Last Of The Best?

It was with a little sadness that I descended Graffham Down on Saturday afternoon (25 July), having led a very enjoyable walk for Butterfly Conservation. In beautiful surroundings and under blue skies, we had watched a faded but still regal Emperor patrolling his now lonely territory - surely the last I will see of Him this year. I consoled myself with thoughts of betulae to come, but when the last iris has been seen the year is in decline.