25th May 2026

It was hot today! Temperatures reaching 29-30 degrees. The southerly air-flow has brought an influx of the migrant butterfly, Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), to UK shores. These have flown from North Africa and through Europe to reach us. A good number were feeding on the flowers of Dogwood, along the footpath to Crixhall Court. The underwing of this butterfly is a work of art.

Painted Lady butterfly