
Small tortoiseshell at Castle Acre © David Gill
The UK Big Butterfly Count started on 15 July and runs until 7 August. On Thursday evening the pits at Grime’s Graves were alive with Meadow Browns.

Meadow Brown at Grime’s Graves © David Gill
On Saturday there was a particularly fine Small Tortoiseshell in the reconstructed herb garden at Castle Acre.

Medicinal herb garden at Castle Acre © David Gill
In previous years I spotted a Small White on the lavender in the gardens of Bolsover Castle.

Small White at Bolsover Castle © David Gill
Why not take a pen and paper (form available) or download the app, and record how many butterflies you spot when you next visit a heritage site? Then upload it to the Big Butterfly Count.