South Lakes - Orchids and Butterflies (Ormsgill)

Yesterday, Simon and I headed to the South Lakes for a day of Orchids and Butterflies. First stop was the higher than expected Ormsgill Slag Banks in Barrow-in-Furness.

A quick climb to top revealed amazing views across Furness and to the hills of the Lakes. After a couple of Common Blues, the sought after Small Blue appeared, even smaller than the Silver-studded Blues we saw on Great Orme last year. A dark, purple/blue upper wing, and Holly Blue like underwing made for straightforward identification.

Other lepidoptera seen were a couple of Dingy Skipper, various White's and some interesting moths, with Burnet Companion and Cinnabar Moth standing out.

After we had seen well over 20 Small Blues, widespread across the banks, we then discovered several groups of Bee Orchids, as well as Northern Marsh Orchid. Beautiful in the morning sunshine...

Next stop, for more beautiful flowers was Latterbarrow NR.