About Monks Wood
Monks Wood is on the side of the B1090 near the village of Woodwalton. It was the site of a study into marsh tits a few years ago, nowadays it is better know for its butterflies which include white admiral, silver-washed fritillary and black hairstreak. Its ponds also host broad-bodies chaser dragonflies amongst others.
The wood is a National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Grade I Nature Conservation Review site, and a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Silver-washed Fritillary
Silver-washed Fritillary K32P2463c
Monks Wood is a Ste of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) home to a variety of butterflies and other insects (as well as birds, including marsh tits, for which the wood was the subject of a study several years ago). In late summer, these fritillaries are a common sight gliding along the rides.
Technical
- Pentax K3-ii
- Pentax 150-450 mm
- 1/500 at f/8
- ISO 200
White admiral
White admiral K33P5716c
The woods are also home to this butterfly, also seen mid-to late summer. Whilst the under-wing surfaces (seen here) are relatively colourful, the upper surfaces are a dark brown and white.
Technical
- Pentax K3-iii
- Pentax 140-450 mm
- 1/1000 at f/7.1
- ISO 400