Butterflies at Philorth

The Line approaching Fraserburgh, the Golf Clubhouse on the right

Despite being close to the town and suffering from a relatively high level of litter, the section of Line between Philorth Halt and Fraserburgh perfectly exemplifies its value as a  habitat for all forms of wildlife, including insects. The shallow embankments are quite overgrown with a rich tapestry of grasses and wild flowers which in the warm sunshine (18.5c) of the last few days are a haven for butterflies. In the section between Philorth Halt and the crossing with the B9033 Grey Granite was able to positively identify a Red Admiral,  Common Blue, Large White, the Dark Green Fritillary and Small Tortoisehell pictured below as well as a Six-spot Burnet moth. In addition there were several small brown, unidentifiable moths. All very gratifying in view of the recent publicity given to the adverse effects of the wet summer on butterflies and moths.

A Dark Green Fritillary basks in the sunshine on a spear thistle

A Small Tortoiseshell on ragwort