Species

High Weald Species

Peacock Butterfly

The spectacular pattern of eyespots of the Peacock, Inachis io, evolved to startle or confuse predators, making it one of the most easily recognized and best known species. It is from these wing markings that the butterfly gained its common name.  It has been known as the Peacock or Peacock’s Eye since 1699 but actually Owl […] Learn more

Clouded Yellow

The Clouded Yellow, Colias croceus can be seen every year in the High Weald but is one of the three butterflies that seldom survive our cool damp winters.  These butterflies are a rich, golden yellow butterfly (medium sized) and the male has dark wing tips. These migratory butterflies may be seen in any High Weald habitat, but […] Learn more

Common Dormouse

The Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is small, bright golden coloured with a thick furry tail and big black eyes. It spends three quarters of their life asleep but still manage to be one of the most evocative creatures of its native home of deciduous woodland and thick, overgrown hedgerows. It is thought to prefer mixed […] Learn more

Blackthorn

woodcockEarly to flower, Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) bursts into a mass of frothy, white blossom in March and April. The blooms appear on the dark brown branches before the leaves and are appreciated by honey bees and other insects and pollinators. Blackthorn is a thorny shrub or small tree, common in the High Weald’s many hedgerows […] Learn more