Butterfly sites near Peterborough (Cambridgeshire)

[MetalMoth]

Does anyone know of any good reserves to see butterflies near Peterborough in Cambridgeshire? I have been to some sites round here like Bedford Purlieus, Woodwalton/Holme Fen and Orton Pits but am trying to see more new species as I think I have seen as many as I can at these sites. Any suggestions much appreciated!

[Andy Warne]

Hi MetalMoth, Bedford Purlieus is one of my favourite places.

A few other sites nearby,

Barnack Hills and Holes - Chalkhill Blue, Green Hairstreak, Marbled White, Brown Argus
Ketton Quarry - Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Green Hairstreak, Marbled White, Brown Argus
Glapthorn Cow Pastures - Black Hairstreak
Fermyn Woods - Purple Emperor, White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak, White-letter Hairstreak
And Wakerley Wood is usually good for Silver-washed Fritillary.

Andy

[MetalMoth]

Yes I do like Bedford Purlieus a lot too. I went there a couple of weeks ago and saw White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and Purple Hairstreak, along with lots of other species. I think in the few hours we were there we saw 15 species of butterfly.

I have been to Hills and Holes before, but not recently and not to look for butterflies, so I think I shall have to check it out again.

Fermyn Woods sounds like a good place to go. I think I may try and go there today!

Thankyou so much for your suggestions!

[MetalMoth]

I went to Fermyn Woods yesterday and had a good time there. I principally went to see White Admirals again and I was not dissapointed. I saw quite a few, around 10 individuals, and also got a few nice close up shots of them. Which is great as the last time me and my friend went to try and photograph White Admirals we had no luck and found them very frustrating to photograph! I also saw the usual set of Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Small White and Large White. No Purple Emperor though, but I wasn't expecting to see one as I know this is quite late in the season for them to be around.