Abington Naturewatch: So many butterflies along the Old Railway Cutting

Monday, 30 June 2025

So many butterflies along the Old Railway Cutting

20th June 2025 - a walk along the disused Old Railway Cutting rewarded Andy M with a plethora of butterflies, of at least ten different species, so he tried to photograph as many as possible.

The Marbled White and Meadow Brown were particularly abundant, with several Speckled Wood in the shady areas. The look in the long grass revealed Small Heath, Essex Skipper and Large Skipper, whilst the thistle and bramble flowers attracted Green-veined White, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone. A Common Red Soldier Beetle and a species of Robber Fly were also spotted.

Marbled White on Spear Thistle

Marbled White on Black Horehound

Underside of Marbled White, on Creeping Thistle

Meadow Brown

Speckled Wood

Small Heath

Large Skipper - blotchy wing pattern, and strong sex brand

Large Skipper

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper - same individual, showing the black-tipped antennae

Green-veined White

Large White on Bramble

Small Tortoiseshell

Underwing of Small Tortoiseshell

Common Red Soldier Beetle on Ragwort

A Robber Fly, lurking in the grass

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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)