Bedford Purlius

This is a well known spot for butterfly enthusiasts in Cambridgeshire, although there are no signs to tell you where it is or even that you have arrived at the right place! This is on purpose, though, to prevent too many visitors. 

We drove up the entrance track and spoke to a farmer on a tractor who told us we could find parking a few yards up the track which we did, and found ourselves opposite one of the many rides in the wood. 
Before even getting out of the car we saw a couple of  silver washed fritillaries  which was an encouraging start.  Despite the fairly breezy conditions and the sun going in and out of clouds, there were plenty of butterflies to keep us happy along the ride. I was particularly pleased to see several white letter hairstreaks, initially shown to us by another visitor, but then fairly easy to find ourselves. 

Butterflies seen included, large skipper, brimstone, small white, large white, peacock, silver washed fritillary, ringlet, meadow brown, gatekeeper, white letter hairstreak, comma. 

rather tatty comma

large skipper

silver washed fritillary

white letter hairstreak, showing letter 'W' very clearly

peacock