In spite of the weather forecast, which stated that Sunday would be sunny and the best day of the week, I travelled down to Wolford Wood, near Shipston, in pouring rain surrounded by an 80 bike convoy of mopeds (but that’s another storey!).

Nine members had made this long journey. The party met Mr Cowley, the owner of the wood, who had given his kind permission to visit his wood. He wished us well and reminded me that I had already visited the wood twice this year and on both occasions the weather had been poor. He was not surprised I had brought poor weather again.

However, the sun came out intermittently and when it did the party became surrounded by Silver-washed Fritillaries including a mating pair. The party also managed to see the other target species the White Admiral.

Wolford Wood is very well managed with a well developed ride system. It also has a large glade on its edge. The party visited this glade to check on the Marbled White colony and to see if they could find any Essex Skipper. Lots of Marbled Whites were seen but no Essex Skippers despite checking out lots of Small Skippers. However many of the party saw their first Small Tortoiseshell of the year. It is worrying how this once widespread and common butterfly has become increasingly uncommon.

An excellent day and it was wonderful to see that when a wood is well managed the Fritillaries can return. In Wolford Wood’s case, it has become the largest colony in Warwickshire.