Sun June 30th

Purple Emperor activity was suppressed today by variable amounts of cloud and by a moderate to fresh afternoon wind, coming from the west.  

Only 26 were seen at Knepp Wildland today, which is way below par for the site. They seem to be emerging unusually slowly this year, so it's hard to tell exactly where we are in the season. No females have been seen yet, which suggests it's still early days.

If you're visiting Knepp, the best activity is being seen in the middle section of Green Lane, especially around the pond.  

Elsewhere, the first were seen today in Botany Bay, Chiddingfold Forest, on the Surrey / Sussex border.