About Bedford Purlieus
Bedford Purlieus is an ancient woodland to the west of Peterborough, just off the A47. It is a designated National Nature Reserve (NNR). This is an excellent location for butterflies, especially the dark green fritillary.
Dark Green Fritillary
Dark Green Fritillary
This is usually one of the best sites in the county to see this beautiful butterfly. June is usually the best time to find them in the meadow close to the car park, just off the A47.
ref: K33P8522c
[Pentax K3-iii; Pentax 150-450 mm; 1/1600 at f/11; ISO 2000]
Black Hairstreak
Black Hairstreak
Although black hairstreaks in the rest of the county had mostly disappeared in the June when I took this shot, this one posed for several minutes on the marjoram.
ref: IMGP5784c
[Pentax K3; Pentax 100mm + 1.4; 1/320 at f/18; ISO 400]
Small Tortoiseshell
Small Tortoiseshell
Another of the many butterflies found in the meadow at Bedford Purlieus.
ref: K32P5323c
[Pentax K3-ii; Pentax 150-450mm; 1/800 at f/11; ISO 3200]
Marbled White
Marbled White
The marbled whites are plentiful at this site around the same time as the dark green fritillaries but tend to favour a different part of the meadow.
ref: K32P1382c
[Pentax K3-11; Pentax 150-450 mm; 1/500 at f/11; ISO 800]