Butterflies, Bees and Beetles

Yesterday we took a trip to Denbies Hillside, a chalk escarpment owned by the National Trust.

The day started off overcast, but the views were still amazing!

There is a two mile self-guided walk around the area, so we set off in search of the butterflies that this chalkland is famous for.

Female Ringlet Butterfly

Gatekeeper Butterfly

Small White Butterfly

The sun had broken through the clouds and the butterflies was very active.

Brimstone Butterfly

The chalk was clearly visible on this part of the walk.  These deposits are from the upper cretaceous period, 100 million years ago.

Stunning views across the farmland!

We stopped to admire this ornate fencing bordering the pastures.  It is known as cannister fencing and is over a hundred years old.

Adonis Blue Butterfly

Chalkhill Blue Butterfly

A Robin's Pincushion, created by a gall wasp.

Chalkhill Blue Butterfly

My goodness!  Who is that middle-aged woman?! :)

I love this photo, even though their smiles are at my expense!  My husband was being cheeky at the time! :)

Brimstone Butterfly

Female Oedemera nobilis

Roman Snail (Helix pomatia)

Beautifully ornate Victorian gate.

We stopped to watch a pair of Kestrels.

A not brilliant photo of one Kestrel that landed in the trees, as my Cybershot was at the limit of its telephoto lens.

Chalkhill Blue Butterfly

This photo isn't upside down, the butterfly was this way up. :)

Another Chalkhill Blue Butterfly

Towards the end of the walk we were walking though clouds of blue butterflies.  I never expected to see so many!

Ladybird

Climbing back up the hillside.

Female Blue Adonis Butterfly

Horseshoe nailed into one of the Yew trees.

Skipper Butterfly.

I'm not sure which type, but it may be a Small Skipper.

Dorking in the distance.

Our walk finished

and it was time for a treat.

A perfect end to a hot walk.