It was another great summer’s day up on Collard Hill, although try as I might I couldn’t find any large blues! It was a reasonably cloudy day however, so any stragglers might have been hiding away waiting for some sun.
Other butterflies are on the up however, gatekeepers have boomed in the past couple of days, the ringlets are still numerous and fresh second brood common blue and brown argus butterflies are everywhere. I keep checking the small skippers on the off chance one will be an Essex skipper, but so far all I’ve seen have been small! Large skippers are still around too, and occasionally stop briefly for photographs.
Large Skipper © India Wedge
It has been a great experience being able to spend so much time on Collard, it’s been a privilege to be able to observe and photograph the large blues, and I’ll definitely have to come back in future years to see these wonderful butterflies again. It’s hard to choose favourites but the large blue has to be nearing becoming my favourite UK butterfly!
Large blue resting out of the heat © India Wedge
The National Trust's Large Blue Blog 
Excellent blog throughout, India, but why no mention of the rarest plant species on the reserve – Gastridium ventricosum?
I’m sorry to say I had no idea it was something to look out for – my botany skills definitely need work! I’ll be looking for it tomorrow for sure, hopefully I can find it!
India