Sharpenhoe Clappers

Back at the end of July, a small group of intrepid photographers ignored the sweltering heat (see Mad Dogs and Englishmen for a description of the situation) in order to check out Sharpenhoe Clappers ahead of an RPS outing the following weekend.  Sharpenhoe is an ancient hill fort, now owned by the National Trust, which also happens to be one of the best places to see butterflies in East Anglia.  Chalkhill Blues, in particular, are plentiful; but plenty of other insect species are represented too.  Given the temperature of the day in question (about 35C in the shade), the aforementioned butterflies had absolutely no intention of keeping still to have their picture taken.  Not that the light was much to write home about anyway.

Being chalkland, the wildflower meadows around the fort were absolutely stunning.

One member of our party (let's call him Barry to protect his identity) had more sense than the rest of us put together.  Rather than chasing butterflies in the mid-day sun, he sat in the shade with his iPhone, photographing the butterfly patterns on a bag.  Not exactly "Nature", but at least he didn't end up with heat-stroke.

Here are the less intelligent members of the party (Jonathan, Sue and Ann) who, along with yours truly, decided that it was worth braving the heat.

The hill fort itself is well wooded, so offered a modicum of shade.  Very welcome under the circumstances.

Definitely a place worth revisiting, when the mercury is at a more sensible level.