With a high temperature of 18º Celsius, the warmest day of the year so far, and lashings of sunshine, butterflies appeared as if by magic during this morning’s five-mile walk. In total, I spotted 13 butterflies of four species today, and it was simply enchanting. What better way to celebrate the vernal equinox than with a profusion of butterflies!

Brimstones were the most abundant, with nine seen. This gorgeous creature was my first female Brimstone of the year.

There were two Commas. One stayed high in the trees but this beauty was more obliging.

This Red admiral was looking quite tatty after surviving the long cold winter.

I was delighted to see this Small tortoiseshell, as they were very scarce here last year. At first, it was feeding high in a willow but my patience paid off when it came gliding down to perch on a nearby Bramble bush.