The Butterflies of Norsey Wood Nature Reserve

Introduction

A total of 26 species of butterflies has been recorded in the Wood since 1978 of which about 15 appear on a regular basis. This is rather less than half the total of 58 species regularly seen in the UK. Butterflies can be frustrating insects to watch as they are often reluctant to settle anywhere that gives a close view.  A pair of close-focussing binoculars can be invaluable. The Field Studies Council (FSC) publishes a most useful laminated folding Guide with good illustrations of most UK species. Most butterflies fade with age and lose many of their bright scales so this must be allowed for in identification. If you see something that clearly doesn’t match any of the butterfly pictures, it is very probably a moth – a related but scientifically distinct group of insects, some of which do regularly fly in daytime. “Britain’s Butterflies” by Tomlinson and Still, published by “WILDGuides” is also useful for identification in the field and several other guides are available.

The photographs below illustrate species, some common, some rare, you may want to look out for and many of the 26 species seen in the Wood are included on the wildlife images page.  This link highlights some of the more Notable Species seen in recent years.
The Seasonal Review tells you what you may see when.

This link to a basic introduction to Butterfly Life-cycles and Behaviour will be useful reading for those whose knowledge of these insects is limited – more detailed information is included in the FSC Guide.

This link to Butterfly Habitats and their Management gives you some idea of the best areas of the Wood to explore.  A Systematic List of all the species recorded in the Wood provides more information on flight periods and abundance.  If you see any butterfly listed as rare, please advise the Countryside Ranger at the Information Centre.  If you manage to take a photograph, that will be particularly appreciated.

Since 2013, a number of Society members have supported the Ranger by carrying out weekly butterfly surveys from April to September each year.  An annual report on the results is published in the winter Newsletter.  Fluctuations in numbers from year to year inevitably reflect prevailing weather conditions but, over several years, comparisons with trends from other local sites should indicate the impact of changes in habitat management.  More volunteers to help with survey work are always welcome.

Butterfly Conservation (www.butterfly-conservation.org) is the main organisation for butterfly enthusiasts in the UK and their website includes information on the identification, behaviour and conservation of the different species.
Butterfly Survey 2018-19 Butterfly Survey 2020 Butterfly Survey 2021