Draycott Sleights

Draycott Sleights summer evening

Draycott Sleights

High up on the southern ridge of the Mendip Hills the sleights with their endless views across the Somerset Levels are a big draw with photographers.

This Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserve with its exposed limestone grassland and scrub is also a big draw with butterflies.

Draycott Sleights – Somerset, UK. ID JB1_5114

Blue Butterflies

It is best know for its blue butterflies.

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) – Draycott Sleights, Somerset, UK. ID 825_5454

To me the best of these blues are the chalk hills blue.  These butterflies like the grasslands near the entrance and are very easy to find.

Chalkhill Blue (Polyommatus coridon) – Draycott Sleights, Somerset, UK. ID JB4_7342

Skippers add some fun as they dash about.

Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris) – Draycott Sleights, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_4931

Small heaths are a challenge to photograph as they tend to flop over to one side after they land.

Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus) – Draycott Sleights, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_5018

Gatekeepers are common in and around the scrub.

Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) – Draycott Sleights, Somerset, UK. ID JB1_5136