Nosterfield Butterfly Review March 2025

by James Forster (Fozzy)

The first week of March provided a handful of sunny days, with the promise of butterflies emerging from their winter hibernation. Thankfully, the winds were calm which allowed single Comma and Brimstone to be on the wing at the Dipping Pond on 6th.  Further along the path to the North Hide, a Peacock and second Comma were spotted, together with two more Brimstones, with a further Brimstone found along the causeway at the quarry.

Brimstone Adrian Wetherill

Two days later, more individuals ventured out from their hibernation. Brimstones were seen at Langwith Gate, with six counted from the Reserve car park to the North Hide!  Another was seen around Camp Wood and a total of four on the quarry side of the site. Other species on the wing were two Commas on the Reserve, another at Lingham car park and a Peacock holding territory at Fred’s Seat.  On 9th, a Brimstone was located at Well Quarry, with single Comma and Peacock past the Dipping Pond. 

Comma Fozzy

A pause in the good weather then followed, and it wasn’t until 18th when the first Small Tortoiseshell of the year was spotted at Fred’s Seat. The following day a second individual was noted, whilst a handful of Brimstones were seen dotted about across the area over the next few days.  Two Commas were present on 20th, a Small Tortoiseshell on the causeway on 22nd and over the reedbed two days later, with a further record of one on 24th by the Tanfield Hide, basking on the path.  On 26th a Peacock was sunning itself in the volunteering area, whilst Brimstones continued to be reported regularly through to the end of the month.

Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell

Tim Jones

The final butterflies spotted at the end of the month included a Small Tortoiseshell on the path from Lingham Car Park on 28th, a Comma by the reedbed and two Peacocks with a Comma on the path to North Hide on 30th. The final record of the month presented a beautiful picture – two Brimstones feeding on violets by the reedbed!