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Surrey - The Butterflies & Orchids of Box Hill (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR327A relaxed walk with stunning views in search of scarce butterflies, moths and orchids of open chalk grasslands and shady woodlands.
£60
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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 and 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 will be available at the start, lunchtime and end of the tour. We will remain on the site for the duration of the day.
- 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
- 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
Day Trip Location
Dates & Prices
2026
Tour Leader: Ben West
Ben’s interest in natural history started around the age of ten when he reared an abandoned fledgling. Attempting to identify it, he borrowed a copy of ‘The Complete Guide to the Birdlife of Britain and Europe’ by Peter Hayman and Rob Hume and soon became an avid birdwatcher with a particular interest in bird song. Growing up between the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal, Ben became a keen angler and developed a good understanding of a wide range of freshwater fish species and other aquatic life. Birdwatching took him into the local woods where the discovery of an ancient sett led to a lifelong fascination with badgers. Working as a gardener in his twenties he developed a passion for plants, which led to an interest in insects, initially with a focus on butterflies but later expanding to encompass moths, bees, dragonflies and hoverflies. Moving South in his early thirties satisfied a childhood desire to explore the chalk landscapes of the North and South Downs of Surrey and Sussex and the chalk hills of Hampshire and Dorset. For the past ten years Ben has expanded his learning into the arena of edible and medicinal plants, seaweeds and fungi, studying with some of the finest bushcraft teachers in the country. Ben has been leading tours since 2020 and has travelled worldwide in search of wildlife.
Tour Leader: Ben West
Ben’s interest in natural history started around the age of ten when he reared an abandoned fledgling. Attempting to identify it, he borrowed a copy of ‘The Complete Guide to the Birdlife of Britain and Europe’ by Peter Hayman and Rob Hume and soon became an avid birdwatcher with a particular interest in bird song. Growing up between the River Trent and the Trent and Mersey Canal, Ben became a keen angler and developed a good understanding of a wide range of freshwater fish species and other aquatic life. Birdwatching took him into the local woods where the discovery of an ancient sett led to a lifelong fascination with badgers. Working as a gardener in his twenties he developed a passion for plants, which led to an interest in insects, initially with a focus on butterflies but later expanding to encompass moths, bees, dragonflies and hoverflies. Moving South in his early thirties satisfied a childhood desire to explore the chalk landscapes of the North and South Downs of Surrey and Sussex and the chalk hills of Hampshire and Dorset. For the past ten years Ben has expanded his learning into the arena of edible and medicinal plants, seaweeds and fungi, studying with some of the finest bushcraft teachers in the country. Ben has been leading tours since 2020 and has travelled worldwide in search of wildlife.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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