Dave Law went looking for some Marsh Fritillary nests – and found them!

Dave tells us:

Although still very early in February  and very mild (10 degrees but more at ground level),  I thought I would take a chance and have a look at the downs near Melbury Abbas for Marsh Fritillary nests. This nest was one of 3 I found all with 75+ larvae in each. Spring isn’t far away now .

We should see the butterflies on the wing by May – here’s a photo of one, just to remind you what they look like and convince you that the countryside really will look like this again.

Marsh Fritillaries on orchids. Photo: Charles Williams.