Fermyn Woods and Lyveden New Bield

 

Its that time of year again when the Purple Emperor (Apatura iris) emerges.  For about four years D and I used to visit Oversley Wood in South Warwickshire in search of this elusive and very charistmatic butterfly which is known to Purple Emperor enthusiasts as "His Imperial Majesty".  We did have several possible sightings but I didn't get a decent enough view to count the sighting as a new butterfly "tick". 

In 2018 we travelled to Fermyn Woods in Northamptonshire which is a renowned Purple Emperor hotspot where they are often seen feeding on the ground.  I couldn't believe how easy it was!  Within a few yards of where we parked the car opposite the gliding club we saw half a dozen immediately.  I am not sure why we didn't go again in 2019 but since then the pandemic  has meant we haven't revisited.

I was determined to return this year so last week we returned to Fermyn parking in exactly the same spot and exploring the same ride.

Worn Ringlet

We walked up and down the ride for over half an hour and did we see one? No we didn't!!! There were loads of other butterflies about - "whites", red admiral, commas, ringlets, purple hairstreaks in the canopy and meadow browns plus several dragon/damselflies but of "His Imperial Majesty" there was not a sign.  To be honest I think I had been lulled into a false sense of security due to it being so easy last time.  I did know that the main area for seeing the butterfly is a part of the wood called Lady Wood but the woods cover a vast area. I wasn't sure how to get there from this ride but I did know that if you followed a public footpath from Lyveden New Bield you would reach it. We, therefore, moved on to this National Trust property which we had intended to visit anyway.

Here is the Purple Emperor - a photo D took when we saw them last time.

*D

The Purple Emperor

The Purple Emperor tends to fly high in the canopy of broad-leaved woodlands that have a plentiful supply of willow (the larva foodplant) and oaks in central and southern England feeding on tree sap and aphid honeydew.  Sometimes the males will come down onto the ground looking for minerals and salts found on animal dung, carrion and road surfaces.  This species is not found in Northern England, Scotland, Ireland, The Isle of Man or the Channel Islands and has not been seen in Wales since the 1930's.  Goat Willow is the most common food plant for the caterpillars but the female will lay eggs less frequently on Grey Willow and rarely on Crack Willow.

There is only one generation of the adult each year usually at the beginning of July or in some years late June.  Males congregate at "master trees" usually at a high point in the wood where they engage in aerial battles with each or other, or indeed anything else that might invade their air space, whilst they seek the best vantage point to look out for females.

Groups of Purple Emeror enthusiasts will often wander woods laying out "bait" such as rotting fish, banana skins, shrimp paste and Stinking Bishop cheese to try and encourage the males to come down and feed on it.  The butterfly also likes human sweat so if you are incredibly lucky one might land on you!  

Last time we went to Lyveden you parked at the top right by the Lodge and of course that all important footpath!

But things have changed and the car park is now at the base of the hill right by the manor house.

Sir Thomas Tresham owned the estate in Elizabethan times and it is thought the manor house you can see today and completed in 1615 was on the site the site of an older house possibly built by his great grandfather in 1570. Since then the house has undergone alterations and additions and it was acquired by the National Trust in 2013.

After walking through the manor garden you walk up the slope past an orchard which the National Trust has restored and planted with many old varieties of fruit dating back to Sir Thomas Tresham's time.  Over 300 fruit trees have been planted of 19 different varieties.

There were wild flowers everywhere and again many butterflies and I added Common Blue and one of the Skipper species to the list seen that day.

Sir Thomas Tresham (1543-1605) owner of the estate decided to extend the garden to include a garden lodge.  The lodge would be approached through the orchard, terraces and canals and was a place for pleasure and secret worship.

Sir Thomas was a Catholic at a time in the reign of Elizabeth I when the religion was banned.  His son Francis was later a conspirator in the Gunpowder Plot.  For much of the time when the lodge was being built and the gardens created Sir Thomas was under house arrest and had to supervise work from a distance via letters to his agent.  At the time of his death in 1605 the lodge had still not been completed.  Architecture in Elizabethan times often included symbolism, allegory and fantasy.  There were many secret symbols representing the Catholic faith incorporated into the lodge.

Yet again I had lagged behind taking photos so when I arrived B and D had already explored the Lodge.  B was already making noises about the time and getting home so in order to get another chance at seeing a Purple Emperor I didn't visit the Lodge this time which I have to say I was somewhat annoyed about!  But to see more photos of the lodge including the symbolism from our last visit please follow the link Lyveden New Bield 2018

By now it was very very hot! and I don't think any of us could face the trek to Lady Wood especially as mentioned earlier time was getting on!

So we walked down past the orchard and meadows back to the car.

We did stop off on the return journey to walk along the ride again but yet again no sign.  I have certainly learnt my lesson when we return in future years the walk to Lady Wood will be researched and planned.

Here is my sun hat with my Purple Emperor brooch (I also have a t- shirt!).

*D

*D

I hope everyone is staying safe and well.

Photos marked *D taken by my son with the Canon SX50 HS bridge camera. Rest of photos taken by me with the Pansonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. If anyone wishes to use either my photos or my son's could you please email me first please. Thank you.

Reference:  National Trust guide to Lyveden New Bield and website page.