Lisa G Saw • June 8, 2023

Discovering Butterflies Of Sussex - Part 2

In the first part of this blog, I wrote about how I developed an interest in butterflies in recent years and started to explore new places within my home county to find them. By the end of 2021, I was able to identify and had seen 40 different butterfly species. It was so much fun photographing them and making new discoveries. When I realised how close I was to seeing all the species that live their complete life cycle in Sussex, I was keen to see the remaining few that had eluded me so far. I couldn’t wait for 2022 to arrive and for my butterfly journey to continue.

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 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!

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!

When May rolled around, things got off to a great start with my first outings to Park Corner Heath and Rowland Wood, the only Butterfly Conservation nature reserve in Sussex. Once again, it was fun exploring a new place and also, in the case of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, to find the species for myself. They were fairly easy to see, but not so easy to photograph, with the males constantly flying low to the ground, but only ever briefly settling! At the end of the month, I returned again with Bob, for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, with fewer sightings and photos, but success none the less.

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.

As an aside, not content with having seen this species in Surrey, this year 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.

The next species to emerge on the butterfly calendar, in terms of the species I'd not seen, was another endangered species, the Black Hairstreak. I had no idea at the time I went in search of it, that many people don’t consider it a butterfly of Sussex. Apparently, its origins are questionable. There’s only one colony in the county located near Ditchling and it’s likely to be a result of an accidental introduction (from captive bred butterflies). The nearest known natural colony is in Oxford. You would expect to have more colonies between these two locations, if the range of this species were shifting further south. But this is not the case.

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.

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.

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.

When July arrived, it was time for me to look for my final new species, the Grayling, another endangered butterfly. It would be number 47 on my list. I knew roughly where to search for them, but thankfully Bob knew the precise location. Ever since we’d met, he’d been eager to help me with my quest, providing useful information and accompanying me when he could. So, naturally, he wanted to be there at the end, and help me celebrate the momentous occasion, when it happened.

It was a lovely sunny day, but quite breezy, which was less than ideal. I was excited and hopeful as we slowly trudged our way up the chalky footpath on the South Downs. Our eyes were peeled for any signs of movement along the verges. We’d barely walked 100m, and there in front of me, on the path, was a gorgeous Grayling. He obliged me with a few close photos and then we pressed on towards the main colony location. I think both of us were relieved the pressure was off. At least I’d seen one. It wasn’t long before I was seeing many. They were far less flighty than other species and so it was wonderful having the opportunity to take lots of photos. We even found a courting pair. It was fabulous to watch as the male flapped its wings continuously, dancing around the female.

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.

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.

I sat tight during the winter and then, in the early stages of spring, sightings of the Large Tortoiseshell started to crop up once again on social media. I was itching to see one. I started to believe it would be possible. Bob assured me there were a handful of places we could look in East Sussex. Then, just before the Easter weekend, someone reported seeing one at the coast. Bob thought we should go there the following day, although it would be really busy. Despite my eagerness to lay eyes on one, I really preferred the idea of going somewhere else quieter. I wanted us to find one for ourselves that hadn’t been seen by anyone else. That would be far more exciting and rewarding.

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.

Along this journey, I’ve learned so much more than just identifying the different species. I have a slightly better understanding about the process from egg to caterpillar to pupa then butterfly. More recently, it was such a privilege to see a Speckled Wood pupa - my first! Bob had found it whilst surveying his patch for Wall Brown pupa. We returned a week later and found the butterfly had only just emerged, an hour or so beforehand, and was still close to the pupa casing. I took some photos of the butterfly and noticed the tiny bubble coming out of its abdomen. Bob explained it was the expelling of waste products from the body, which is called meconium - something I'd never heard of before.

It’s amazing how those early stages of life, when combined, last longer than the adult form we see flitting around. Locating the different species of butterfly also means having a greater appreciation for the different habitats, being able to recognise different tree species and food plants. I now know that some butterflies live only a few weeks and others much longer. The life cycle is different for each species too, not only with regards to when it emerges but also at which stage it is in when it overwinters. It’s all so fascinating and I know I will go on learning as the years roll by.

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.

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.

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.

Purple Emperor

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Antarctica Day 1

By Lisa G Saw • April 21, 2025

PENGUIN ISLAND We woke up to find it snowing heavily for the first time on our journey so far and I was thrilled. I love the snow! It seemed so fitting to be seeing the penguins in these cold conditions. We managed to get ashore in one of the first few zodiacs and stayed virtually until the last one, so we made the most of our landing and really enjoyed ourselves observing the penguins on the island and other wildlife. Sadly, there weren't any Adélie Penguin colonies to be found, but we saw a few Gentoo Penguins walking around.

To Antarctica

By Lisa G Saw • April 18, 2025

ONCE MORE AT SEA Leaving South Georgia behind us, we ventured further south towards the frozen continent of Antarctica. It took us three days. Since we were the first voyage of the season, we had no idea what lay ahead. Would we see any Adélie Penguins? How much of the ice would have retreated? Would we actually be able to walk on the Antarctic Peninsula, which was where we were ultimately heading? Everything had been so good already, I didn't have high expectations. I was just open to whatever we would experience and enjoying it all. Over the course of the three days we were at sea, we weren't able to be out on deck that often as the conditions weren't great. I certainly didn't take many photos. On our first day, though, I was pleased to take a few nice ones of a Blue Petrel flying close to the ship.

South Georgia Day 4

By Lisa G Saw • April 8, 2025

GOLD HARBOUR The Plancius sailed down to the southern part of the island for our final day in South Georgia. It was yet another jam packed day and we had an early wake up call so we could fit everything in! First on the agenda was a landing at Gold Harbour. Even though we were seeing more of the same species we'd already seen, it turned out to be a fabulous place. In fact, it was probably one of my favourite landings. It's a compact beach filled to the brim with wildlife. I felt so close to it all, and unlike the day before, we were at ground level with most of it. This felt much more special. As was so often the case with our landings, the first wildlife we came across were the Elephant Seals on the beach. There were more youngsters stealing my attention, with those gorgeous big black eyes.