Consolation prize

Another hot and sunny day so headed off to Barnack Hills and Holes in search of the Chalkhill blue butterflies I know have been spotted there.
The Hills and Holes comprise an area of limestone grassland which has developed on the site of disused quarry workings which go back to Medieval times. Stone was quarried here and floated on barges down the River Nene to build Peterborough Cathedral which dates back to Norman times.
Now the area is well known for supporting a profusion of wild flowers and butterflies. As well as Chalkhill blues, we spotted gatekeepers, meadow browns, Essex skippers and holly blues. Thanks to my butterfly spotting friends P and J for identifying these. We also saw beautiful long tailed tits high in the bushes.
Finished the morning with liquid refreshment at the nearby Millstone pub - perfect!
My Chalkhill blue images were not really good enough to blip so I present a burnet moth which contrasts so well with the thistle and ragwort...