Surrey - The Butterflies & Orchids of Box Hill (Day Trip)

Summary

Surrey is blessed with chalk downland. The North Downs run in an east-west ridge through the middle of the county, with the Thames Basin to the north and the Weald to the south. Chalk grassland is a special habitat that abounds with rare butterflies, moths and orchids. On these walks, we hope to see plenty of them. Spring butterflies are present from April, with scarcer species such as Dingy and Grizzled Skippers soon to be joined by Green Hairstreaks and the dazzling, electric Adonis Blue. Later in the year, there are Dark-green Fritillaries and Chalkhill Blues, with the last chalk speciality, the Silver-spotted Skipper on the wing in August. Day-flying moths are much in evidence with the highly range-restricted Lace Border active early and late in the summer when the rare Straw Belle is also on the wing. Five- and Six-spot Burnets are much in evidence and other interesting moths include the raspberry-ripple-coloured Clouded Buff and the scarce Chalk Carpet. Orchids thrive on the chalk and there are 17 or so species present. Common species such as Pyramidal, Common Spotted, Bee and Early Purple Orchid are easily found and many of the rarer taxa are also present. Man Orchids and Musk Orchids may be found in open areas, while the strange Bird's Nest Orchid, the Fly Orchid and Violet Helleborine may be encountered under the canopy of Beech woodland. Frog Orchid is present but difficult to find, and late in the year, Autumn Lady's Tresses flower in open areas.

We will walk 3 miles before lunch and 1 ½ miles after. There are some steep uphills and downhills but we move at a very relaxed pace. Toilets are available at the start, lunchtime and end and we don’t move from site to site during the day.

• The following are all present at various times in the summer but never all at once. All have their flight and flowering seasons and whenever you visit there will be plenty to see!
• 17 orchid species present with Bee Orchid, Common Twayblade, Chalk Fragrant, Common Spotted, White Helleborine, Autumn Lady's Tresses and Bird’s Nest Orchid all common
• Scarce and rare orchids such as Man Orchid, Frog Orchid, Musk Orchid, Violet Helleborine, Greater Butterfly Orchid and Fly Orchid all possible
• Go in search of Chalk Downland butterflies such as Adonis Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Blue, Silver-spotted Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper and Dark-green Fritillary
• Woodland butterflies such as White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary
• Rare day-flying moths such as Straw Belle and Lace Border possible
• A chance to see Firecrest, Marsh Tit and Lesser Whitethroat
• Outstanding views across the Weald to the South Downs and beyond