Recent reports of the Large Tortoiseshell returning to Kent provided the perfect excuse to head south once again. This elusive butterfly, once widespread across England, has experienced a long decline and remains a rare, highly localised sight. For many, including my partner Jenna, it’s a species yet to be seen, making the journey all the more meaningful, especially since she couldn’t join me last year.
Leaving a fog-bound Cheshire at 4:00am, we arrived at Faggs Wood in Kent just before 10:00am.
The turning point came as the temperature rose. On a sunlit tree trunk, perfectly positioned in the morning warmth, a Large Tortoiseshell revealed itself, wings open, motionless, yet unmistakable, but as you can see, a very worn individual.
This species depends heavily on mature elm trees for its larval stage, a reliance that has contributed to its rarity following decades of elm loss due to disease.
For Jenna, the moment carried real significance. Not long after, a second individual was found.
After spending time observing this rare species, we continued on to Dover for a coastal walk.
By early evening, we were back on the road to Cheshire, the early start justified by a successful and memorable day.