Tag Archives: Cerne Abbas

Dark brown butterfly with orange dots on the edges of its wings and a white fringe

Brown Argus. Photo: Donald Simcock

Butterfly with partially opened wings in shades of black, white, orange, red and brown.

Painted Lady. Photo: Donald Simcock

Donald says:

I went on the Cerne Abbas butterfly walk led by Paul Butter [17/5/25] to look for the Duke of Burgundy and Marsh Fritillaries, of which I saw one Duke but plenty of Marsh. It was a very enjoyable slow walk with plenty of time to stop, chat and discuss the different species including moths and plants.

Side view of small rich brown butterfly with pattern of cream marks

Duke of Burgundy. Photo: Wren Franklin

Small open-winged brown butterfly with orange markings

Duke of Burgundy. Photo: Wren Franklin

There is a group of Dorset Branch members surveying Duke of Burgundy on Dorset sites. The first sightings came from Giant hill on the 29 May and they are now being reported from many of their known locations. Wren sent us these two photographs Continue reading →

Side view of small butterfly with strong white markings on a rich brown background

Duke of Burgundy. Photo: Shona Refoy

Shona tells us:

It was a hot and humid walk to the far end of Giant Hill yesterday (1 May) afternoon. Once there I was rewarded with my first Duke of Burgundy of the year (which I think is the first reported in Dorset).

She is right about it being the first reported to the website this year; the earliest last year was not until 7 May.

Dark brown butterfly with crisp white markings, on a bramble leaf

Grizzled Skipper. Photo: Tracy Whincup

Tracy says:

Grizzled Skipper seen today at Cerne Abbas (Giant’s Hill), it was one of three seen, the first two disappeared so it was third time lucky for a photo. All three were seen along the lower stretch of the hill

Marsh Fritillary Larvae

Marsh Fritillary Larvae. Photo: Dave Law

Marsh Fritillary Larvae.

Marsh Fritillary Larvae. Photo: Dave Law

Dave sent us these photos of Marsh Fritillary larvae with the following comments:

The sun finally showed itself on Tuesday 18/02/2025 and so did the Marsh Fritillary larvae at several sites. This nest was seen at Cerne Abbas just a few metres from the Giant. I suspect they emerged a few weeks ago but stayed low in the grass while the weather has been rubbish. 

An orange and white butterfly with black markings

Glanville Fritillary. Photo: Dr Jason Hall

Jason sent in this photo of a Glanville Fritillary he saw at Cerne Abbason 02/06/2024 telling us:

I saw on the branch website last night that Glanvilles have recently been reported from Compton Down, but I was certainly very surprised to see one in Cerne Abbas.  It was basking around mid-day on the hard-packed mud/gravel trail between the Kettle bridge car park and the base of Giant Hill and stayed put for at least 20 minutes in the same area.