EMPERORS AND ADMIRALS

Photograph Britain’s most aristocratic butterflies and dragonflies in Wiltshire’s finest ancient woodlands

Purple Emperor butterflies, White Admiral butterflies and Emperor dragonflies are three of the largest and most charismatic insects in Britain. This one-day tour will take you in search of all three in two of southern England’s best ancient woodlands. Along the way we expect to see several other characteristic woodland butterflies such as silver-washed fritillary and purple hairstreak.

Our first two locations lie within Savernake Forest near Marlborough, whilst the third is at Bentley Wood near Salisbury. We will drive between the two forests and you will be walking around five miles during the day.

In order to ensure the best photographic opportunities, group size is limited to four participants with two leaders, both of whom have many years’ experience in finding and photographing the target species. Flight seasons do vary slightly from year to year, whilst the weather of course varies from day to day. To maximise our chances the tour will run on one of two dates: Saturday 6 July or Thursday 11 July. When booking please ensure you are available on both days; the actual date will be advised by email on Thursday 4 July. No wildlife species can ever be absolutely guaranteed but this approach gives the best possible prospect of success.

Group Size: Maximum of four participants with two leaders (Robert Harvey and Helen Llewelyn).

Recommended photographic equipment:

• Digital single lens reflex camera, mirrorless camera or equivalent

• Macro lens (ideally around 180mm focal length).

• Telephoto lens (400mm +)

• Extension tubes (desirable to reduce focus distance of telephoto lens)

• Tripod (recommended)

• Monopod (optional)

• Sturdy outdoor footwear

• Packed lunch

Date:

• Saturday 6 July or Thursday 11 July 2024

One day tour. Cost £150.

Start of tour: Savernake Forest meeting at 10.30am

End of tour: Bentley Wood departing at 8pm

Included: Guiding in forest to find purple emperors, white admirals and emperor dragonflies; photographic tuition.

Not included: Transport (drive own cars), food, drinks (bring packed lunch), accommodation (if required). If you need a lift between locations please advise this at time of booking.