The search for Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at Mabie Forest on Sat 23rd May 2015

Butterfly Conservation planned a walk to Mabie Forest to look for the Pearl-bordered fritillary. One of the UK's most threatened species, it has seen a big increase in Mabie Forest. There are now more than 6 times as many as there were 10 years ago. More than 200 sightings last year alone!
The weather was kind to us and there was a much bigger turn out than expected at Mabie Forest car park. Owen Figgis who does regular transect walks to record butterflies for Butterfly Conservation, took the lead to show us the route he takes and how he records what he sees.

As we set off we were told that Pearl Bordered Fritillaries had been spotted and we were not disappointed. Within a few seconds of reaching the start of the walk a PBF was spotted! The strong sunshine began to bring out many more butterflies and moths and within a very short time had all seen a PBF and we were clicking away with our cameras.

 

 

We also saw...

 

Peacock

Common Heath

Small Heath

Green-veined White

Photo courtesy of Butterfly Conservation

Some in the group made note of the daytime flying moths  - a big thank you to Alison for the following details:

Speckled Yellow

Brown Silver-line

Common Carpet

and a few micro moths.

A Gorse Shield-bug and a lizard were also spotted briefly!

 

The following fantastic photos were taken by Jim Asher, Chairman of Butterfly Conservation Council, who joined us on our walk. It was a wonderful day, with wonderful weather watching some wonderful wildlife.

 

 

 

Group photo