Ditchling Common

[zigzag_wanderer]

I've just jealously read Testudo Man's report of getting W-L Hairstreaks back in his Kent garden after 3 years.

I have no chance of that, but I would love to find one more locally than the outskirts of Brighton if possible.

Last year I spotted a couple of mature elms in gardens bordering a suburban footpath in Burgess Hill. There are some brambles nearby along the path, but so far no sightings. I can't hang about there too long with my camera in the week anyway as it's not far from Burgess Hill School For Girls.

But I have seen the odd mention online of Ditchling Common now having all 5 British hairstreaks after the Black Hairstreak discovery a few years ago. I know it houses the other four (a very early Brown Hairstreak was snapped recently), but has anyone here ever seen a White-letter there ? I certainly haven't.

Also, just out of historical interest was anyone here lucky enough to see SPBF, Silver-studded Blue or even Marsh Fritillary there in the past ? Wiki tells me all 3 were there.