Image updates only refers to wildlife images. Some of the most recent additions will be posted on this page. Older images will ultimately drop off the page. Images presented here will not necessarily make it into the permanent pages. Again, this is not a diary. The absence of images for other days does not mean absence of visits on those days.
I have been waiting for the well-known Heather to bloom so it can be compared with Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath, all of which share a similar coloured bloom. Also known as Ling, this better known Heather has relatively minute bells. The leaves of all three are also distinct when studied. This image taken against a white background to avoid confusing the image: August 16th. 2026
We seem now to be reduced to a handful of these Small Coppers (on Ragwort) and a substantial number of emerging Small Tortoiseshells (on remaining thistles) as well as a few Small Whites. Plenty of time yet for new broods: August 16th. 2026
What a difference a day makes. Temperature plummeted and the sun (almost) vanished, enabling me to get back on target on Route 10C. The Small Tortoiseshell has multiple broods per annum and this is clearly a pristine second generation feeding on the now diminishing thistles, as shown below: August 15th. 2026
The numbers of thistle heads diminishing, though there is plenty of Willow Herb that will delight many species: August 15th. 2026
Gorse (above) is now flourishing like Broom but there is very litle Broom in the Goyt. Both attractive to Butterflies: August 15th. 2026
This 'tired' looking Small Copper Butterfly on widely flourishing Bell Heather will not be the last of the species as well. More to follow. Also flourishing is Common Heather (a.k.a. Ling) and I will focus on that tomorrow. They also have bells but they are minute next to Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath (Heather) species: August 15th. 2026
This peacock Butterfly (top right) is sheltering in my Hedgehog house and one over-wintered in there this past winter. I expect this one to move once the weather cools next week but we'll see.
I am seeing many 'browns' hiding in dark corners out of the sun.
NB: The native image size of the camera installed is 720px x 480px, smaller than my standard 980px width for other images:
August 14th. 2026
Have deferred Lightwood until next week when there should be less strong sun. Embarked on a brief tour of hot spots to check status. Following a brief stop at Ashfield, continued to Taddington MHM where the pond has completely vanished, though I saw a Hawker and an Emperor on the wing. Aside from Small Whites the only Butterfly was this Small Copper: August 14th. 2026
Dropped in to Monyash Village Pond which is largelty unaffected though some Blanket Weed is appearing on the far side. Spotted this Ruddy Darter as well as a good supply of Common Darters (all males and I do not yet recall seeing many females this year): August 14th. 2026
Also at Monyash this male Emperor was dominatng the whole pond and I was fortunate enough to see it 'drop' (land): August 14th. 2026
Plentiful supply of Small Whites (which apparently reflect the sun). I also called into Hard Rake on my return leg and snapped 'Brown' Butterflies but they were all resting in very dark places to escape the relentless sun and heat. Images rejected. All images today impacted by excessive glare: August 14th. 2026
Returned to Lightwood after the Willow Emerald and was unsuccessful. Disastrous might be a better descritpion as all images were too dark. I could lighten them somewhat but they were not acceptable to me therefore I will not inflict them on anyone else. I got this 'regular' Emerald Damselfly
(Lestes sponsa
) on the next pond which is not handicapped by flora as the Willow Emerald pond is (see below). The above Emerald has dark wing spots and colourful eyes. Useful for comparision. Far too hot to stay long carrying cameras, lenses and tripod etc: August 13th. 2026
The Willow Emerald pond [SK 05497 75165]. My 'Flora incognito' phone app suggests the tree/bush concerned (second on the left) is a Goat Willow and the neighbouring tree/bush a Grey Willow. Inset leaf is the Goat Willow. Challenging trying to shoot there given the extreme heat and sun firing through the gaps in foliage. Neverthelss I am going to try again tomorrow with a different configuration: August 13th. 2026
I knew this was unusual (for me) the instant I saw it. Obviously an Emerald Damselfly and obviously mature but in the wrong place. The Emerald always remains within a shallow layer of air space above the surface of ponds. This (and others) was higher and obviously at home in a Willow. Hence its name, the Willow Emerald. The first time I have snapped one. Buxton Lightwood. The light wing spots first suggest a teneral (immature) example, but the mating pair below confirms they are not immature: August 12th. 2026
The British Dragonfly Society (BDS) has kindly confirmed beyond doubt, this is the Willow Emerald Damselfly. The female lays eggs attached to Willow branches and the larvae drop into water. The lens has picked up detail I did not see readily given the conditions. Struggling for light and perched in a precarious position on the margins. I want to return and look for eggs. NB: Steve Orridge has confirmed the species has already been recognised at Lightwood and the BDS has confirmed the species is spreading in this part of the world: August 12th. 2026
Also got another of my favourite Black Darter Dragonflies. There is a small colony of them: August 12th. 2026
A trip to my local Nature Reserve delivered this pair of Common Darters in their mating posture. Plenty of females ovipositing as well and they do that on the wing, also remaining coupled to the male. Too hot to walk any distance: August 11th 2026
It was cool enough to walk today but I took the eBike and could not leave it. Starting to see the Small Copper Butterfly and it really is small like the Holly Blue and Green Hairstreaks: August 10th. 2026
I managed a Small White Butterfly at last on Route 2, Goyt Forest trail. These touch down for a second or two and if you are lucky they may stay for 3 or 4 seconds occasionally. But you have to be ready to point and shoot. A very warm day when carrying a lot of kit and a technical harness: August 9th. 2026
A very localised Comma Buitterfly. The last one weeks ago in roughly the same area: August 9th. 2026
Plentiful all over this year, the Red Admiral Butterfly but again localised today: Aufgust 9th. 2026
Still plenty of Painted Lady Butterflies all over the Goyt including yesterday: August 9th. 2026
Really delighted to catch the (male) Brimstone Butterfly at last. Rarely seen these anywhere this year. Generally otherwise not seen many other Butterflies elsewhere. Still seeing the odd Small Heath and Green-veined White. eBike tomorrow to reach a couple of more distant hotspots in the Goyt (but I still prefer walking): August 9th. 2026
Token images from a warm day on Route 10. A pristine Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly: August 8th. 2026
The ubiquitous Green-veined White Butterfly. Others seen still on the day include, Small Heaths, Peacocks, Painted Ladies, Meadow Brown (possibly), a solitary Holly Blue and Small Whites: August 8th. 2026
Given the uncertain forecast I dropped into Danes Moss (Wildlife Trust) to what is now a rare venue for me. Plenty of Common Lizards and this juvenile is clearly developing its adult appearance starting at the head end, moving towards the rear end where it is still darker. They are born jet black: August 6th. 2026
These are the brown upper wings of the female Common Blue Butterfly, which could be mistaken for the Brown Argus. The next image showing the lower wings, confirms it is definitely the female Common Blue. NB: Very overcast and cool and I would like to return on a hot day: August 6th. 2026
The female Common Blue: August 6th. 2026
The male Common Blue: August 6th. 2026
The male Common Blue: August 6th. 2026
The male Common Blue: August 6th. 2026
With no expectations on setting off, I bumped into the Black Darter Dragonfly at Buxton Lightwood, in a spot where I always stop for a visit. I first sit nearby (but not too near) on some stone steps and observe the zone. The Black Darter was seen once and I launched myself down into the zone. The UK's smallest and my favourite. This is the male which is all black and beautiful: August 4th. 2026
The same insect landed on a stone and gave me a head shot. If that was the lighter coloured female you would see a very distinctive black triangle (diagnostic) behind the head: August 4th. 2026
I suspect this is a different Black Darter as it kept landing on vegetation, not stone. There were at least three about plus Common Darters and Hawkers (probably Southern). The Golden-ringed Dragonfly (the UK's largest) not seen: Agust 4th. 2026
Following a discussion over the weekend, I took a trip down to Abney Hall and all the wildlife ponds at the back are decimated. Overgrown and no water. I saw one wet patch, no more than a puddle to be strictly accurate. I was also surprised at the absence of Butterflies despite the 28C temperature. I will not be returning. I got this Emerald Damselfly when I called in to my local nature reserve on my way home. Little else see aside from the plethora of Common Darters and that lone Ruddy Darter: August 3rd. 2026
The same Emerald Damselfly: August 3rd. 2026
The first four images are of the same insect, a relatively uncommon Ruddy Darter Dragonfly (Sympetrum sanguineum). This one at my local Nature Reserve which is now sadly very overgrown and unkempt. I was fortunate enough to bump into an old acquaintance, also a keen nature photographer and tip her off about this: August 2nd. 2026
The reason for four images is an attempt to point to diagnostic features, given they are usually disregarded and mistaken for the male Common Darter Dragonfly. In this shot the insect clearly has the narrow waist (diagnostic) and a significantly swollen abdomen (diagnostic). In addition the main colour looks hi-viz to me as I had just been dodging a large number of male Common Darters flying around me and this one, on the wing, was obviously bolder in colour, hence the name Ruddy. The male Common Darters also have the habit of landing on the path and taking off again endlessly. The Ruddy Darter does not and seems to prefer a higher perch: August 2nd. 2026
The legs on the Ruddy Darter are entirely jet black. On the Common Darter a yellow stripe runs down each leg. There appears to be some light stripe down this Darter's legs in this image but that is reflection/glare from the strong sunlight, also note on the shiny bits of the eye: August 2nd. 2026
One other officially recognised diagnostic feature is the existence of a black line across the face, extending part way down each side. Not seen in the Common Darter. In my opinion, only useful perhaps if you hold a physical specimen of each species. The body shape says it all as well as the hi-viz colouration, which, with experience, I can easily spot at a distance when in flight as well as when settled on a perch. The male Common Darter (also red) always looks 'jaded': August 2nd. 2026
I am routinely seeing good numbers of Holly Blue Butterflies this year (no idea why), when I have very rarely seen them in the past. They seem to be everywhere in the Goyt. This insect is the Common Blue Butterfly which is not so common. Tends to land low down in grassy areas whereas the Holly Blue seems to like a perch higher up on a flower head (handy for photographers). As shown below the Common Blue is not shy about showing off its upper wings, the Holly Blue never does: Augsut 2nd. 2026
Their low-down-in-the-grass habit makes photography challenging although we do occasionally get lucky: August 2nd. 2026
Relatively quiet today with a strong breeze blowing across the hills. The Butterfly population has shrunk for now and even the Small Heath Butterflies are less plentiful. A few Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies as above: August 1st. 2026
Someone introduced me to a new hot spot at the far end of the Goyt, beyond Derbyshire Bridge at an elevation of 476 metres where it was a bit blowy. A bunch of Dark Green Fritillaries were waiting for me like this one. Blowy but crank up your shutter speed and avoid any camera shake. Other routine stuff as well. Also a vernal pond but dried up at the moment. Will visit again: July 29th. 2026
Back to the old railway, stopping off at Goytsclough Quarry and Painted Ladies everywhere. Snap them while you can: July 29th. 2026
All pristine at the moment including new Peacocks and Red Admirals. Yesterday was heaving with hundreds of Small Heath Butterflies along the first half of Route 10. But relatively quiet along the old railway compared to yesterday: July 29th. 2026
Another Lizard at the start of the old railway: July 28th. 2026
A fascinating look at the world of the White-banded Digger Bee (Amegilla quadrifasciata) on the Wildmoorstone track from the end of the old railway. To me they look similar to our native Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) and they were swarming around me along a long stretch of sandy bank, where I was able to video them. I have previously only seen them on Piggford Moor in Wildboarclough: July 28th. 2026
Found a Speckled Wood Butterfly (well it found me) on Route 2 around Fernilee Reservoir, which takes you through Goyt Forest on the high trail. They seem rare this year which is unusual: July 24th. 2026
Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus): July 24th. 2026
The sun penetrated the forest canopy like a searchlight and lit up a small glade occupied by this mature female Common Darter Dragonfly. Which was doing what all darters do. That is to say, darting about, catching midges, landing, eating them and darting off again. Which is why I spotted it glinting in the sun. They have a useful habit of landing in the same place but landing in a different posture allowing photographers to capture them at different angles: July 24th. 2026
July 24th. 2026
July 24th. 2026
Plume thistle: July 24th. 2026
This pair of Small Heath Butterflies are mating: July 24th. 2026
The Taxal / Hillbridge (Wood) end of the Goyt and the dominant species of plant on the East side at that end is bramble, followed by Thistle, Great Willowherb and Meadow (Grassland). No Bilberry or Heather in sight anywhere. Also includes some of this delightful Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). The West side largely trees in a dense wood. A new route for me but will not be posted as such unless requested: July 23rd. 2026
The Painted Lady: July 23rd. 2026
The Painted Lady: July 23rd. 2026
The Meadow Brown Butterfly (at last). I was tipped off to look for the Common Blue at this send but saw none. I did however see a number of Holly Blue: July 23rd. 2026
Another Essex Skipper. Picked out a new route and mapped it with GPX. Almost a Butterfly route. I will produce the route when I get time. Delightful warm day with not too much sun (which annoys photography): July 22nd. 2026
Basking Lizard on the boardwalk at Wildmoorstone Bridge (with a regrown tail): July 22nd. 2026
A Large Skipper Butterfly from behind. One of the three local species that look almost identical superficially. The tips of the antennae have distinctive 'hook' shaped ends: July 22nd. 2026
The Small Tortoiseshell Butterflly: July 22nd. 2026
A lone Holly Blue Butterfly. All the others abundant: July 22nd. 2026
The Green-veined White Butterfly: July 22nd. 2026
The Gatekeeper Butterfly: July 22nd. 2026
The Small Copper Butterfly (and it is small): July 22nd. 2026
The Small Heath Butterfly. Also seen the Peacock Butterfly, Red Admiral Butterfly, Meadow Brown Butterfly (surprisingly few in number) and The Dark Green Fritillary Butterfly. I am still not seeing the Speckled Wood Butterfly and they are usually numerous: July 22nd. 2026
Starting on Thursday 16.07.2026, I adopted a different strategy going forward. I am now concentrating on looking for species of Butterfly that I have not yet recorded this year. I am also looking for opportunities to obtain images of those Butterflies (postures and angles) for which I do not yet have a complete set. I want to be able to complete my own new Butterfly documents.
First I am pleased to report the image submitted dated 18.07.2026 has been confirmed as an Essex Skipper. I have dozens more images of Skippers to examine but will leave those now as I have the proof of record in the Goyt Valley.
This is the Common (Moorland) Hawker, which is actually far from common. It is the male of the species and note the bright yellow costa (wing leading edge) which is diagnostic and separates it from the Southern Hawker. See also the news item of this same date about the site itself (Taddington): July 20th. 2026
On the wing: July 20th. 2026
I was surprised to see this Large Red Damselfly at Lightwood (top pond), as these are largely finished, given they are an early starter to the season: July 20th. 2026
Last target as I was about to leave the Goyt. A Dark Green Fritillary on the head of a Spear Thistle which was at ground level for some reason, hence the cluttered background. Poor image setting but a useful record of the sighting in the circumstances: July 19th. 2026
Took the route down the old Goyt's Lane on the track from the head of the old railway, down to Wildmoorstone and back up the footpath to the tunnel end. The margins are heaving with Bell Heather which attracts Butterflies and other insects. Here a Meadow Brown is feeding on the harvest. Along the old railway Spear THistle is blooming everywhere which attracts the Skippers and many others. The Ling (Heather) has yet to flower: July 19th. 2026
A sample of the Bell Heather against a white background so the leaves can be identified more easily. Most remaining images on the day relate to forthcoming studies on the Skipper Butterflies, which may or may not deliver some new information. This is time-consuming rainy-day material for when I cannot get out.
The delightful Small Copper Butterfly was my last target today: July 18th. 2026
July 18th. 2026
A reminder that this, the Small Skipper, has orange antennae tips and that is diagnostic. With the Essex Skipper that underside tip is always black. Otherwise superficially, they are identical: July 18th. 2026
Upper wings of the Gatekeeper Butterfly: July 18th. 2026
Note the distinctive black tips to the antennae. I have now had a second opinion from an expert who confirms this is another example of the Essex Skipper (close to the start of the old railway): July 18th. 2026
I will establish an entry with this Golden-ringed Dragonfly from Buxton Lightwood, where I also spent some time. As I found this Dragonfly (a male - swollen abdomen diagnostic) within a few minutes I later returned to the Goyt. The female is less often seen as with many of the larger Dragonfly species. The female Golden-ringed is the largest UK Dragonfly: July 17th. 2026
Definitely an Essex Skipper but showing this time the upper wings as well. The only (visible) diagnostic feature to be relied on is the tip of the antennae. I would be interested to learn what genetic evidence has to say but that is beyond me: July 17th. 2026
Someone better qualified than me (the official Derbyshire Recorder), has confirmed (17.07.2026) this is the Essex Skipper. A first on official record for the Goyt Valley. The black antennae tips are diagnostic and distinguish it from the Small Skipper (see July 6th. below). I will be returning to the spot (close to Bunsal Cob car park) to do more work: July 16th. 2026
No doubt about this one. The Holly Blue Butterfly (Celastrina argiolus) feeding on a thistle: July 16th. 2026
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), the reason I took this Route 6 today, where there is a meadow: July 16th. 2026
Small White Butterfly
(Pieris rapae), best confirmed when at rest as it is too easily confused with females of other non-white species, as well as the Large White: July 16th. 2026
Gatekeeper
(Pyronia tithonus) gorging itself on the now abundant Bell Heather: July 16th. 2026
Gatekeeper
(Pyronia tithonus): July 16th. 2026
Lesser Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), surprisingly delicate: July 15th. 2026
Delighted to discover this Common Darter Dragonfly (male) is resident at my own pond in SK10: July 15th. 2026
There are academics out there asking people to submit sightings of Ladybirds, like this 7-Spot Ladybird but I am not involved with that process. Butterflies this year only, aside from non-native species I may come across: July 14th. 2026
Yet another Green-veined White but I like the angle and the pretty setting which is why I snapped it, assuming of course it stayed put long enough for me to focus and shoot. AF essential on camera when it is hot as they are skittish: July 14th. 2026
A delightful front view of the Comma Butterfly. Sometimes they navigate the head of a thistle and cooperate with the 'shoot', otherwise it may be a case of burrowing deep into nettles and thistles to get the right angle. Hence my rugged outfit: July 14th. 2026
A rare occasion where I spotted the Painted Lady Butterfly on vegetation, in this case Thistle, which makes for a better image. I usually see them on the ground: July 12th. 2026
A side shot with the relentless sun beating into the lens: July 12th. 2026
NB: A young lady visitor was holding a striped (green and white or other light colour) caterpillar which I am unable to positively identify. I have considered the Broom Moth as per the stock image (my own) from an earlier date. Caterpillars are produced by Butterflies, Moths and (less well known) Saw Flies. I am working on it some more: July 12th. 2026
The gorgeous Comma Butterfly never fails to please: July 11th. 2026
Side (underwings) of the Comma Butterfly: July 11th. 2026
The Green-veined White Butterfly: July 11th. 2026
The Peacock Butterfly Caterpillar: July 11th. 2026
The real thing and in this useful shot both the upper and lower wings on display at the same time: July 11th. 2026
Another Small Skipper Butterfly caught at the right angle for proof-of-species (far from easy): July 11th. 2026
Had a stint at a neighbouring (SK12) nature reserve looking for Odonata species. A small site with several ponds developed over the years. Small site but no shade from the relentless sun and heat. These first two the Common Darter Dragonfly (a female) and the four wing spots (see below) confirm this example is definitely a teneral (immature) specimen. They usually seek shelter initially high in a tree and that short journey makes them vulnerable to the waiting Reed Buntings. Those wing spots will turn dark: July 10th. 2026
July 10th. 2026
A nightmare to photograph given they are fidgety and ultra-thin, this male is an Emerald Damselfly and these exist late into the season. Also known as the Spreadwing as most species rest with wings closed. All Damselflies usually super abundant: July 10th. 2026
This feeding Dragonfly buried in dense vegetation (hence the poor image) is rather late in their season. The female Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonfly (the male is bright blue): July 10th. 2026
This initially surprising sighting is the male Emperor Dragonfly which ordinarily only frequents extensive ponds and seems to spend all day patrolling back and forth relentlessly, never seeming to rest, being a powerfull flyer. A closer look confirms the reason for the presence of this beast. The wings are extensively damaged and it can only stay airborne briefly. So it tends to behave like a Darter Dragonfly and is confined to a small area hunting looking for food or a mate. The female (green) is more often caught at rest when ovipositing.July 10th. 2026
The delightful Red Admiral Butterflies are growing in numbers and powerful fliers: July 9th. 2026
I like the setting but not the image. It is hard work dashing about in the undergrowth hoping to catch Butterflies complete with head and other bits rather than 80% like this Green-veined White Butterfly at the Old Steam Pond. Better luck next time: July 8th. 2026
Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) or those standing under Oak which I check frequently East of Fernilee for the relatively rare Purple Hairstreak Butterfly, where I have snapped it previously. They drop down from Oaks to feed: July 8th. 2026
Started to see Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies in several places in the Goyt today. Several Speckled Woods and a Comma together with the usual crowd including the ubiquitous Ringlets: July 8th. 2026
The Small Skipper, one of three local species. Note the orange underside of the antennae which is diagnostic of the Small Skipper. The Large Skipper (see last month below) has distinctive hook tips to the antennae. The third local species is the Essex Skipper which I cannot confirm yet that I have personally seen. With that species the underside of the antennae are jet black. They are I am told, found at Buxton Lightwood. I am looking for them in the Goyt. The problem is getting close enough with the lens, below the beast: July 6th. 2026
Wild or Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca): July 3rd. 2026.
Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) photographed against a white background to emphasise the leaves for diagnostic purposes. Differs from the Cross-leaved Heath below: July 3rd. 2026
Glorious day and the Goyt Valley is becoming busier (with insects) like this superb Narrow-bordered five-spot burnet Moth and these are turning up all over. The place is heaving with Ringlet Butterflies and more will be processed in the morning now. I have also been able to improve on the
Heather
images. Got in too late for today: July 3rd. 2026.
July 3rd. 2026
Now for the silly season sponsored by the extraordinary magnetic attraction of dozens of insects to Ragwort plants. Rapidly being consumed here by the Cinnabar Moth caterpillars, a species I am often asked about. The Moth itself spectacular: July 2nd. 2026
Part of an A4 image folder on plants I am producing to help distinguish between the Cross-leaved Heath, Bell Heather and Ling. The next will be the Bell Heather, followed by Ling which does not flower until August. The ivory card placed behind the plant for contrast purposes to illustrate the leaf formation which is diagnostic at-a-glance: July 2nd. 2026
