Fairmile Common - Silver-studded Blue

Just a short drive down to the other side of Esher where butterflies abound.  In the warm sunshine I headed down to Fairmile Common for it is here where one can find the Silver-studded Blue on the wing at this time of year.  This is a localised species confined to the south and south-west of the country.

Fairmile Common is a small area of heathland wedged between the boisterous A3 on one side, and the more subdued A307 on the other.  There is a plentiful supply of Bell Heather.

Despite the aural intrusion, butterflies were present in decent numbers.  At least 30 Silver-studded Blue were extremely active in the heat of the sun, rarely settling down but for brief interludes of cloud cover.  Meadow Brown and Ringlet were present here too.

Relatively common amongst the grassland, Cinnabar Moth are always really nice to see.