Rediscovery Trail
Back on the Discovery Trail through the Great Breach Wood in the heart of Somerset.
The Discovery Trail – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 808_1206
Silver-Washed Fritillaries
At this time of year you cannot miss the large silver-washed fritillary butterflies gliding through the rides and resting in the trees. Do not forget to look up when walking through a wood.
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9093
The Trail
The Discovery Trail takes you on a level 2km walk around the Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve. It links a wonderful series of rides and open glades
Discovery Trail – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_8741
Parking is available at the Combe Hill car park plus a few spaces at the forestry entrance just down the road.
Brimestone
A classic butter coloured butterfly feed on the brambles that line the rides and forest tracks.
Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9249
Information Posts
Along the trail are information posts describing the nature and history of the woodland.
Discovery Trail – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9373
Comma
The glades are mini grasslands and attract butterflies such as this comma.
Comma (Polygonia c-album) – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9274
Glades
Every few hundred yards are open sunny glades. Full of wildflowers that take advantage of the sunlight.
Summer Glades – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9295
Marbled Whites
Thistles attract marbled white and skipper butterflies
Marbled White (Melanargia calathea) – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9385
Roe Deer
If you are quite you can hear roe deer walking deep in the wood. Get ready with your camera and if you are lucky one will dash across the ride.
Deer – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9305
Ringlets
At this time of year butterflies are mating everywhere. Often while hiding under leaves or high up in the trees.
Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus) – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9049
A Dog Barks
Of course dog walkers use the trail. When a dog barks you may see a deer dash passed.
Deer Crossing – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 803_2530
Comma
With several broods during the year these character full butterflies could be seen at any time.
Comma (Polygonia c-album) – Great Breach Wood, Somerset, UK. ID 822_9021
And Finally…
Don’t miss the opportunity for a quick de-tour to enjoy the views from the edge of the woodland.
Compton Dundon from Great Breach Wood – Somerset, UK. ID 808_1218
