21-May 25 – Snappers Group visit Small Dean Bank

Today the Snappers visited Small Dean Bank, a permanent grassland area rich in flora and fauna managed by the National Trust. This area is adjacent to the car park on Small Dean Lane Bradenham, and is known for the successful reintroduction of the Duke of Burgundy butterfly in 2011. 

Unfortunately, on the morning of our visit it was overcast and cloudy and to be honest there wasn’t much of any species taking to the wing.  I suppose we could argue it stayed fine and it didn’t rain as forecast, so there were some positives from the visit.
Our friendly Snappers soon dispersed among the varied undergrowth seeking out elusive insects and butterflies but, if like me, they were sorely disappointed and had to revert to photographing small flowers and grasses to have at least something in the camera from this event.

However, for those that haven’t spotted the Duke of Burgundy on this visit, one of our members – Richard Jones, who unfortunately couldn’t make this event, had visited the site exactly one year ago, and sent me one of his images from that time. It proves the butterfly does exist and what a fine example it is too.

Thanks to members for sending me at least some images from Small Dean Bank to add to this blog and let’s hope we have better luck next time.