Brown Hairsteaks at Grafton Wood

                                          Brown Hairstreak (male)

Home of the Worcestershire Brown Hairstreak

                                     Showing well I think you could say

                             Park at church in distance and walk this way

                                        Spotted Longhorn Beetle

So the August challenge to find a Brown Hairstreak duly started as expected on Saturday with two brief views both in flight. The weather was very warm but overcast. On Sunday, I met Lloyd for a late afternoon search hoping for a change of luck in more sunnier conditions. As we walked up the main ride a couple past us suggesting it would be good to head to the south end as a female was showing well. Just as we got within sight of two other photographers their cameras pointed up indicating the butterfly had flown which it can done but could still be seen.

But then like magic two males came into view, to give us crippling views for around forty minutes. The Brown Hairstreak is the biggest hairstreak in the UK but has been lost in many areas due to the removal of hedgerows. The team of volunteers here at Grafton do an amazing job and the woood is a real delight all year round.