Sunday, 27 July 2025

Small Blue butterflies make an appearance!

13th July 2025 - in amongst the good numbers of Gatekeeper and Common Blue butterflies in the wild flower meadows of Granta Park, Andy and Polly M found a few of this little gem -  a Small Blue butterfly. In the past, this species has been confined to the southern coast of England, but has been progressively spreading north, being seen occasionally along the Roman Road, and on Trumpington Meadows in the past few years - and now locally on Granta Park.

This tiny butterfly is one of the smallest in Europe with a wingspan of just 10mm. The upper side is dark brown with a pale edge, the males having just a hint of blue near the body, and with underside is a pale blue with black dots (similar to the much larger Holly Blue). Photographed here on Kidney Vetch, with which it is often associated and is the host plant for its caterpillars.





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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)