Discovering Butterflies of Sussex - Part 2

I had to wait until May to see the next species on my list. However, before then, I had a fabulous outing on the South Downs going in search of Green Hairstreaks towards the end of April. I'd only had a few brief sightings by then, so to spend quite a few hours watching and photographing these beauties, mostly at eye level and not too far away, was wonderful.

It was also a significant day for me, because I decided to start writing more about my experiences out in nature. At that point in time, I'd only written some posts for my blog relating to my overseas holidays. I began with my Quest To See Green Hairstreaks and since then, I've written several more posts about some of my photo outings. My passion for writing has been reignited!

Just the day before that, I saw my first Wood White in Surrey – an endangered species in the UK. I walked along the wide track through the woodland heading towards Oaken Wood, unsure how difficult it would be to see them. As it turned out, not too tricky at all! Walking along, I could see the flutter of white wings up ahead, low to the ground on the sides of the path. The males didn’t settle for long – a now familiar story – so it was challenging to take any decent photos. But later, when I was starting to leave, I spotted a courting pair. The male was waving his proboscis in the air to attract the female – just like I’d read about. How wonderful it was to witness it first-hand. Brilliant!

As an aside, not content with having seen this species in Surrey, in 2023 Bob and I returned to the area and explored an open access woodland in the north of Sussex. We were the only people there, wandering along the grassy rides with our eyes peeled on the vegetation at our sides. We were just about at the point of giving up, and about to turn around, when Bob spotted something small and white up ahead. Lo and behold, a single male Wood White was basking in the late afternoon sun and gave us some wonderful photographic opportunities. It was fabulous to see such a rarity for Sussex.

I visited Ditchling twice and both times there were a few active butterflies fluttering near the tree tops. I felt like I was being teased, ever hopeful that one would descend low enough for me to photograph. I really wanted to see one closer so I could fully appreciate the lovely detail on the underside of its wings. The longer I had to wait, the more of a thrill it was when one did suddenly swoop down. Knowing it could be a brief moment, I fired off a few shots swiftly, then moved a bit closer to take more. It was nice to enjoy that moment alone. Another time, there were others around, and there was a bit of a frenzy of activity. Everyone wanting to get in close. As always, it was lovely chatting to some new people and seeing some familiar faces. Plus, I picked up some useful tips for seeing the next species on my list – the Silver-studded Blue, which is only found in two locations on opposite sides of the county. I went the very next day.

I set off for Iping Common really early in the morning, so I could enjoy a quiet amble on my own. In fact, I barely saw half a dozen people all morning. Bob had given me an indication of where to look, so it wasn’t quite like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, I wasn’t having any luck. But, I didn’t give up. I walked the circuit again and this time came across a photographer squatting down low. I just knew I was in the right place. I was relieved and happy to finally see one. Well, quite a few actually. I was seeing them everywhere in this one small area – males flying close to the ground over the low scrub. It was fabulous to capture some nice images of them flying. At one point, we also both saw a newly emerged female, revealing her brown wings.

Just when I was wondering how much longer I’d stay, a mating pair were seen on the Crossed-leaved Heath. Then I spotted another, and another. It was all happening. I almost didn’t know where to look. It was another unforgettable morning with butterflies.

About two weeks later, it was the vulnerable White-letter Hairstreak I wanted to find, in Brighton. I stood below an Elm tree, having been told about this very precise location where I might see them. Patiently, I waited in the afternoon sunshine and sure enough, one was seen. Just the one. I wasn’t sure if it was typical Hairstreak behaviour, but yet again, it was a species that liked to stay up high. Sadly, it didn’t come down at all, so my only photos were a few record shots. But, I was just happy to see one, because I know the future of this species is in peril. With the spread of Dutch Elm Disease, they are at risk of losing their sole food plant.

What I hadn’t expected was for a Grayling butterfly to land on me. In fact, two did, but not at the same time. I’ll never forget looking down at it, perched on my trouser leg, seeing its eyes peering up at me.

There were so many memorable moments that day. You can read more about that wonderful experience in my blog Graylings on the South Downs.

We hadn’t been alone that day. Neil Hulme was already on the escarpment by the time we arrived. The three of us spent the day looking for Graylings, taking photos and chatting. I had a lot of fun. Just as a bonus Bob and I saw a mating pair of Chalkhill Blues on our way back down the hill - another first for me. I love the brown underwing colouring of the female.

That evening, I should’ve been celebrating my achievement, but the day was tainted with the news that not only had Large Tortoiseshells been seen in the county the week before, but Neil had found evidence they’d emerged rather than migrated. This meant there was another species for me to see. I went in search of them not long after, but to no avail. My window of opportunity closed. I’d have to wait until the following year to see one. It was so disappointing.

We set off for Abbotts Wood where Bob had seen one two years before. After several enjoyable hours walking around seeing lots of things but no Large Tortoiseshells, we eventually decided to go elsewhere. By then, it had clouded over, reducing our chances of success even further. We began to retrace our steps back towards the car. Just as we ambled down the last open ride through the woods the sun reappeared. So too did the butterflies. A Comma and Peacock were showing really beautifully on an old tree stump. Stopping to take photos, afterwards I commented how we just needed a Large Tortoiseshell to land there now. But it didn’t happen.

We continued walking along and only a few minutes later we glanced right towards the woods. My eyes were drawn to a Brimstone a little distance away on the wing. But Bob was looking at a tree much closer to us. A Large Tortoiseshell was basking on the trunk with its wings wide open. Amazing! We were both stunned. Success at last! Quickly, I took some photos as evidence, just in case it disappeared. A few seconds later, it suddenly came to life and took flight, but it landed on a gnarled bit of wood nearby. It looked gorgeous. It posed for us for a few minutes. Then it took off again, this time landing on the embankment, and we slowly crept to it even closer. I was beyond thrilled! That evening, we celebrated with a bottle of bubbly. It was such a special moment, made all the more memorable because it was just the two of us. I was very happy that day.

You can read more about that experience in my blog Easter Treats.

As a keen photographer, so much of my enjoyment these past few years, whilst learning a little about each butterfly species, has come from capturing images of them in different situations. It’s hard to be original. I don’t just want to take the classic open wing shot. I enjoy the challenge of photographing butterflies in flight. I also love the close-up work, experimenting with my macro lens, being at eye level with my subject. It creates such an intimacy. I feel as though I’m being drawn into their world. I really start to notice the tiny details and beauty that is so often missed. I’m also keen on creating images that capture a feeling or experience. So, sometimes I’ll pull back and include the butterfly’s surroundings to provide context.

This butterfly journey has given me countless days filled with wonderful new experiences.

Now I’ve seen all the butterflies of Sussex, I’m very content and proud of what I’ve achieved. I don’t want to think about the next challenge or goal just yet. For now, I want to savour this moment and appreciate what I’ve learned, the friends and acquaintances I’ve made and the amazing array of butterflies I’ve seen and photographed.

I’m hoping that writing about my journey might inspire others to do the same. But, more importantly, I hope it helps increase awareness about the sad decline of our UK butterflies. According to the Butterfly Conservation Red List, almost half of all species are either endangered (eg Wall Brown - photo), near threatened or vulnerable. We need more people to care about the future of our butterflies (and other insects) in this country and to help stop the decline in numbers and loss of species.

There’s such a joy that comes with new discoveries and sightings. Firsts are wonderful! But how do you retain that sparkle in your eyes, once you’ve seen each species? The excitement. The thrill. What’s the secret to keeping that all alive year after year? Maybe, it’s simply by appreciating every moment, as it happens. Holding on to the magic. I don’t want to lose that youthful excitement. Hopefully, I never will, as there’s still so much to learn.

In the future, I’m hoping to still occasionally eat my breakfast sitting in a wildflower meadow, starting the day with the butterflies, enjoying it as much as I do now.