Yeah, I was aching a bit this morning 😁 but so worth it.

Good to catch up with you guys again. Ah, yes, It was superb, and the light on that hill is fantastic, in addition of course to the one or two butterflies you see floating about 😆

Yep, habitat fragmentation is a worry. At least with the Grizzled Skipper you have a fair few sites in that area if something serious did happen on one site.

Cheers, Steve! Fascinating to learn more about the site today and particularly to spend time with the Grizzlies. Always good to see you guys.

The top area near the larger crags and near the nesting boxes is where we tend to see the most, but that's a bit later on. In the early emergence period you definitely have to ‘read the room’ as they say.

No, I don't think it’s grazed and there was a fire there last year in a large area of Bilberry, but you can’t tell now. I think the tort must have had the same idea as the Peacocks and GH 😆

I think, like the emperors, as long as the tree or shrub gives decent wind protection, that’s all they really care about. That spot where you were today was definitely warmer and calmer than the top area towards the main layby when I was there yesterday.

Glad you and Helen had a good day, Steve. That area in your first image is where I was trying to direct you to 😁 Nice spot with the tort! I saw loads of Peacocks yesterday, but no ST. Which area was that in?

Thank you!! 🙏

They’ve been seen in a few places down south, Steve, with end of March sightings in one or two locations. I’ve been following it in the FB UK BUTTERFLIES group. Surely yours will follow very soon?

Visit to Ufton coming up then. Cheers Steve!!

I’ve seen them at Stockton cutting and Bishop’s Hill. They’re at Ufton Fields?

Thanks Tara!! 😁 I love it when they sit up on the Bilberry and play nice.

Got a feeling the Grizzled Skippers will be earlier this year, too. I’ll be heading to Warwickshire soon for a look.