Brimstone, 3 Green-veined White, 2 Small White, 1 Orange-Tip, 1 Large White, 7 Small Heath, 1 Grizzled Skipper, 3 Large Skipper, 2 Brown Argus, 5 Common Blue
31stMonks Wood (TL2080)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Black Hairstreak, Common BluePhil Bromley & Rosalyn PayneBlack Hairstreak survey for Natural England produced 120 individuals.
Bottom Ride 12, Stocking Close Ride 33, Barrow Ride 17, Main Ride 27, Hotel Ride 13, East & West Fields 18.
31stLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ699864)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusFirst Large Skipper in 2025; Over 250 butterflies with half Common Blue; 20+ Meadow Brown; First Small Tortoiseshell in Johnson's Meadows for 5 years (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
31stGreat Clacton (TM1717)Painted LadySimon CoxPainted Lady in flight in suburban garden noted during Breeding Bird Survey
31stCastor Hanglands NNRBrimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Black HairstreakMatthew Webb100+ Black Hairstreaks seen in the northern end of the site - clearly a good year for them. Many spots had five or six on view at the same time. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
31stBrampton woodRed Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Black Hairstreak, Holly BlueROGER ORBELLcarried out the Black Hairstreak timed count survey
site 1 89
site 2 80
site 3 118
site 4 19
site 5 46
Lots showing on Main Ride opposite Site 1 entrance
30thOne Tree Hill, Johnsons East (TQ702864)Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Common BlueRob SmithSmall Skipper 1, Orange-tip 1m, Small Heath 7, Common Blue 5, Holly Blue 1 (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
30thMagog Down (TL846532)Common Blue, Small BlueJohn MurrayBrief visit at approx 5:30pm. Warm, but breezy and partly cloudy. Roughly a dozen small blue in a small area of grass just inside the entrance gate. Several common blue also seen. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
30thHolland Haven NR (TM216170)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common BlueBrian GoodeyAn unexpected small tortoiseshell and our first brown argus of the year. Five or six painted ladies.
30thDevils Dyke Race course end (TL617616)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Dark Green Fritillary, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Dingy Skipper, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Adonis BlueSteve Binding/ Paul Fisher11.20/2pm sunny but breezy 22c .
(41)ComBlue.(12)MarbWht.(3m)OrgTip.
(6m+1fm)Adonis.(17)BrnArg. (1)SmCopp.
(16)Brim. (2)GVWht. (8)DGFrit.(21)SmHeath.
(5)HollyB. (11)LrgSkip.(5)MedBrn.(3)SmTort.
(2)RedAD.(1)fresh looking DingySkip.
(1)GrnHS worn. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
30thBurnham-on-Crouch (TQ975953)Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Heath, Essex Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueDavid LazarusFirst Essex Skipper of the year; good numbers of Small Heath & Common Blue; also Small White surprisingly; singles of the rest (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
30thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Black HairstreakSteve Binding/ Paul Fisher8.40/10.30 18c very breezy sun/cloud.
(15)SpecWood.(1)Brim. (1)OrgTip male.
(13)BlkHS main ride near site 1.
(9)BlkHS Site 1.
(35+)BlkHS Site 2 to pond.
(2)BlkHS Elsewhere. Total 59+.
30thAythorpe Roding to Great Canfield.Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.1,Large Skipper, 1,Meadow Brown, 5,Small Tortoiseshell, 10,Speckled Wood, 2,Common Blue, 1,Brown Argus, 16,Small Heath, 11,Green-veined White, 10,Small White, 3,Large White, 6,Brimstone.
29thSea wall just beyond North Fambridge marina, Essex (TQ842973)Small HeathJulia OsborneDry partial cloud, about 14:15 hrs, just flitting around and landing on grass (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
29thHockley Woods (TQ835916)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Heath Fritillary, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Wall, Holly BlueDavid Glover40+ Heath Fritillary - not the best day for them, given the rather breezy conditions and intermittent spells of sunshine, but still some decent numbers around.
3x Speckled Wood
2x Holly Blue
2x Small Tortoiseshell
1x Red Admiral

1x Wall, 2x Comma, another Small Tortoiseshell and 2x Large White near Gustedhall Wood at TQ840908
29thDevils Dyke, Newmarket race courseRed Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Marbled White, Green Hairstreak, Adonis BlueGraham HerseyFirst 2 Marbled White at the bottom of the Dyke out of the wind, 20 plus Adonis Blue,
Plus green Hairstreak
28thGreat Staughton river walk (TL135642)Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Holly BlueStephen Binding4pm/5.30pm sun, cloud, breezy 18c.
(1)PLady (1)RedAD. (3)very fresh SmTort.
(2m)OrgTip.(4)GVWht.(2)SmWht. (2)LrgWht.
(2)Brim.(1)HollyB.(1)SmHeath. (1) very
fresh LrgSkip+ sev UN ID White. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
28thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common BlueStephen Binding11/12pm Breezy sun, cloud
not ideal still.(31)SmHeath
(1)ComBlue male
(1)Brown Arg.
28thFingringhoe WickPainted Lady, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Common BlueLiz Huxleymy first painted lady of the year - a rather worn individual (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
26thMeadgate & Baddow Meads (TL722058)Peacock, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusFirst sighting of a Meadow Brown in 2025; Whites finished apart from 1 tatty Orange-tip; numbers of Common & Holly Blues increasing; first Peacock emergent (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thMonks Wood (TL2080)Speckled Wood, Black HairstreakPhil Bromley & Rosalyn PayneA female black hairstreak was seen today. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
25thHavering Country ParkRed Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueZayed Ahmed1 Large Skipper, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Green-veined White, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Speckled Wood, 2 Holly Blue, 5+ Common Blue, 10+ Small Heath, 12+ Six-spot Burnet moth
25thCommunity Garden on the Old Heath Recreation Groun (TM0124)Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Common BlueOle Wiedenmannat least 9 but most likely more Holly Blue, 5 Speckled Wood, 2 Small White, 2 Common Blue, 1 Brimstone, 1 Large White
25thBrampton Wood (TL184698)Black HairstreakSteve Binding Reporting For Roger Orbell10 Black HS seen between the main
ride and Wayne Pond.
24thMundon, Essex (TL872013)Speckled WoodJulia OsborneDry warmish, slightly cloudy around 15:50 (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
24thMonks Wood (TL200803)Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Black HairstreakRosalyn Payne & Phil Bromley2pm A brief sunny period, 2 Black Hairstreak tussling high in the Blackthorne. A few Speckled Wood, and a Small Heath in West Field which is no longer locked.
23rdWalk from Doddinghurst to Mountnessing windmill.Peacock, Painted Lady, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common BlueRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.2,Painted Lady, 3,Orange-tip, 1,Brown Argus, 2,Common Blue, 9,Small Heath, 1,Large White, 3,Small White, 4,Green-veined White, 2,Peacock.
23rdRoman Road, Babraham (TL526520)Small BlueKeith Edkins (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdHighwoods Country Park, Southern Fields (Colcheste (TM0027)Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueOle WiedenmannCommon Blue the most numerous species (~ 30), ~15 Small Heaths, 1 Brimstone, 1 Small White, 1 Green-veined White, 2 Speckled Wood, 1 Brown Argus, 1 Holly Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
23rdHadleigh Great Wood (TQ818878)Heath Fritillary, Speckled WoodDavid LazarusFirst sighting of Heath Fritillary at HGW in 2025
Withheld for conservation reasons (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
23rdFleam Dyke, Fulbourn (TL543546)Green Hairstreak, Small BlueKeith Edkins (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
21stWandlebury, Cambridge (TL4953)Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Small BlueLorraine MathewsNewly emerged Meadow Brown on lower grass. 1 Holly Blue, 8+Common Blue, 6+Small Blue, 5 Brimstones, 3 Small White, 1 Speckled wood, 6 Small Heath
20thThaxted (TL6131)Small White, Small Heath, Common BlueStephen Dutton6 Small Heath, disappointingly down on last week.
6 Common Blue males, nice increase on last week.
1 Small White. Weather 18 deg,sunny, Northerly breeze.
20thMiddlewick Ranges, Colchester (TM0122)Small Heath, Common Blue, Small CopperOle WiedenmannNorth Eastern grassland part of the Wick, 50+ Small Heath, 30+ Small Copper, 4 Common Blue
20thHatfield Forest (TL533187)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Common BlueDavid LazarusQuiet in the rides with mostly Speckled Wood now. Common Blue numbers increasing in the grasslands; and a few Painted Lady and spring brood Comma (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
20thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyA single large skipper is our first of the year.
19thOld Hall Marshes (TL9612)Wall, Small Heath, Common Blue, Small CopperLiz Huxley1 wall brown; 12+ small heath; 10+ common blue; 5 small copper
19thBaddow Meads (TL718062)Small TortoiseshellDavid LazarusFirst Small Tortoiseshell 2025 emergent (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thNew Decoy/Holme Fen (TL2288)Painted LadyDiana Spencer3 Painted Lady along the Dragonfly Trail from New Decoy
18thMagog Down (TL486532)Common Blue, Small BlueHoward ButlerA count of approximately 60 Small Blues were noted throughout the reserve (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thCountry Park, Ely (TL5480)Speckled WoodJulie Wakefield2 speckled wood. Flying in wooded area. Sunny.
17thWoodwalton Marsh (TL211812)Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common BlueDiana Spencer1 Green Hairstreak and 2 Grizzled Skipper still at Woodwalton Marsh (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
17thVange MarshPeacock, Red Admiral, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Common BlueAndrew Gox
17thTrumpington Meadows (TL4354)Peacock, Brimstone, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Copper, Small BluePaddy GroveSmall Blues in north and south meadows, and very good numbers of Common Blue. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
17thLittle Belhus CP and Havering CPComma, Large White, Orange-Tip, Wall, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperZayed Ahmed1 GH, 1 Wall Brown, 1 Small Copper, 1 Orange-tip, 1 Orange-tip larva, 2 Holly Blue, 3 Brown Argus, many Common Blue at Little Belhus Country Park

1 Comma, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Large White, multiple Common Blue, multiple Small Heath at Havering Country Park
17thFordham (TL922281)Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperOle WiedenmannMeadows and Hedges west of Fordham village: 25+ Small Heath, 11 Common Blue, 4 Speckled Wood, around 10 Small/Large Whites, 2 Brown Argus, 1 Small Copper, 1 Holly Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
17thCircular walk around Tollesbury.Comma, Peacock, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Small CopperRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.12,Holly Blue, 20,Small Heath, 5,Speckled Wood, 1,Comma, 1,Orange-tip, 3,Small Copper, 1,Peacock, 5,Green-veined White, 3,Small White, 4,Large White.
17thBowers MarshWall, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueAndrew Gox
16thWallasea Island (TQ960937)Painted Lady, Orange-Tip, Wall, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusVery large numbers of Common Blue & good numbers of Small Heath; a few of the rest (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
16thGreat Baddow (TL7206)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small White, Orange-TipDavid PallashIncredible 9 painted lady on the walk.
14thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212813)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BlueSteve Binding + Paul FisherSunny 18c+ 13.10pm Quick visit.
Positive (3)GrizzSkip possible 4th.
(5)Brim.(2m)OrgTip.(1)SmWht.
(3)PCock.(2)SMHeath.(2m)ComBlue.
(1)LrgWht.(3)BrnArg. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
14thPaxton Pits (TL199626)Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding + Paul FisherWarm but Breezy 16c+.10.10/11.50am.
(21)Grizzled main area + (1) elsewhere.
Also (1)SmCopp.(2m)ComBlue. (2)BrnArg.
(3m+1fm)OrgTip. (1m+1fm)Brim.(1)SpecW.
14thHockley Woods (TQ835916)Heath Fritillary, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodDavid LazarusFirst sighting in 2025 of Heath Fritillary at Hockley Woods - also the first female in Essex
Withheld for conservation reasons. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
13thThaxted (TL6131)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Common BlueStephen Dutton10 Small Heath, 2 Common Blue males, 2xLarge and Small White,
1x Brimstone female and Peacock
12thYaxley fenRed Admiral, Painted LadyAlan Day
12thTANHOLT PITS (TF242015)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueHoward Butler5 walls ,2 Painted Ladies and 2 Green hairstreaks were notable for this site
12thSilver Street, WitchamGreen HairstreakDavid HopkinsLong awaited parochial record. In my front garden on Pyrocantha. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
12thHavering Country ParkComma, Painted Lady, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common BlueZayed Ahmed2 male Large Skipper, and 2 Hutchinsoni Comma, both firsts of the year. Also a surprise Green Hairstreak, 2 Holly Blue, 1 passing through Painted Lady, 2 Orange-tip, 2 Speckled Wood, Whites, plenty of Small Heath and Common Blue. 118 Burnet pupae counted in one small section
12thCoates, Whittlesey (TL301981)WallAndrew GardenerSingle butterfly sighted and then a second (or same Wall) 20 minutes later, sighted 400 meteres to the east at TL305982.I have been birdwatching on the site for 10 years and this is the first time I have seen Wall. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
11thconnaught Lake, Epping Forest (TQ4095)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueAnthony HareBrimstone 2,Speckled wood 3,comma 1,Small white 3,Peacock 1,Holly blue 2.
11thYaxley FenPeacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Orange-Tip, Small CopperAlan Day
11thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Red Admiral, Speckled WoodAnthony HareRed admiral 2,Speckled wood 4,(both species seen in woodland rides near the meadow)
11thWanstead Flats, NE London (TQ406866)Peacock, Red Admiral, Large White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperIan WattsThe first branch field trip of the season took place at Wanstead Flats. The group enjoyed warm and sunny conditions, with only strong gusty winds preventing the conditions from being perfect. Whilst the wind no doubt kept butterfly numbers down, the group still saw 32 x Green Hairstreak (target species), 14 x Holly Blue, 4 x Small Copper – making it a mostly Lycaenidae day – plus 3 x Small Heath, 2 x Large White and singles of Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Peacock and a Mother Shipton moth. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
11thThames Estuary Path (TQ694781)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusLarge number of Wall [76]; first Green Hairstreak of 2025; good numbers of Common Blue & increasing (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
11thPaxton Pits (TL199626)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperSteve Binding09.15/12.45 pm very warm sunny 18c+.
target Grizzled skipper.(33) seen 29 main area,
4 at various other areas. A good 8/9 were fresh females all egg laying. Others seen were (1)SmCopp.(1m)ComBlue.(2)BrnArg. (4)SmHeath. (1)PCock. (1m+2fm)Brim. (1)RedAD. Sev UN ID White.
(1m)OrgTip.
11thLangdon Hills (Great Berry EWT).Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, WallAndrew CoxFemale orange tip.
At least three speckled wood.
10thYate's meadow Epping forest (TQ3895)Comma, Peacock, Small White, Large White, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Common BlueAnthony HareComma 2,Common blue 2,Peacock 1,Large white 1,Small white 1,Small heath 30,Holly blue 1 (flying in & out of the woodland edge).
10thWoodwalton Marsh (TL212081)Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus, Common BluePaul Fisher14.10-14.50. 24ºC. Grizzled Skipper x1; Brimstone(♂)x2; Large White x1; Orange-Tip(♂)x2; Unident White x2; Brown Argus x2; Common Blue(♂)x2; Peacock x1; Small Heath x1.
10thThaxted (TL6131)Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Holly BlueStephen Dutton8 Small Heath, 2X Large White,Small White, Orange Tip, Holly Blue and one Brimstone
10thSawtrySmall Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common BlueJeremy MilneSmall Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 12, Brimstone 5, Green-veined White 5, Orange-tip 10, Large White 6, Small Heath 3, Grizzled Skipper 3, Brown Argus 4, Common Blue 4, Holly Blue 1
10thRiver Chelmer-Waterside Development (TL715062)WallDavid LazarusFirst recorded sighting of a Wall in Chelmsford since digital records began [1960] (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
10thMonks WoodBrimstone, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodAlan Day
10thDevils Dyke (July Course End) (TL609562)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis BluePaul Fisher09.00-11.30. 17-21ºC.
Section One. Dingy Skipper x3; Brimstone(♂)x1(♀)x3; Large White x1; Small White x1; Green-Veined White x1; Orange-Tip(♂)x2; Unident White x3; Green Hairstreak x2; Holly Blue x2; Brown Argus x9; Common Blue(♂)x10; Adonis Blue(♂)x7; Peacock x1; Small Heath x1.
Section Two. Dingy Skipper x2; Brimstone(♂)x1(♀)x1; Orange-Tip(♂)x2; Unident White x1; Green Hairstreak x5; Brown Argus x4; Common Blue(♂)x8; Adonis Blue(♂)x2(♀)x1; Small Heath x3
Section Three. Brimstone (♀)x2; Orange-Tip(♂)x1; Unident White x1; Green Hairstreak x1; Brown Argus x6; Common Blue(♂)x7; Adonis Blue(♂)x2; Peacock x1; Small Heath x3.
10thCircular walk from Stock to Margaretting.Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small HeathRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.9,Orange-tip, 5,Speckled Wood, 2,Peacock, 1,Red Admiral, 7,Small Heath, 12,Large White, 5,Green Veined White, 4,Small White.
10thBurwell Cutting (TL575465)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis BluePaul Fisher + Lorraine Mathews11.49-13.15. 22-24ºC. Brimstone(♂)x14(♀)x3; Large White x1; Green-Veined White x7; Orange-Tip(♂)x2; Unident White x6; Green Hairstreak x5; Holly Blue x7; Brown Argus x2; Common Blue(♂)x2; Adonis Blue(♂)x4; Red Admiral x1; Peacock x1; Speckled Wood x1; Small Heath x6.
9thTanholt Farm, Peterborough (TF242015)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Wall, Brown Argus, Common BlueAlan OwersAt least 5 wall present, mainly in usual area along Cats Water. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
9thMagog Down (TL486531)Peacock, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small BlueAndrew Terrell
9thLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ691873)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusVery good numbers of Common Blue across the whole site (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
8thPound Wood (TQ8288)Comma, Peacock, Heath Fritillary, Brimstone, Large White, Speckled WoodDavid LazarusFirst sighting of Heath Fritillary
[withheld for conservation reasons] (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thHornchurch Country Park (TQ5384)Peacock, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small HeathPaul & Barbara BeckettSmall Heath on the grassland in the NW part of the Park.
8thHockley Woods & Hullbridge (TQ823913)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusWall now established at Hockley Woods, and colony at Hullbridge doing well. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
6thSt. Faith's Park, Brentwood (TQ586938)Speckled Wood, Small CopperPaul & Barbara BeckettMid-afternoon on cool day. Single Small Copper on buttercup in usual place in NW corner of the Park.
5thSwaddywell Pit Nature reserveBrimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Small CopperSharon HearleTwo Grizzled Skippers and 9 Dingy in cool wind but sunny
5thArchers Wood (TL172811)Red Admiral, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodRosalyn PayneRed Admiral 5, Large White 2, Orange-tip 2, Speckled Wood 1.
4thLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ701863)Peacock, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusGood numbers of newly emerged grassland specialists, with Small Heath & Common Blue numbers increasing significantly; Wall in double-figures for first time (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
4thEast Tilbury Sea Wall; Coalhouse Fort GrasslandsPeacock, Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperZayed Ahmed50+ butterflies including highlights 20 Wall Brown, Brown Argus (2), Small Copper (2), Common Blue (3), Green Hairstreak (2) and Red Admiral (1)
2ndWarley Country Park, Brentwood (TQ584926)Brimstone, Small HeathPaul & Barbara Beckett12:30-1:00pm, sunny and warm. Small Heath in grassland near pond at N edge of park.
2ndRSPB Ouse Washes (TL470859)Peacock, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Wall, Common BluePhil Bromley & Rosalyn PayneFrom Welches Dam to a little past Purls Bridge we saw Wall Brown (8), Common Blue (1), Peacock (4), Orange-tip (4), Large White (2) & G-v White (10+). (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
2ndPaxton Pits (TL198627)Brimstone, Green-veined White, Grizzled SkipperChris BonessUpto +10 Grizzled Skippers present, 1 Male Brimstone, 1 Green Veined White (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
2ndMundon Wash (TL879053)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Wall, Small Heath, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusGood numbers of all 4 whites; 20+ Small Heath, a couple of Wall, Small Copper & Common Blue (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
2ndMaldon Wick Nature Reserve (TL840055)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusFirst Wall sighting at Maldon Wick; good numbers of Speckled Wood along the disused railway embankment (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
2ndChilderditch lower field, Thorndon North, Brentwoo (TQ611905)Comma, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Small CopperPaul & Barbara Beckett3-3:30pm warm, sunny and calm. Small Copper 2, Small Heath 3, Orange Tip 3 2m 1f. Others single.
1stWoodwalton MarshPeacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small CopperDiana SpencerOne Green Hairstreak, several Grizzled Skipper
1stWillow Walk (TL5480)Orange-TipJulie Wakefield1 flying.
1stTrumpington Meadows (TL432542)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Holly Blue, Small BlueTrevor SawyerA single Small Blue seen this morning east of the Motorway. None seen to the west of the motorway... yet.
1stPerry Lagoons (TL157669)Peacock, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Grizzled Skipper, Small CopperSteve BindingQuick check 08.30/09.45am
already warm.(5)SpecW.(2)LrgWht.
(4m)OrgTip.(1)GVWht.(3)PCock.
(1)SmCopp, and (1)Grizzled Skip
worn , non seen the last 2yrs due to the site
becoming overgrown except within the lagoons itself. So this was a surprise . (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
1stGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyC2, P3, RA1, B14, SWt2, LW7, GW5, OT3, SWd13, GH1, HB2, SC2.
1stEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueBrian GoodeySpeckled wood 21, holly blue 10 and a single orange-tip.
1stDevils Dyke Newmarket Racecourse (TL6161)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis BlueRichard Berry1 female Adonis Blue
Dingy Skipper, too numerous to count
Large numbers of Green Hairstreak (Photo(s) supplied: photo )

April 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thThames Estuary Path, East Tilbury (TQ693785)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, WallDavid LazarusWall numbers up to 40+, both male and female; Orange-tip & Green-veined White in very good numbers (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
30thSawtrySmall Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Green HairstreakJeremy MilneSmall Tortoiseshell 1, Peacock 6, Brimstone 3, Green-veined White 10, Small White 1, Orange-tip 6, Large White 6, Small Heath 2, Green Hairstreak 1, Lackey & Small Eggar larval tents
30thOne Tree Hill (TQ700864)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusBrown Argus, Common Blue, & Small Copper all emerged with Small Heath numbers starting to rise (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
30thMarkshall, CoggeshallPeacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Small CopperMike Grealy
30thHolland on Sea (TM1915)Green HairstreakBrian GoodeyOne sunning itself on a hawthorn hedge in my garden.
30thGreat Staughton river walk (TL135642)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Painted Lady, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small CopperSteve Binding + Paul FisherLate Afternoon 24c.
(1)worn Painted Lady
(1)SmTort.(1)PCock.(3)GVWht.
(2m+2fm)OTip, numerous UN ID Wht.
(3)SmCopper. Only a small part of the walk
checked. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
30thGreat Staughton Meadow (TL127646)Peacock, Orange-Tip, Small HeathSteve BindingA quick visit mid morning.
Warm and sunny 20c.
(21)Small Heath. Numbers increasing.
ten last visit a few days ago, they
seem to do well here. Lack of other
species (3)PCock.(3m)OTip. 2/3 UN ID WHite.
29thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Brimstone, Small White, Holly Blue, Small CopperSimon & Pat CoxSingle Small Copper and Holly Blue (both 1st in garden this year), single Brimstone, 2 Small Whites
29thWest Canvey Marshes RSPB (TQ7784)WallLaurence Drummond4 along the track to the main reservoir hide, fresh looking and flighty but I think at least 2 males clashing.
29thNoak Hill, RomfordPeacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Holly BlueMartin WhiteHighlight is Wall, very rarely seen here in last 30 years.
29thLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodAndrew CoxThree brimstone (male & two females).
Many speckled woods & at least three male orange tips.
29thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Peacock, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Small CopperBrian GoodeyThree holly blues, twenty-one speckled woods. First small coppers here and elsewhere, already better numbers than last year's first generation.
29thDevil's Dyke, July Racecourse, Newmarket (TL617616)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Common BluePaul & Barbara BeckettSunny warm calm day 12:30-2:30pm. 20+ Dingy Skipper along the West facing bank including 2 pairs mating. 10+ Brimstone males. Single Green Hairstreak and Common Blue male.
29thBarnack Hills & Holes (TF076046)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Green Hairstreak, Brown ArgusPaul Fisher11.30-12.45. 22c. Peacock x3; Brimstone x12 (x4 Females); Green-Veined White x1; Orange-Tip x6; Speckled Wood x2; Small Heath x4; Green Hairstreak x14; Brown Argus x3; Numerous unident Whites.
28thThaxted (TL6031)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodRichard BerryGood numbers of all species. Open farmland and hedgerow.
28thM25 Embankment (east), Brentwood (TQ573912)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Small CopperColin Jupp & Rob SmithGreen Hairstreak 6 (some clashing on Field Maple after 4pm), Comma 4, Orange-tip 3 (2m,1f), Speckled Wood 3, singles others
28thJohnson’s Meadow, One Tree HillPeacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Small CopperZayed AhmedSingles/doubles of each
28thEly Country Park (TL5480)BrimstoneJulie Wakefield
28thDevil's dyke July racecoursePeacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Dingy Skipper, Adonis BlueDavid HoblynPlenty of Dingy skippers and one Adonis blue.
27thsouth east Ely (TL5480)Orange-TipJulie Wakefield
27thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Peacock, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodSimon CoxMinimum 2 each of Large and Small White plus Orange Tip; single Speckled Wood and Peacock in our garden
27thTubney Fen (TL5566)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White, Small HeathMartin PeersSingle Small Heath
27thThames Estuary Path (TQ693785)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small CopperDavid LazarusGood numbers of Wall [22]; Peacock, Green-veined White and Orange-tips at 40+; Small White 20+ (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
27thOne Tree Hill (TQ696859)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Wall, Small Heath, Common Blue, Small CopperDavid LazarusFirst Wall and Common Blue of 2025; also, a few Small Heath & Small Copper (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
27thHilton, Nr St IvesLarge White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Holly BlueAlan ColesVery warm & sunny day, this afternoon had a fem
Small Heath on back lawn plus at least 3 Holly Blues
These were my first of the year.
27thBurwell Fen (TL5568)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-TipMartin Peerssingle Small Tortoiseshell
27thBeckton Alps, Greenway, Armada Way (TQ4382)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueRob Smith4 Green Hairstreaks, incl 3 clashing over Field Maple. Speckled Wood 2 clashing, singles others
26thWrabness EWT reserve (TM1631)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodMartin Peers
26thSt Peter and St Paul’s Church, Hockley (TQ826093)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, WallDavid Glover3× Peacock
3× Large White
2× Wall
1× Brimstone
1× Comma
1× Red Admiral
1× Orange Tip
1× Green-veined White
26thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Small Heath, Grizzled Skipper, Brown ArgusStephen BindingFriends of Paxton Pits first Dragonfly and Butterfly
survey. cool and overcast for Route A.
Still found (2)Grizz.(1fm) OrgTip.(1)BrnArg.
all at rest.
Route B warmer afternoon.
(2m)OrgTip.(1)SmHeath.(4)GVWht.
(3)Brim. (3)PCock. (2) Holly Blue in the carpark.
sev UN ID White.
26thFleam Dyke (TL5554)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueCameron LandelsSingle Green Hairstreak on the Dyke close to the A11 on the Balsham side.
22ndWalk from Blackmore to Mill Green.Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-TipRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.6,Orange-tip, 1,Brimstone, 8,Green-veined White, 3,Large White, 2,Small White.
22ndLittle Warley Common (TQ605906)Peacock, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Small CopperRob Smithsingles of each
22ndLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ693785)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Brown ArgusDavid LazarusFirst Brown Argus of 2025; good numbers of Large White, Green-veined White, & Orange-tip; also Peacock. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
21stSouthPeacock, BrimstoneJulie Wakefield
20thSwaddywell Pit Nature ReservePeacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Dingy SkipperMatthew Webb2 Dingy Skippers noted. More Orange-tips and Brimstones noted too. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
20thBy African Dawns Pidley-cum-Fenton (TL3381)Brown ArgusGraham AlmondBy a farm track. A perfect specimen.
19thRSPB reserve Ouse Washes (TL4785)Peacock, BrimstoneJulie WakefieldSunny but windy. 1 brimstone, 1 peacock.
19thHarrow Lodge ParkComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueZayed AhmedMany GVW, many Speckled Wood, 5 Orange-tip, 3 Small White, 3 Holly Blue, 3 Peacock, 2 Comma, 2 Large White, 1 Red Admiral
18thWWT Welney (TL5495)Small Tortoiseshell, PeacockJulie Wakefield1 peacock, 1 small tortoiseshell
18thHolme Fen (TL1989)Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Grizzled SkipperRosalyn Payne & Phil BromleyMidday, Red Admiral 1, Peacock 12, Brimstone 1, Green-veined White 10, Grizzled Skipper 1 (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
18thHarrow Lodge ParkComma, Peacock, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueZayed Ahmed1 Comma, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Large White, 2 Peacock, 3 Orange-tip, many GVW, many Speckled Wood
18thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Holly BlueBrian GoodeyTwo holly blues, first for the year but a week or two later than usual.
18thAbberton EWTGreen HairstreakDoug HoldenAt least 2 at the main entrance
17thSwaddywell Pit Nature ReserveComma, Peacock, Brimstone, Grizzled SkipperMatthew WebbOne Grizzled Skipper only. Little else with Peacock the most common butterfly. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
17thLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ691873)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Small CopperDavid LazarusGood numbers of Large & Green-veined White, and Orange-tip. First Small Copper & Small Heath sightings. Also, Latticed Heath moth (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
17thHarrow Lodge ParkSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueZayed AhmedMany GVW, many Speckled Wood, 2 Brimstone, 2 Comma, 2 Holly Blue, 2 Large White, 1 Small Tortie, handful of Peacock
17thGreat Holland Pits NR (TM202192)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodBrian GoodeyC4, P10, RA2, B6, SWt2, LW2, GW4, SWd6. A few red admirals here and elsewhere locally.
17thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodBrian GoodeyP6, RA1, GW2, SWd18. Good number of speckled woods emerging during the last week.
16thEarls ColnePainted LadyMike GrealyBasking in the sun (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
14thDevil's Dyke RacecoursePeacock, Dingy SkipperSharon HearleSurprised to find 8 Dingy Skipper today on Devil's Dyke - all at the bottom of the ditch close to Dandelion or Ground Ivy. No nectar on the slopes. Also saw 14 Common Heath moths.
13thHarrow Lodge Park, East Tilbury Sea WallComma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Green Hairstreak, Holly BlueZayed AhmedAt Harrow Lodge: 2 Holly Blue, egg-laying GVW, 2 Brimstone, 2 Orange-tip, 1 GH, 1 Small White, 1 Large White, 2 Comma, 3 Peacock, good numbers of Speckled Wood

At East Tilbury: 18 Peacock, 5 GVW, 1 Orange-tip, 1 Speckled Wood
12thWanstead Flats (TQ406868)Peacock, Brimstone, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Painted LadyIan Watts3 x Peacock, 6 x Brimstone, 6 x Speckled Wood, 2 x Holly Blue, 1 x Painted Lady (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
12thLittle Warley Common (TQ605906)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Small CopperRob SmithSmall Copper 2, Peacock 4, Comma 2, singles others
12thHatfield Forest (TL543209)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodDavid LazarusLarge numbers of Brimstone, Orange-tip, and Peacock
11thVange Marsh.Peacock, Small White, Green-veined WhiteAndrew Cox
11thLangdon Hills (Dunton Plotlands)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Orange-TipAndrew Cox
11thLandermere, Nr. Thorpe-le-Soken (TM195229)Comma, Peacock, Red AdmiralKas AldousSeveral of each Peacock, Comma & Red Admiral all flying around fields and across road from fields/hedgerows. Bright sun, warm and a light breeze.
11thJohn Weston Reserve, Walton (TM2624)Peacock, Brimstone, Speckled WoodSimon Cox2 Brimstone, 2 Peacock, 1 Speckled Wood
11thFingringhoeComma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.12,Brimstone, 10,Peacock, 6,Comma, 3,Speckled Wood, 14,Large White, 15,Small White, 3,Green Veined White.
11thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Comma, Peacock, Small White, Speckled WoodBrian GoodeyFive speckled woods.
11thBlack Notley (TL771204)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-TipVALERIE BLAMIREFirst Male Orange Tip seen in garden in 2025.
10thThaxtedSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodRichard BerryButterflies in good numbers in more sheltered spots across farmland
10thSt Ives (TL318723)Holly BlueNick MilneFirst garden sighting of the year
9thPaxton Pits (TL195629)Comma, Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled Wood, Grizzled SkipperSteve Binding + Paul Fishermid afternoon 15c too windy really, still
saw (1)Grizz. (12)PCock. (1)SmWht.(2)GVWht.
(4m)OTip.(8)Comma. (2)SpecWood. (sev)UN ID White.
8thWoodredon Hill, Epping Forest (TQ418995)Orange-TipTom Simon1 male Orange-tip flying over road.
8thHolme Fen (TL1989)Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Small CopperPhil Bromley & Rosalyn PayneOur first Small copper of the year, plus Brimstone (1), G-V White (7) & Peacock (6) (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
8thGravel Hill Way (Estate), Dovercourt (TM234301)Comma, BrimstoneKas AldousI x Brimstone (superb, extremely bright male). Flew fast and went high over houses. 2 x Comma flitting around garden bushes. Sunny and fairly warm day although moderate to high breeze at times.
8thDevils Dyke Newmarket Racecourse (TL6062)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined White, Green HairstreakRichard Berry2 Green Hairstreak seen in the ditch of dyke. Very flighty in the midday sunshine (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
7thWestley Heights C. Park.Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Green-veined WhiteAndrew CoxTwo male brimstones.
Mating pair of G.V.White.
7thLark Rise Farm, Barton (TL4154)Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodVince Lea
7thLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Comma, Peacock, Red AdmiralAndrew Cox
7thFarmland west of Barton (TL3955)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined WhiteVince LeaPermissive path on the edge of crop fields and a small woodland, stream & pond. 10 Peacock, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Brimstone, 2 Green-veined White
7thBarnack hills &Holes (TF077044)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Green HairstreakSteve Binding + Paul FisherFrom midday sunny 16/17c.
(7)Green HS. (3)OTip m.
(2)GVWht.(sev) UN ID Wht.
(2)Comma. (2m+1fm ovi)Brim. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
6thSt Ives (TL329717)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Speckled WoodJeremy MilneScrubby grassland off Parson’s Drove: 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 3 Comma, 11 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 8 Green-veined White, 3 Speckled Wood
6thPaxton Pits (TL198628)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Grizzled SkipperIain WhitakerTwo Grizzled Skippers seen. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
6thOuse Fen, Earith BridgeSmall Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Green-veined WhiteAlan Coles10.45 to 11.15 a.m One female Green-Veined White in grassy bank plus one Peacock & one Small Tortoiseshell.
Weather was sunny but with cool easterly breeze at times.
6thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Brimstone, Green-veined White, Orange-TipPhillip Hastings2-3 Green-veined White - first sighting of this species this year and suspect a brood just hatched locally as all in the garden at the same time.
2 Orange-Tip (m). Also first time seen in garden this year.
1 Brimstone (m) - species seen every day at the moment (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
6thLawford Dale Estate, Nr. Manningtree (TM101317)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Green-veined WhiteKas Aldous1 x Green-veined White on garden plants near pathway. Butterfly condition- superb.
Plus 2 x Small Tortoiseshell and several Peacock flitting about elsewhere on the estate. Mostly bright, sunny and warm with a light breeze.
6thHoughton (TL284723)Holly BlueJohn WinterbottomOne settled briefly on garden hedge (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ690854)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodDavid LazarusLarge numbers of Peacock; good numbers of Comma, Green-veined & Large Whites; and the start of the Orange-tip.
4thTwo Tree Island (TQ830852)WallKathy Huntera female Wall Brown along the path on transect (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thDoddinghurst.Comma, Peacock, Small White, Large WhiteRosie And Bill Perkins., Linda And George Jenkins.5,Peacock, 1,Comma, 1,Large White, 1,Small White.
3rdWalthamstow Marshes Nature Reserve (TQ349877)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled WoodDavid LazarusGood numbers of Small White at both Walthamstow Marshes NR & Coppermill Fields TQ351880; low numbers of the rest - a couple of Small Tortoiseshell
3rdThaxted (TL610031)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange-TipRichard Berry1 large white
1 Orange-tip (male)
1 Red Admiral
3 Brimstone
4 Green-veined White
5 Peacock
7 Comma
3rdNr. Meadow Millennium Green, Little Clacton (TM163192)Comma, Peacock, Small CopperKas Aldous2 x Small Copper (seemingly good condition), very flighty along hedgerow on a very sunny but not overly warm afternoon, light breeze. Plus 3 Peacock & 1 Comma.
2ndThaxted (TL610031)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, PeacockRichard Berry5 Small Tortoiseshell
2 Comma
2 Peacock
2ndPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Orange-Tip, Speckled WoodSteve Binding1.25/3pm sunny warm 19c but breezy.
(28)PCock.(8)Comma.(1)SpecW.
(2)Brim.(1)RedAD. (1m)Orange Tip.(2)UN ID
White.
2ndHarrow Lodge Park and The Chase Local NRComma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Holly BlueZayed Ahmed18 Comma (and one egg!), 16 Peacock, 4 Speckled Wood, 3 Brimstone, at least 3 Small Whites, 1 Large White and 1 male Holly Blue in a sheltered spot at Harrow Lodge.

March 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
31stPerry Lagoons (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled WoodSteve Binding + Paul Fishersunny 17c.
(24)Pcock. (6)Comma. (2)Brim.
(1)RedAD. (1)SmWht. (1)SpecWood,
very fresh. (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
31stPaxton Pits (TL195629)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined WhiteSteve Binding + Paul Fisher12.25/16.10pm sunny 17c. (16m+3fm)Brim
(28)PCock. (7)Comma. (1)GVWhite.
31stHare Park Six Mile Bottom. (TL582587)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Orange-TipKevin Wilson2 male Orange Tips on the wing. My first for this year. Also 4 male Brimstones, 1 Peacock and 1 Comma. 10.25 am-11 15 am.
31stBelhus Woods Country Park, Aveley, Essex (TQ565824)Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Speckled WoodPaul & Barbara Beckett11am-3pm walk on sunny and warm day. 30+ Peacocks, 10+ Brimstones, 5+ Small Whites, 1 Speckled Wood.
30thGreat Oakley (TM201280)Orange-TipJulian SidneyIn my garden (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
29thHoneypot Lane Allotments, Brentwood (TQ583935)Comma, Peacock, Small WhitePaul & Barbara BeckettSunny but breezy morning digging at the allotment. Singles only including Small White near the brassica
cage.
29thGreat Oakley (TM201280)Large WhiteJulian SidneySeen in out garden.
Recorded on IRecord (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
29thEastcliff Footpath, Holland on Sea (TM192159)Peacock, Speckled WoodBrian GoodeyOur first speckled wood of the year.
27thHatfield Forest (TL542209)Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneDavid LazarusGood numbers of Comma & Peacock, with Brimstone numbers down because of the morning cloud. First, and only Red Admiral seen at Hatfield Forest in 2025 so far.
27thHarrow Lodge ParkSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small White, Large WhiteZayed Ahmed20 Peacock, 10 Comma, 2 Small Tortoiseshells, 1 Large White, 1 Small White (likely more), 1 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral
26thnr St Osyth (TM144159)Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small WhiteSimon Cox2 Commas, single Peacock, Small White & Brimstone in our garden
26thWestley Heights C. Park.Peacock, BrimstoneAndrew CoxAt least two male brimstones.
26thWestfield Farm (TL3754)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, PeacockVince Lea
26thWandlebury Orchard, CambridgeComma, Peacock, Brimstone, Green-veined WhiteLORRAINE MATHEWS8 Brimstones including one female, 2 Commas, 3 Peacocks and a Green Veined White
26thLittley Green.Peacock, Brimstone, Speckled WoodRosie And Bill Perkins., Linda And George Jenkins.4,Brimstone, 2,Peacock, 1,Speckled Wood.
26thLark Rise Farm (TL4155)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small WhiteVince Lea
26thLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneAndrew CoxSix male brimstones.
Five peacocks.
Two commas.
One red admiral.
26thHolland on Sea (TM193156)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined WhiteBrian GoodeyBeautiful day and butterflies numerous: peacocks 10, red admirals 2, comma 7, small white 4, green-veined white 1, small tortoiseshell 2
26thHarrow Lodge ParkSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Small White, Large White, Speckled WoodZayed Ahmed1 mint fresh Speckled Wood. Also 3 Peacock, 3 Comma, at least 2 Small Whites, 1 Large White, 1 Brimstone, 1 Small Tortoiseshell
26thHardwick wood (TL3557)Peacock, Brimstone, Large WhiteVince Lea
26thHadleigh Castle Country Park (TL792861)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined WhiteDavid LazarusOver 50 Peacock seen across 4 sites at Belton Hills NR, Hadleigh Castle CP, Benfleet Downs, & Canvey Wick NR; a handful of Comma & Brimstone; first Large White of 2025 plus Green-veined White at Hadleigh Castle CP; and a Small Tortoiseshell at Canvey Wick NR. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
26thGreat Clacton, Essex (TM175179)PeacockKas AldousButterfly condition- Very fresh, colours excellent. First in garden this year. Alternate flitting around and sunning itself on top of dandelions.
25thHarrow Lodge ParkComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Large WhiteZayed Ahmed1 male Large White, 3 Comma, 1 Peacock and one Red Admiral, before the clouds rolled in.
25thHarrow Lodge ParkComma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Large WhiteZayed Ahmed1 male Large White, 3 Comma, 1 Peacock and one Red Admiral, before the clouds rolled in.
24thHolland on Sea (TM194158)Peacock, Red Admiral, Small WhiteBrian GoodeyOne red admiral, ovipositing on nettles, a single peacock and our first small white of the year.
24thFairlop Water CP (TQ4590)Speckled WoodAlan Bella single. Nothing else seen
24thBerners Roding (TL593098)Small TortoiseshellTom SimonSingle Small Tortoiseshell.
24thBaddow Meads (TL718062)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral, Green-veined WhiteDavid LazarusFirst Red Admiral & Green-veined White of 2025; & a few Small Tortoiseshell & Comma along the riverbanks. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
20thWarley Place NR, Great Warley, Brentwood (TQ583908)Peacock, BrimstonePaul & Barbara BeckettWarm sunshine at 2pm. Brimstone 2 males 1 female; 1 Peacock.
20thNew Shardelows Farm near Fulbourn. (TL537542)Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, BrimstoneKevin Wilson4 Butterflies seen between 9.50 am -1.45 pm. 2 male Brimstones, 1 Peacock and 1 Small Tortoishell. Sunny light wind.
20thMonks Wood (TL2080)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneRosalyn Payne & Phil Bromley11am - 12.15 Sunny 17 Deg. Main, Stocking Close, Hotel rides + East Field Comma 5, Peacock 6, Brimstone 10m - 1 f.
20thLyonshall Wood, S of Great Leighs (TL7314)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneGeorge BrownSunny and warm, 11.45am-1.35pm. 1 Comma, 1 Peacock, 4 male Brimstones. (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
20thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Peacock, BrimstonePhillip Hastings2 x Peacock (first sighting in the garden of this species this year), feeding on Vibernum
2 x Brimstone (m); 1 x Brimstone (f) flying around (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
20thLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneAndrew CoxThree male brimstones
Four peacocks.
One comma.
20thHowland's Marsh (TM111160)PeacockRichard GreatRexMore than 10 Peacocks along the footpath past the reserve.
20thHatfield Forest (TL540208)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneDavid LazarusGood numbers of Peacock, with less Brimstone, and the same number of Comma as 2 weeks ago (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
20thBlack Notley (TL7620)BrimstoneGeorge BrownSunny and warm. 2 male Brimstones in garden, 11.25a.m.
19thTown Mead Depot, Waltham Abbey (TL379002)Small TortoiseshellTom Simon
19thSouth Cambridge city gardenBrimstoneAnne Applin1 green-yellow presumably male Brimstone flying across our garden in south Cambridge at around noon today, 19th March 2025 in bright sunshine, about 14 degrees C. Our first sighting of any butterfly this year.
19thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneSteve Binding+ Paul Fisher13.20/14.40pm sunny and still 15/17c.
(9)Comma. (1)Brim. (1)PCock.
19thLattersey NR (TL2896)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneRosalyn Payne & Phil Bromley10.30-13.00 Sunny,13 deg. Small Tortoiseshell 1, Comma 1, Peacock 2, Red Admiral 1, Brimstone 2
19thHarrow Lodge Park and Chase Local NRSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Small WhiteZayed Ahmed11 Comma, 4 Peacock, 3 Brimstone, 2 Small White, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoiseshell across both areas.
18thHarrow Lodge ParkComma, Peacock, Small WhiteZayed AhmedMy first small white of the year! Also 5 Comma and one Small Tortoiseshell.
9thWestley Heights C. Park.BrimstoneAndrew CoxMale brimstone in Hall Wood.
9thSt Ives (TL306724)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneJeremy Milne1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Comma, 1 Peacock, 2 Brimstone
9thRamsey (TL2785)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneTony Lack2 Comma, 3 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshell on Viburnum in my garden plus 1 Brimstone in flight.
9thLitlington, South Cambs (TL311428)Comma, Red Admiral, BrimstonePhillip HastingsFirst sightings in the garden this year - and three species came along at once. All feeding on Vibernum shrub in warm sunshine.
1 x Brimstone (m); 1 x Comma; 1 x Red Admiral (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo photo )
9thLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneAndrew CoxMale brimstone.
Three commas
Two red admirals.
One peacock.
9thHarrow Lodge ParkSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneZayed Ahmed8 Comma, 7 Peacock, 2 Small Tortoiseshells (male attempting to mate with female), 1 Red Admiral and 1 Brimstone
9thFingringhoe Wick (TM047194)CommaRichard And Sandy GreatRexA pair in one location and a single elsewhere.
9thBaddow Meads (TL727064)Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, PeacockDavid LazarusThe first Small Tortoiseshell [5] on the wing in the floodplain of the River Chelmer. Good numbers of Comma.
8thStanford Rivers to Greenstead Church.Comma, Red Admiral, BrimstoneRosie & Bill Perkins, Linda & George Jenkins.2,Brimstone, 2,Comma, 1,Red Admiral.
8thPerry Lagoons + meadow (TL157669)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneSteve Binding11.15/12.50pm sunny 18c
(1)PCock. (7)Comma. (14m+1fm) Brim.
8thHarrow Lodge ParkSmall Tortoiseshell, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, BrimstoneZayed AhmedA brilliant 5 species at Harrow Lodge Park in the space of one hour: 7 Comma, 3 Peacock, 1 Brimstone, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoiseshell.

1 Comma at Havering Country Park and 1 at Hainault Forest
8thColdhams Lane Cambridge. (TL488571)BrimstoneKevin Wilson2 male Brimstones on the wing. 1 by St. Andrews church and the other in the Toyata dealership grounds.
8thArchers Wood (TL1780)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneRosalyn PayneComma 3, Peacock 1, Brimstone 4
7thWeeleyhall Wood (TM157211)CommaRichard And Sandy GreatRexA single individual on the ride.
7thHare Park Six Mile Bottom. (TL583589)BrimstoneKevin Wilson2 Brimstones seen on the wing. 1 at 11.40 am and another in a different area 11.50 am
7thEpping Upland Millennium Garden, Essex (TL437054)Red AdmiralTom Simon1 Red Admiral.
6thThe Gardens of Easton LodgeBrimstoneSteven RatcliffeTwo sighted. Sunny and warm weather, no wind.
6thSpring Pond Wood, Ongar (TL554027)BrimstoneLisa Hyde
6thMonks Wood (TL1980)Comma, BrimstoneRosalyn Payne & Phil BromleySunny, 18 Deg, No wind. Comma 1, Brimstone (m) 7.
6thLittle Warley Common (TQ605905)BrimstoneRob Smith1m
6thLangdon Hills (EWT Willow Park & Mark's Hill & LinComma, Red Admiral, BrimstoneAndrew CoxSingles of each. Brimstone was a male.
6thLangdon Hills ( EWT Lincewood & Great Berry).Red AdmiralAndrew CoxTwo red admirals tussling in a sunny glade.
6thKimbolton cemetery (TL099680)BrimstoneJon Powell2 males seen
6thHatfield Forest (TL532206)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneDavid LazarusGood numbers of Brimstone & Comma (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
6thEmpty Common Cambridge (TL454566)CommaRoger HortonI Comma butterfly flying over allotment gardens. Too fleeting for a photo.
6thDry Drayton, Cambridge (TL379622)BrimstoneVal PerrinOne male Brimstone flying across High St, Dry Drayton in warm sunshine.
6thClacton-on-Sea (TM169142)PeacockMalcolm WilsonSunning on our back fence, 200 yards from the beach
6thChigwell Row Wood LNR, Essex (TQ461928)BrimstoneTom Simon3 Brimstones (2 males, 1 female).
5thTrumpington Meadows nature reserveRed Admiral, BrimstoneLorraine MATHEWS4 Brimstones and a Red Admiral seen just over the bridge on the South side of Trumpington meadows. Blues skies and sunshine 14c
5thLangdon Hills Country Park (TQ686876)Comma, Peacock, BrimstoneDavid LazarusFirst Comma & Brimstone [male] of 2025 (Photo(s) supplied: photo photo )
5thGog Magog Down, Cambridge (TL490531)BrimstonePhillip HastingsOne male Brimstone flying along the southern edge of a wood in warm sunshine. Only my second butterlfy sighting of the year (the first was also a male Brimstone).
5thFordham (TL633689)BrimstoneNick MilneSingle male flying along hedgerow
4thTylers Common (TQ5690)CommaRob Smithin a small clearing
4thSawston (TL048638)CommaJo Sinclair1
4thSawston (TL048638)BrimstoneJo Sinclair3 males at St Mary's churchyard seen in the afternoon sunshine
4thRamsey (TL2785)PeacockAnthony LackSingle in my garden in bright sunshine & light breeze.
4thMeadgate Fields Open Space (TL729056)PeacockDavid LazarusFirst butterfly of the year (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
4thClaybury Park (TQ382615)BrimstoneZayed AhmedOne male Brimstone fluttering along woodland edge
4thAlbany Gardens, Clacton (TM185155)Red AdmiralBrian GoodeyAn early red admiral, sunning itself on grass.
3rdSt Ives (TL306724)Peacock, BrimstoneBrian MilneSingle Brimstone in flight and single Peacock nectaring from Heather.
3rdGreat Staughton Old Cemetery (TL123647)Comma, BrimstoneSteve BindingMid afternoon, nice and sunny, one
Brimstone and one Comma
3rdCherrybHinton Hall, CambridgeBrimstoneLorraine MathewsBlue skies, bright sunshine, no breeze 12°Flew out in front of me.
2ndHolland on Sea (TM190159)Small TortoiseshellBrian GoodeyOur first butterfly of the year. Last small tortoiseshell we saw here was 1 April 2024.
2ndFreshfield, Cardinal's Green (TL616584)Small TortoiseshellRosemarie Parks (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
1stHavering Country ParkRed AdmiralZayed AhmedOne fluttering and gliding along woodland edge, before climbing above treetops.

Also one seen at RSPB Rainham Marshes by a friend.

February 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
28thRamsey (TL2785)Small TortoiseshellAnthony LackSingle in sushine on my Viburnum.
28thHornchurch Country ParkRed AdmiralNicholas BarnettExcited but not surprised to see my first butterfly of the year on this balmy day.
25thWhaddon, South Cambridgeshire (TL349463)BrimstonePhillip HastingsOne male Brimstone flying very strongly along a hedgerow next to main road through the village in warm sunshine. First sighting for me of any butterfly anywhere since early last October!
14thRSPB Rainham Marshes (TQ547788)Other butterflyDavid Lazarus7 Brown Hairstreak ova - 4 in the car park & 3 just inside the entrance of the reserve (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thClaybury Park (TQ428911)Other butterflyDavid Lazarus8 Brown Hairstreak ova in 3 separate locations, on south-facing Blackthorn suckers (Photo(s) supplied: photo )
5thBenfleet.Red AdmiralRosie And Bill Perkins., Linda And George Jenkins.1,Red Admiral.
2ndHavering Country ParkRed AdmiralZayed Ahmed2 Red Admirals flying strongly in 7° full sun, one rapidly heading south and one low over grass

January 2025
DateLocationSpeciesReporterDescription
30thWood Lane alongside Wennington Wood (TL244787)Red AdmiralJeremy Aldredone, sunning itself by roadside


 
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