« October Bird Counts at Halls & Little Haugh Farms Summer Barn owls in Oak trees » Life in Pakenham wood Pakenham wood is an ancient woodland that was replanted in the 20th century with softwood. Despite this some of the native hardwood trees and much of the typical woodland plants have survived. Pakenham wood is being restored by gradually removing the softwood and allowing the native trees and plants re-establish. Even before the work started the wood was one of the best places to see Silver-washed fritillary butterflies in SE England. Careful management of the woodland rides has allowed the butterflies adult and caterpillar food plants to thrive. Large numbers of Silver-washed fritillary and White admiral butterflies flying in Summer 2017 are an early indication of the success of the restoration and management. New ponds dug in the wood have encouraged water loving insects and plants. The ponds have also been colonised by newts. The photos below were taken during a morning walk in Pakenham wood 26th June 2017. Silver-washed Fritillary in morning sun, June Suffolk. Argynni White admiral feeding on bramble flowers. June Suffolk. Limenitis camilla Silver-washed Fritillary morning feed, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Dragonfly inflating wings, June Suffolk Silver-washed Fritillary pair with hover fly approach, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Dragonfly newly emerged with casing, June Suffolk Silver-washed Fritillary in morning sun and shade, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary about to land, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Dragonfly newly emerged waiting for morning sun, June Suffolk Silver-washed Fritillary feeding and fly by, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary feeding on thistle, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary feeding with bee, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary back flight, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary pair with hover fly, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary feeding confusion, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary feeding up and down, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary flying in hazel, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary about to land behind, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary back fly past, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary backlit feeding, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary pair sundance, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary pair in chase, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary side approach, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Silver-washed Fritillary flying approach, June Suffolk. Argynnis paphia Facebook Twitter LinkedIn « October Bird Counts at Halls & Little Haugh Farms Summer Barn owls in Oak trees »