Hi,
any Dorset members. I am planning to visit Dorset from Devon next week and need a good site for Silver Spotted Skippers, plus Adonis and Chalk Hill Blues. I know Fontmell Down and Martins Down are very reliable for these ,but I am looking for somewhere nearer the Devon/ Dorset border where I can photograph all three, as my travel time is limited to one day only. If anyone can recommend a nearer to Devon border site for all three species mentioned it would be most appreciated. Thanks.
TWO BLUES AND SS SKIPPER DORSET SITES
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Re: TWO BLUES AND SS SKIPPER DORSET SITES
I think Fontmell Down is the furthest west site in the UK for Silver Spotted Skippers, Dave. Adonis and Chalkhill Blues are found further west, including on the isle of Portland, though I don’t think they extend into Devon.
Re: TWO BLUES AND SS SKIPPER DORSET SITES
Broughton Down Nature Reserve
https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com
Hi Dave
I have visited this reserve and seen the species that you are interested in , perhaps a little further East than you would like but the A303 is an easy drive up from Exeter , sometimes congested with holiday makers at the weekend.
I canl send you directions if it's of interest
Limited parking here. 51° 5'28.72"N 1°34'18.70"W
https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserve ... re-reserve
https://jamesgibbs6929.zenfolio.com
Hi Dave
I have visited this reserve and seen the species that you are interested in , perhaps a little further East than you would like but the A303 is an easy drive up from Exeter , sometimes congested with holiday makers at the weekend.
I canl send you directions if it's of interest
Limited parking here. 51° 5'28.72"N 1°34'18.70"W
https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserve ... re-reserve
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Re: TWO BLUES AND SS SKIPPER DORSET SITES
Many thanks indeed for that most helpful response, I will research the site and just keep praying we get a change to warmer sunnier weather soon. Its really been a shocking year for Butterfly photography.
Kindest regards,
Dave.
Kindest regards,
Dave.
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- Joined: Sat Oct 01, 2016 4:49 pm
Re: TWO BLUES AND SS SKIPPER DORSET SITES
Many thanks for your thoughts, I am still thinking of somewhere and Fontmell Down is probably my best option, Now need some good weather to arrive in Dorset, its awful in Devon just grey clouds everyday. Cheers, Dave.essexbuzzard wrote: ↑Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:21 pm I think Fontmell Down is the furthest west site in the UK for Silver Spotted Skippers, Dave. Adonis and Chalkhill Blues are found further west, including on the isle of Portland, though I don’t think they extend into Devon.
Re: TWO BLUES AND SS SKIPPER DORSET SITES
You should try Swansea, Dave!

Wish I'd never come back from Spain.
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- Joined: Sat Oct 01, 2016 4:49 pm
Re: TWO BLUES AND SS SKIPPER DORSET SITES
Thanks for the tip Dave, I think I will just emigrate to Spain myself and never get a summer like this one again !
Dave.
Dave.