24th April 2026

Another gorgeous day with lots of warm sunshine bringing out lots of insects. Plenty of butterflies about including, a couple of Holly Blues, a Painted Lady, a few Brimstones and Orange-tips, a few Speckled Woods in the shady areas, loads of Peacocks around the field margins and loads of Green-veined Whites over the oilseed rape crop. Also, it was great to see this Green Hairstreak. Not a common butterfly, particularly around Staple. It prefers rough, scrubby grassland and this habitat is in short supply around here. This one was enjoying a sheltered, sunny spot on the brow of the hill between Crixhall Court and Goodnestone.