Wall Brown disappearing from England?

[Treehawk]

It has been a while since I last saw one of these:


(Finally got the wings closed shot! Not even putting shadows on it worked; it was the strong wind that made it close.)
Two years ago I found 11 at Keyhaven over 3 trips, the year after I found 5 in 3 trips and this year I have only found 1, and I have visited 4 times. I have only found them in July and check the place around the same date (haven't looked in other months) but they seem to be becoming less common, how bad is the decline of this species?

[Ollie]

Don't know how bad the decline is country wide but I live in North Lincolnshire.

Five or so years ago I used to see them on a regular basis at several spots. last year I only saw a couple and this year so far just one individual.

[Jenny W]

I think in the last few years they have declined quite substantially in southern and inland areas, but still doing OK in northern, western and coastal areas.

There hasn't been a record at our reserve (East Midlands) for a few years now.

[aeshna5]

Certainly disappeared from London, Middx + Surrrey in recent years.

[Dogghound]

There were large numbers in flamborough (East Yorkshire) earlier this year. Also plenty around here in coastal North Yorkshire. They have never (in my experience) been highly abundant here. Although the habitat is spot on here, with a variety of grassy foodplants.

[harasseddad]

Within Norfolk they have disappeared from inland areas, and now only occur within a narrow band around the coast. Having said that, the first brood this year was the best for a decade.

[Geoff F]

Seeing plenty along the S. Devon coast path (Salcombe to Hope Cove). Not massive numbers but regular sightings. Photographed the first one on April 20.

And today, one insisted on being photographed. I was walking along a farm track, just inland from the coast path when one settled on the verge and looked up at me. My photo kit was packed away in the rucksack so I thought 'I'm not bothering to take it out and set everything up for just another Wall Brown which will fly away as soon as I put my camera on the tripod anyway'.

But it just sat there looking at me; so I unpacked and managed the first test test shot when a van drove along the track. Probably the only vehicle that day, so I considered it to be another example of 'Murphy's Law'.

As I was starting to pack everything back the butterfly returned and perched on a flower, in a better pose, so I took several photos before eventually walking on and leaving it alone.

Saw a couple more a little way down the track; unless the same one was following me!

[Heidfirst]

they didn't used to be a Scottish species but we get them along the coast now in Dumfries & Galloway & Ayrshire (think Berwickshire too) so they're expanding here.

just need some Gatekeepers now ...

[Ukwildlifeo]

Funny that it appears to be declining somewhat, since I got my first ever wall brown on Tuesday!