Silver-washed Fritillary

An afternoon wander in Bedford Purlieus NNR where I was stunned by the sheer number of butterflies feeding on Hemp-agrimony, thistles and Marjoram. I don't think that I've seen quite so many, with Peacock and Red Admiral being particularly abundant.

I carried out a 15 minute Big Butterfly Count during which time I recorded nine species including 31 Peacock, 23 Red Admiral and 15 Brimstone. I also saw several beautiful Silver-washed Fritillary and a White Admiral. What a day!