Explore the diverse flora and fauna on the Downs from season to season through personal observations and photographs

Friday, 10 Jul 2026

ichneumon wasp on Wild Parsnip

Not quite as hot as yesterday and a little more insect activity. Another good day for butterflies too. The Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) remains the most abundant, but a sudden surge in numbers puts the Chalk Hill Blue (Lysandra coridon) in second place. Meadow Brown and Ringlet are still fairly prominent and I noted maybe a […]