Yesterday, with my friend Sharon, I went to Slade Wood, in the neighbouring county of Gwent, for a walk and some butterflying.

The woodland was lovely and a haven from the hot sun but, for us, the best butterflying was to be had just wandering along the country lane leading to the woodland. With high hedges, abundant wildflowers and occasional blooming Buddleia bushes, backed by the tall woodland trees, it was heaven for butterflies. These are a few of the 12 species we saw …

My first White admirals of the year, the first I’ve seen in Wales; they seem to float over the vegetation.

Those giant orange-and-brown speedsters, the Silver-washed fritillaries.

Red admiral extracting minerals from poo … mmmmm, delicious!

Comma, incredibly well camouflaged amongst the grasses and leaf litter, also heading for a slurp at the poo.

Peacock, hiding its glorious bold colours away behind those closed wings.

Small tortoiseshell, a pretty little butterfly that I don’t see very often, so a delight to spot one of these.