11 people attended the guided walk at Bernwood Meadows and Forest on 18th August 2008. Brown Hairstreak, Purple Hairstreak and Purple Emperor were the primary species targets.

In all, 16 confirmed species of butterfly were seen on the day (plus a possible Essex Skipper) . Full list below. Although there was intermittent sunshine and cool temperatures, things were looking good while the party gathered in the car park where Speckled Wood, Purple Hairstreak and Gatekeeper were seen.

The walk from the car park to the meadows produced several species including a brief glimpse of a Brown Hairstreak but it took sometime before the group had a clear view of our target species. Just like buses... several other individuals were seen during our walk around the perimeter of the Meadows and two eggs were also found by the walk leader. We also observed a female laying and single egg on our return to the car park for lunch.

After lunch, a stroll around a rather wet forest added another Brown Hairstreak to the count. Unfortunately we failed to see any Purple Emperor but everyone left pleased to have seen such good numbers of Brown Hairstreak.