UKs largest butterfly returns to Norfolk
Swallowtail butterflies return to Norfolk's Hickling Broad nature reserve
Norfolk’s iconic swallowtail butterflies are back on the Broads.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust is celebrating a new season for swallowtail butterflies, with the species flying once again at NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve.
These unmistakeable butterflies, have creamy-yellow wings, blue margins and red spots.
They have been out in force over the past week, delighting visitors to the Norfolk Broads.
Henry Page, NWT Reserves Assistant said:
"Hickling is always an enjoyable experience, but in June it really comes alive as it’s peak swallowtail season,
It's one of the best reserves out there to see this magical species."
"Watching their behaviour is great fun, whether its aerial displays, dogfights, trying to land on a hat or a bag, or just purely showing off and sunbathing, they truly are an entertaining species to watch."
The swallowtail is the UK’s largest butterfly and is particularly special in Norfolk, as its native to the reedbeds and marshlands of the Norfolk Broads.
Adults usually fly between May and July, with mid-June being the very best time to see them.
Henry said so far, this has been a great time for swallowtail sightings, partially due to mixed weather bringing different nectar sources into flower at staggered times.
"For taking photos, it's been really good," he said.
"I've seen them on yellow flag iris, hawthorn, bramble, nettle and oxeye daisy to name a few species."
During the 20th century, much of the swallowtail's habitat was lost.
Today, the Trust’s active management of fenland plays an important tole in the survival of the Swallowtail.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust is marking the occasion, and hosting a swallowtail day, on the 14th of June.