Lisa G Saw • May 31, 2023

Discovering Butterflies Of Sussex - Part 1

If you asked me about three years ago how many species of butterfly there are in the UK, I would have guessed maybe a dozen. That was roughly how many species I’d seen, including the common ones like the Speckled Wood and Peacock. But all that changed in the summer of 2020. When a new photography friend of mine talked about Skippers, Fritillaries and Hairstreaks, I scarcely knew what he was talking about. He used the term instar like I should know what that was and I realised I had much to learn.

If you asked me about three years ago how many species of butterfly there are in the UK, I would have guessed maybe a dozen. That was roughly how many species I’d seen, including the common ones like the Speckled Wood (right) and Peacock (below). But all that changed in the summer of 2020. When a new photography friend of mine talked about Skippers, Fritillaries and Hairstreaks, I scarcely knew what he was talking about. He used the term instar like I should know what that was and I realised I had much to learn.

On one of our early outings I saw my first Chalkhill Blue butterfly. I’ll never forget sitting on the ground photographing a group of them resting on manure and how they all suddenly took flight when a woman walked past. The frenzy of activity just a metre above the ground was beautiful. I’d never seen so many butterflies gathered together before. I think I was hooked from that moment on.

It was quite a revelation to discover there are more than 40 different species of butterfly that can be seen in Sussex. The exact number does seem to vary depending on source, which I have to admit has been somewhat confusing. There are migrants, like the Clouded Yellow (photo), that now seem to live their complete life cycle in the county, but not necessarily the whole year. There’s a species present whose origins are questionable and others that are starting to colonise in the area due to climate change.

By the end of 2020, I’d seen eight more new species: a tatty Dark Green Fritillary that had seen better days; a fabulous pink legged Clouded Yellow hiding in the tall grass; a brilliant orange Small Copper seen through the heather; a Wall Brown basking on a chalky footpath; a Long-Tailed Blue in really windy conditions; a brief glimpse of a Purple Hairstreak but with no photo to prove it; a majestic Purple Emperor reigning supreme; and an hour later, my one and only sighting of an impressive White Admiral (photo), up close and personal.

In some ways, it felt as though I was seeing species in totally the wrong order – spotting rarer ones before more common species, like the Long-Tailed Blue (photo). But, maybe that was why my interest and appreciation grew. Plus, I had the added benefit of discovering new places across the county and beyond, not just to see butterflies, but also the other wildlife they play host to.

One of the most exciting moments in my butterfly year was seeing a female Holly Blue egg laying. What luck! I just happened to be walking past at that exact moment. It was a completely new experience for me. Once she had moved on, I eagerly looked for the egg. I could barely see it, even with my glasses on. My camera wasn’t much better either. That was the moment I decided to treat myself to a macro lens, something I’d been thinking about for a while. It was the best thing I bought that year (especially with imminent lockdowns ahead). It opened up a whole new world for me. It was amazing to see insects like never before, noticing the tiny details and appreciating their beauty in new ways.

At the start of 2021, during lockdown, I watched a Sussex Wildlife Trust webinar – Butterflies of Sussex. It was perfect for me! Over the course of eight short videos, presented by the witty and entertaining Michael Blencowe, I began to learn more about the different species that live their complete life cycle within the county – the different habitats, behaviour, sexual dimorphism (Brimstones right) and when and where to find them. Armed with all this new information, I was eager to go in search of species that had eluded me so far and hungry to learn more. The adventure that lay ahead was exciting.

At the start of 2021, during lockdown, I watched a Sussex Wildlife Trust webinar – Butterflies of Sussex. It was perfect for me! Over the course of eight short videos, presented by the witty and entertaining Michael Blencowe, I began to learn more about the different species that live their complete life cycle within the county – the different habitats, behaviour, sexual dimorphism (Brimstones below) and when and where to find them. Armed with all this new information, I was eager to go in search of species that had eluded me so far and hungry to learn more. The adventure that lay ahead was exciting.

On one of our early outings I saw my first Chalkhill Blue butterfly. I’ll never forget sitting on the ground photographing a group of them resting on manure and how they all suddenly took flight when a woman walked past. The frenzy of activity just a metre above the ground was beautiful. I’d never seen so many butterflies gathered together before. I think I was hooked from that moment on.

It was quite a revelation to discover there are more than 40 different species of butterfly that can be seen in Sussex. The exact number does seem to vary depending on source, which I have to admit has been somewhat confusing. There are migrants, like the Clouded Yellow (photo), that now seem to live their complete life cycle in the county, but not necessarily the whole year. There’s a species present whose origins are questionable and others that are starting to colonise in the area due to climate change.

By the end of 2020, I’d seen eight more new species: a tatty Dark Green Fritillary that had seen better days; a fabulous pink legged Clouded Yellow hiding in the tall grass; a brilliant orange Small Copper seen through the heather; a Wall Brown basking on a chalky footpath; a Long-Tailed Blue in really windy conditions; a brief glimpse of a Purple Hairstreak but with no photo to prove it; a majestic Purple Emperor reigning supreme; and an hour later, my one and only sighting of an impressive White Admiral (photo), up close and personal.

In some ways, it felt as though I was seeing species in totally the wrong order – spotting rarer ones before more common species, like the Long-Tailed Blue (photo). But, maybe that was why my interest and appreciation grew. Plus, I had the added benefit of discovering new places across the county and beyond, not just to see butterflies, but also the other wildlife they play host to.

One of the most exciting moments in my butterfly year was seeing a female Holly Blue egg laying. What luck! I just happened to be walking past at that exact moment. It was a completely new experience for me. Once she had moved on, I eagerly looked for the egg. I could barely see it, even with my glasses on. My camera wasn’t much better either. That was the moment I decided to treat myself to a macro lens, something I’d been thinking about for a while. It was the best thing I bought that year (especially with imminent lockdowns ahead). It opened up a whole new world for me. It was amazing to see insects like never before, noticing the tiny details and appreciating their beauty in new ways.

At the start of 2021, during lockdown, I watched a Sussex Wildlife Trust webinar – Butterflies of Sussex. It was perfect for me! Over the course of eight short videos, presented by the witty and entertaining Michael Blencowe, I began to learn more about the different species that live their complete life cycle within the county – the different habitats, behaviour, sexual dimorphism (Brimstones right) and when and where to find them. Armed with all this new information, I was eager to go in search of species that had eluded me so far and hungry to learn more. The adventure that lay ahead was exciting.

It didn’t take long for me to realise what a challenge it would be. For a novice, when you’re out in the field, it’s never quite as easy to identify what you’re seeing. The Large and Small White are a classic example. When they’re flying about, I really struggled to tell the difference in size. It doesn’t help that you get small Large Whites and large Small Whites. What a nightmare! At least, when they’re at rest, I had a better chance. I’d compare the dark corners of the forewings on the upperside and remembered that it’s more grey and longer on the horizontal edge for the Small Whites and much more black and longer on the vertical edge for the Large Whites.

Don’t get me started on the Blues! It’s a minefield! The males with their wings open I could just about manage (Common Blue and Adonis Blue below), but with wings closed and only the underside in view – confusion ensued! There was also the added challenge of distinguishing between the sexes. It was certainly easier when the males and females were together to appreciate the colour differentiation on the underwing. Then, there was the small problem of telling the difference between all the female blues, which are in fact brown, fairly similar and much like the Brown Argus. More often than not, I’d take my photos and worry about ID’ing them later. The internet was an invaluable source of information (Don't Get The Blues From The Blues - Butterfly Conservation and Species Similarities - UK Butterflies). It’s great having something I can go back to, to remind myself of the subtle differences between sexes and species. Even now! I can’t claim I’ve cracked it, but gradually I’m learning!

Despite the challenges, I’ve had some wonderful moments photographing some of the blue butterflies. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the communal roosting of Common Blues – I didn’t even know that was a thing. I even found three on the same blade of grass. The soft evening light was gorgeous. As for the Adonis Blues, the males take my breath away every time I see the flash of their gorgeous brilliant blue wings. Seeing a number of them flying together is pretty special.

I was yet to see the Small Blue – the smallest of all UK butterflies. So, when June came around, I went to Malling Down specifically to change that. Whilst wondering around the reserve I saw others I’d not seen before – Painted Lady and Small Heath – but, no little blues. I feared another year would go by without me laying eyes on one. On my way home, I consoled myself with another visit to Anchor Bottom to see the Adonis Blues. Then, just as I was leaving, I noticed a tiny little butterfly flying around some tall grass and my heart leapt. Could it be a Small Blue? Quickly, I focused the camera on it. Yay! It was! I couldn’t believe my luck. I was thrilled.

I was yet to see the Small Blue – the smallest of all UK butterflies. So, when June came around I went to Malling Down specifically to change that. Whilst wondering around the reserve I saw others I’d not seen before – Painted Lady and Small Heath – but, no little blues. I feared another year would go by without me laying eyes on one. On my way home, I consoled myself with another visit to Anchor Bottom to see the Adonis Blues. Then, just as I was leaving, I noticed a tiny little butterfly flying around some tall grass and my heart leapt. Could it be a Small Blue? Quickly, I focused the camera on it. Yay! It was! I couldn’t believe my luck. I was thrilled. With some things you never forget your first experience and that was definitely a memorable one. In fact, sightings of a Small Blue always steal my heart.

With some things you never forget your first experience and that was definitely a memorable one. In fact, sightings of a Small Blue always steal my heart.

This journey hasn’t been just about seeing new species of butterfly and learning to identify them. It’s been fabulous being able to witness different behaviour, like territorial skirmishes on the wing between males, a female rejecting the male’s advances, chancing upon mating pairs, females egg laying and even luckier still, finding eggs. I’ve managed this with the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, another small beauty. I was thrilled when I saw a female egg laying multiple times, perching on the edge of the Primrose leaf and tucking her abdomen underneath to deposit an egg or two. I got down really low in the grass to photograph the moment. One thing I’ve learned is to always tuck in my trouser legs and top. The first time I photographed a Duke, I came home with two ticks on me. Yuk! I don’t wish to repeat that experience.

My first Duke sighting was on an organised event with Neil Hulme. Since then, I’ve bumped into him a few times. That’s happened with a handful of other butterfly enthusiasts too. We all keep turning up at the same popular locations. It’s nice seeing familiar faces. Everyone I’ve met has been so friendly and helpful, sharing ID and location tips. Sometimes, others show you what they’ve found, which is kind and a great way to see more when you’re starting out. However, I have to admit, I do like finding things for myself, if I can. It’s much more rewarding. It’s also lovely when it’s quiet, with fewer people around. There’s definitely something wonderful about being out in nature alone. I feel the peacefulness and calm envelop me. It relaxes me. It’s part of the allure that keeps drawing me back.

I enjoy getting up early in the warmer months to visit wildflower meadows and nature reserves. It’s a fabulous time of day. I sit and eat my breakfast watching the first butterflies emerge in the morning sunshine, whilst listening to the birds singing nearby. This kind of mindfulness moments can really lift my spirits. I’ll never forget the joy I felt the first time I saw the morning dew on a roosting butterfly. A bejewelled Small Heath was glistening in the soft low light, waiting for its wings to dry out. Simply magical!

My first Duke sighting was on an organised event with Neil Hulme. Since then, I’ve bumped into him a few times. That’s happened with a handful of other butterfly enthusiasts too. We all keep turning up at the same popular locations. It’s nice seeing familiar faces. Everyone I’ve met has been so friendly and helpful, sharing ID and location tips. Sometimes, others show you what they’ve found, which is kind and a great way to see more when you’re starting out. However, I have to admit, I do like finding things for myself, if I can. It’s much more rewarding. It’s also lovely when it’s quiet, with fewer people around. There’s definitely something wonderful about being out in nature alone. I feel the peacefulness and calm envelop me. It relaxes me. It’s part of the allure that keeps drawing me back.

I enjoy getting up early in the warmer months to visit wildflower meadows and nature reserves. It’s a fabulous time of day. I sit and eat my breakfast watching the first butterflies emerge in the morning sunshine, whilst listening to the birds singing nearby. This kind of mindfulness moments can really lift my spirits. I’ll never forget the joy I felt the first time I saw the morning dew on a roosting butterfly. A bejewelled Small Heath was glistening in the soft low light, waiting for its wings to dry out. Simply magical!

There’s something so enchanting watching the gentle delicate fluttering of wings hovering above the wildflowers, noticing their long proboscis uncurl as they nectar on the flowers, and even simply resting with their wings wide open, showing off their gorgeous colours and patterns. It’s such a beautiful way to start the day. One time, a Skipper landed on the path just near where I sat. I crouched down low with my macro lens to take a few photos. It had pale spots on its upperwings and silver spots underneath. I wasn’t sure if I’d seen this species before. I checked when I was back home and discovered I’d seen my first Silver-spotted Skipper.

I have so many wonderful memories from 2021, but the best one was meeting my future boyfriend, Bob. We’d struck up conversation whilst waiting to see Brown Hairstreaks – a rare and elusive butterfly. I’d never photographed one before and was hopeful of changing that. When a female finally made an appearance, our small group moved over swiftly to where it was perched. Bob was such a gentleman, letting me take my photos first. After that day, just over a week later, we bumped into each other again in a completely different place on the other side of the county. Quite serendipitous! From there, our friendship began.

There’s something so enchanting watching the gentle delicate fluttering of wings hovering above the wildflowers, noticing their long proboscis uncurl as they nectar on the flowers, and even simply resting with their wings wide open, showing off their gorgeous colours and patterns. It’s such a beautiful way to start the day. One time, a Skipper landed on the path just near where I sat. I crouched down low with my macro lens to take a few photos. It had pale spots on its upperwings and silver spots underneath. I wasn’t sure if I’d seen this species before. I checked when I was back home and discovered I’d seen my first Silver-spotted Skipper.

I have so many wonderful memories from 2021, but the best one was meeting my future boyfriend, Bob. We’d struck up conversation whilst waiting to see Brown Hairstreaks – a rare and elusive butterfly. I’d never photographed one before and was hopeful of changing that. When a female finally made an appearance, our small group moved over swiftly to where it was perched. Bob was such a gentleman, letting me take my photos first. After that day, just over a week later, we bumped into each other again in a completely different place on the other side of the county. Quite serendipitous! From there, our friendship began.

By the end of the year, I’d discovered and photographed 20 more different species of butterfly (though I didn’t realise it at the time – I wasn’t counting). It dawned on me that there weren’t many more new species in Sussex left for me to see. Just seven. But, all of them fairly scarce in the county. I started to wonder if I might be able to see the remaining ones in 2022. What an achievement that would be! I hadn’t set out with the intention to see all the species in the county, but the prospect of it was exciting. I couldn’t wait for the new year to arrive and to continue my butterfly journey.

Ringlet

Brown Hairstreak

August 26

By Lisa G Saw • September 13, 2026
WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS It was the insects that were dominating my wildlife sightings again in August, with plenty more dragonfly and damselfly encounters, plus some fabulous moths and butterflies. Early in the month, Bob and I had a call from one of his friends who had a Striped Haw-moth in his moth trap that morning. So we headed over to see it, having to wait some time for the weather conditions to be just right. Needless to say, I'd never heard of it before, but as ever, I'm learning about all sorts of new species and I certainly enjoyed the opportunity to photograph this fairly large moth species. It was very impressive, especially when we were able to see the flash of pink on the hindwings. I do like to experiment with my photography, and not just take the standard back-of-wing shot, and so got down low to take a photo from the side, so I could see its eye peering at me.

Spring in Yorkshire - Other Wildlife

By Lisa G Saw • September 12, 2026
Our original plan for our trip up to Yorkshire, was to drive direct to Buckton, with rest breaks along the way. It wasn't until we were actually driving north on the A23 that Bob suddenly wondered about the possibility of detouring to Glapthorn Cow Pastures. It's a site in Northamptonshire that is known to be good for Black Hairstreaks - a rare butterfly species in the UK. As I was navigating, I had a quick look on my phone and saw that it would only add about 40 minutes to our journey. Since I'd never seen this butterfly species in its natural woodland habitat - the local colony in East Sussex is of questionable origin, and has most likely been introduced - I was eager to visit this new site. I like being spontaneous and I think Bob was surprised I agreed. In the end, it was the perfect place for us to stop for lunch and enjoy some time in a beautiful quiet woodland. Of the few people there, most were about to leave when we arrived. Bizarrely, I recognised one of them too from back home! It was quite easy to find the ride where the majority of Black Hairstreaks were nectaring. Since it wasn't sunny to begin with, it wasn't too tricky taking some photos as they weren't too flighty. I couldn't believe how many I was seeing. There were several flying around in one small area, and as we ambled up the ride we saw many more - about 30 in total. I saw more in that hour than I had in total prior to that occasion. For the majority of time it was just the two of us in this small stretch of the woodland. It was so peaceful. For the most part, only the sounds of the birds and bees could be heard. It was heavenly!

Spring in Yorkshire - Seabirds

By Lisa G Saw • August 31, 2026
At the end of May, when we had that first bout of warm spring weather, I headed up to Yorkshire with Bob for a week's holiday. We stayed in lovely self-catering accommodation in Buckton where I'd stayed before on a previous visit to the area, but in a deluxe static caravan instead of one of the cottages. The location was fabulous as it gave us wonderful access to the RSPB nature reserve, Bempton Cliffs. It was only a 30 minute walk to the coast, to the northern end of the nature reserve, or we could drive to the various access points not only at the visitor centre nearby, but further eastwards towards Flamborough Headland. Unfortunately, the good weather only lasted the first two days. Having said that, we were lucky the rest of the week because even though it was windy at times, cloudy mostly, and we had some wet spells, we managed to work around it. As always, we try not to let it affect us too much and we both had an excellent time away. Bob's back was still causing him some grief, having put it out a month prior, so we were careful not to spend too long out on walks, or avoid carrying too much equipment. It was actually lovely having a bit more chill time at the accommodation relaxing and reading. The seabirds were the main draw to the area, and there's a good number of them at Bempton Cliffs. They host over 200,000 breeding seabirds during peak season (March to October). Despite the crash in numbers last year due to bird flu, overall the colony seems to be doing well and bouncing back. It's one of the best places in the country to see Northern Gannets, as it is the largest mainland colony, with an estimated 11,000 to 15,000 breeding pairs.
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