Butterflies are one of the treats of the countryside in summer and spotting them is a simple pleasure that can be enjoyed by all. But they are also an important indicator of the health of the natural world and the changes affecting our climate.

Some of the best butterfly sites in the UK can be found on National Trust land.  Many of these sites are completely free to visit for a perfect day’s butterfly watching in the summer sun.

Matthew Oates, National Trust Nature Conservation Adviser and butterfly expert, said: “Butterflies take you to the very best places in the UK , at the most wonderful times of year and in the loveliest of weather.  They offer the thrill of the chase combined with experiences of deep beauty and wonder.  I’ve picked some of my favourite places, where I have experienced some of the most wonderful days of my life.”

These picture-perfect locations are ten of the best places to see butterflies from July-September and chosen by Matthew Oates based on his 40 years of butterflying experience. Matthew’s top ten National Trust butterfly sites are:

Afton, Compton and Brook Downs on the Isle of Wight
Blue is the hue, as the sky-blue and electric-azure of the Chalkhill and Adonis Blues set the Downs aglow for a few fleeting weeks in August. Clouded Yellows are usually frequent in late summer.  There is also an Adonis Blue brood in June and lots of Small Blue too. 

Arnside Knott on the Cumbria/Lancashire border
One of only two places in England for the Scotch Argus, which is dusky black with red border spots and flies during the end of July and beginning of August.  Also a top site for the rare and declining High Brown Fritillary, big, bold and fast flying in July.  

Ashclyst Forest in Devon
In July and August, Ashclyst turns in to a butterfly forest, the tress and glades teeming with White Admirals, Silver-Washed Fritillaries and Purple Hairstreaks.

Bookham Common in Surrey
In July Bookham plays host to the regal Purple Emperor, the UK 's greatest butterfly. It takes a little guile to track them down but it's worth it.  The wood is also great for White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary.  The rare ‘Black Admiral’ – colour form of the White Admiral – occurs here.

Coleton Fishacre Garden in Devon
The definitive wildlife garden, in a sheltered combe on the Devon coast near Dartmouth .  This garden is seriously good for butterflies in August and September: migrant Clouded Yellow, Red Admiral and Painted Lady are frequent, Common Blue and Marbled White breed in the grassland, Wall Brown patrols the banks, and the common garden butterflies are everywhere. Rare vagrant butterflies such as the Monarch can appear here in autumn so it’s essential visiting.

Stackpole Warren and Cliffs in Pembrokeshire
This large area of dunes, coastal grassland, cliffs and headland on the Pembrokeshire coast is a real cracker, especially in August when it is alive with butterflies.  Grayling, Common Blue and Brown Argus inhabit the dunes and bare ground areas of the cliffs.  Dark-green Fritillaries occur over much of the grassland, and in warm summers a second brood of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary occurs.  Clouded Yellow and other migrants can also be seen. 

The Langdale Pikes in Cumbria
The ultimate butterfly challenge – finding the elusive Mountain Ringlet high on the fells in late June or early July.  The humble Small Heath is the only other butterfly you will see up here, though the day-flying Wood Tiger moth counts as an honorary butterfly.  Both fly at the same time of year.  Those of weaker disposition should try the slopes above the Honister Pass youth hostel.

Murlough Nature Reserve in County Down
In the golden sand dunes of this beautiful stretch of the Northern Ireland coast you’ll come across the Dark Green Fritillary from July to mid-August and the feisty Small Copper throughout July, August and September, as well as loads of Common Blues.

Watlington Hill in the south Chilterns
For years one of the best places for Silver-spotted Skipper, speeding low over the short grass in August.  Also, Chalkhill Blue, Brown Argus and Marbled White.  And if the butterflies aren’t playing ball, turn your eyes to the sky and watch the Red Kites soaring. 

Whipsnade Down in Bedfordshire
This ancient chalk grassland is great for early summer butterflies, notably Duke of Burgundy and Grizzled Skipper, with a few Small Blues.  Marbled Whites and a few Dark-green Fritillary fly during July.

More information on the best National Trust butterfly sites, including another ten beautiful hotspots, and how to get there can be found at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/butterflies or by calling 0870 458 4000.

26 April 2009