When to see - July
By July many of the warblers which arrived in the spring are raising their second broods while ungainly black-headed gull chicks are all over coastal marshes. This is also a fine time for watching butterflies. On some heaths clouds of tiny male silver-studded blues are flying low over bare patches among the heather; in coastal sand dunes dark green fritillaries are active around flowering privet bushes; and in woods white admirals are darting through sunny glades while tiny purple hairstreaks flash around the oak canopy.
Saltmarsh sea lavenders are coming into flower now, turning huge stretches of the North Norfolk coast a delicate purple. Meanwhile in freshwater marshes, the second wave of dragonflies is reaching its peak. Look now for common and ruddy darters, southern and brown hawkers, and common blue damselflies.
What to see in July
Look out for these species during July. | | |
Where to go in July
Things to do in July
On a sunny afternoon train your binoculars on the woodland canopy in search of purple hairstreaks.
Watch the spectacle of male silver-studded blues over a Norfolk heath.
Stroll through a saltmarsh and delight in its colours and scents.
Set a moth trap on a warm, muggy evening. This is a great time of year to explore Norfolk’s spectacular diversity of moths. | | |