Newdigate Brickworks

 Newdigate Brickworks opened 1928 and finally closed in 1974. The site was abandoned until the turn of the century when it was decided to build a housing development with the remainder as a nature reserve run by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. There are two lakes and a series of smaller ponds. The mosaic of woodland, scrub, grassland, marsh, water-side and aquatic vegetation communities makes the site particularly diverse. Around 220 plant species have been recorded for the site (including 27 ancient woodland indicator species). Lots to photograph including Butterflies, Moths, Bugs and Bees! Here just a selection of generally common species but I will update when I manage to identify this very small but feisty spider. 

Boxhill Orchids and Butterflies

Great day out with Ben West yesterday hunting the various orchid and butterfly species  characteristic of the Surrey Hills. The Bee Orchid is a variant with pointed lip. The dry conditions this year have reduced the number of orchids though we found most of the target species. The butterflies were loving the sun with highlights including the Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak and hundreds of Small Blues

Trumpington Meadows April 6th

First Butterfly Transect of 2026 completed - not a lot about - recorded a few Brimstone, Orange Tips and Peacocks. As my route finishes a distance from the car park, I looked at the various other insects on the wing as I returned to the car. The Rhombic Leatherbug is an attractive 'variation' on our common Dock Bug, the diamond-shaped abdomen is easily overlooked. Several Hairy Shieldbugs waking up from hibernation. Not many bees around considering the temperature 14-15 degrees.

Dragonfly (and Butterfly) Walk at Paxton

August's official Butterfly and Dragonfly Survey has been moved to Tuesday when it looks warmer and sunnier but five of us did the walk as planned yesterday and saw a large number of  white butterflies (mainly Small White we thought) and occasional Meadow Browns and one Small Copper but nothing settled for long. The Dragonflies were more obliging with several Brown Hawkers in the air and several Migrant Hawkers both flying and perched in the hedges. (Flight shot taken in afternoon from hide). All the darters we looked at turned out to be Common Darters. Otherwise a good variety of impressive flies and Grass-mimicing Bugs and Moths. ID sheet at end.

Wet Insects at RSPB Sandy

We hoped for a fine sunny day to photograph solitary bees, dragonflies and butterflies in RSPB Sandy's grounds but had light rain most of the day. However, we found plenty of interesting subjects  covered with rain droplets, including this Common Wasp, Hairy Shieldbug and Green-eyed Flowerbee sleeping attached to a twig by its mandible.