Each summer, butterfly transects are carried out at the reserve to establish which species are around and in what abundance. This is one of my favourite jobs as a ranger, because it involves a leisurely walk in the sunshine!

One of the species recorded on the reserve is the small tortoiseshell, which is typically seen along the boardwalk.

They can sometimes be confused with red admirals, which are a more striking black and red. Peacock butterflies are also similar, but they have large round eye spots on their wings.

The fantastic shot by Scott shows the more orangey tones of a small tortoiseshell and the lack of eye spots.

An absence of sunshine has meant not many butterflies, so here’s hoping for some improvement in the weather!

Rhian – Seasonal Ranger