Butterflies and orchids of the downs

Wildlife Experience

Surrey is blessed with chalk downland. The North Downs run in an east - west ridge through the middle of the county with the Thames basin to the North and the Weald to the South. Chalk grassland is a special habitat that abounds with rare butterflies, moths and orchids. On these walks, we hope to see plenty of them. Spring butterflies are present from April with scarcer species such as Dinghy and Grizzled Skippers soon to be joined by Green Hairstreaks and the dazzling, electric Adonis Blue. Later in the year there are Dark-green Fritillaries and Chalkhill Blues with the last chalk speciality, the Silver-spotted Skipper on the wing in August. Day flying moths are much in evidence with the highly range-restricted Lace border active early and late in the Summer when the rare Straw Belle is also on the wing. Other interesting moths include the raspberry-ripple coloured Clouded Buff and the scarce Chalk Carpet. Orchids thrive on the chalk and there are 17 or so species present. Common species such as Pyramidal, Common Spotted, Bee and Early Purple Orchid are easily found and there are many of the rarer taxa also present. Man Orchids and Musk Orchids may be found in open areas while the strange Bird's Nest Orchid, the Fly Orchid and Violet Helleborine may be encountered under the canopy of Beech woodland. Frog Orchid is present but difficult to find and late in the year Autumn Ladies Tresses flower in open areas. Please note that accompanied kids can come along for free. Meet at the Box Hill Car Park, Zig Zag Road Road KT20 7LF and please dress accordingly.