Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
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Butterfly Walk Summer 2018

Richard Smout spots Butterflies

The Butterfly Walk at Ryde Cemetery on the morning of 17 July, led by Richard Smout, proved very popular with an attendance of around 30. We saw quite a few familiar faces, people who particularly enjoy our Nature Walks and welcomed some newcomers as well.

As always, Richard displayed great knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject. Butterflies were not in abundance on this occasion, probably due to the prolonged hot, dry weather which has reduced grass and flora to mostly withered and frazzled terrain. We did spot 7 different species including the Large White, Small White and Green-veined White, Meadow Brown and either a Small Copper or a Ringlet, it was too fleeting for us to get a proper identification. The Gatekeeper was seen most often.

Many people stayed around afterwards to enjoy refreshments and peruse the archive within the Learning Centre. Others took further wanders to the more distant corners of the cemetery. Everyone was encouraged to participate in this year’s Butterfly Count.