Field Trip Reports 2025

We were unlucky with the weather - it was cool and cloudy. So, there were only a few butterflies about - Green-veined Whites and Speckled Woods. The site is also suffering from a lack of rain with much less growth of herbage than is usual for this time of year. The number of nectar producing flowers seems lower than usual. However we did see a roe deer on the path which is unusual and a yellow wagtail was also a welcome sight. Nine people attended the walk which was a nice number to meet a range of people but small enough to keep together and have a good chat.

It was with much trepidation that I waited in the parking place on Longstone Edge to see who would turn up for my meet. Only three had booked and only two turned up. The forecast was to say the least poor, however they were wrong and we had a great time. Due to the breeze and cooler temperature (15°C) they were lying low but the excellent eyesight of two of our members picked them out and we managed some good photos when the sun shone. This site is special not only for its butterflies but its views, which are in my opinion some of the best in Derbyshire. An excellent meet and many thanks to Patrick, Alison and Sylvia who braved the conditions to come along.

We saw, 2 Wood Tiger Moths, 4 Small Heaths, 2 Brown Argus, 1 Green Hairstreak, 1 Common Blue, 1 Green-veined White and 2 Wall Browns.

A big thank you must be given to the brave souls that ventured out on what was one of the windiest days of the year. Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group held there annual Wildlife Day on the same day and it was remarkable that none of the exhibitors gazebos/tents were blown away.

The weather once again was the key element to the number of butterflies seen. One heavy downpour prior to the walk didn’t help and the lack of sunshine with a low temperature did not bode well.

Nine people attended the walk. I suspect most had come with the knowledge that the Wildlife Day was happening and with an expectation of seeing the UK’s smallest Butterfly, the Small Blue.

The Small Blue appears to tolerate dull weather and Roger (our counter) noted 47 in total. Everyone was treated to being able to see this beautiful species at close quarters, with plenty of time to get good photographs. The site has a substantial amount of Kidney Vetch, which is the species' main food plant so hopefully this will ensure the well-established colony will continue to flourish for many years to come.

The only other butterflies seen were two Green-veined Whites and two Small Heath. The weather played a key part, however the paucity of butterflies could also be attributed to an early June lull.

The group was treated to sightings of Common Spotted and Southern Marsh orchids, along with Large Red, Azure and Common Blue Damselflies. The walk was enjoyable and emphasises the value in bringing folk together to share nature’s gifts to us all.