Conservation conversations: September 2025 on the Holkham National Nature Reserve

August 31, 2025 | Nature news | 4 minute read

An abundance of butterflies

One of the highlights of the past few weeks has been the influx of Clouded Yellow butterflies, which have flown over from the continent. These beautiful, mustard yellow members of the ‘white’ butterfly family migrate from Europe periodically, but this year ranks as one of the best seasons. We’ve had daily sighting throughout August across both the national nature reserve and the wider estate. We’ve also been pleased to spot several Silver Washed Fritillary butterflies in the Meals. While they have been present since the late 2000s, numbers vary each year.

Clouded yellow butterfly on the Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

Insects update

Our other recent colonists, Southern Migrant Hawker dragonflies, are still present and we’ve started to spot metallic green Willow Emerald damselflies.

Willow Emerald damselfly on the Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

The Hummingbird Hawkmoth, a regular visitor to domestic gardens, has been seen across the national nature reserve. It is drawn to whatever nectaring plants it can find.

Hummingbird hawkmoth on the Holkham National Nature reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

The conservation team took part in a Wildlife Day for holidaymakers staying at Pinewoods in Wells-next-the-Sea. It was great to meet so many people who were interested in nature, and to share our fantastic wildlife with them. As part of the event we were spotting and identifying insects and were delighted to log at least three new species for the area, including several Marbled Orb Web Weaver spiders.

Marbled Orb Web Weaver spider on the Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

Birdlife

As summer draws to a close, we finally finished our breeding season, but not without a few late surprises! A nest on the Holkham Estate produced fledging Hobbies, small sleek falcons which migrate from Africa to nest in the UK. They feed on dragonflies, Swallows and Swifts, all of which have been plentiful at Holkham this summer. If the current fine weather continues, September will be another good period for observation feeding on Migrant Hawker and Common Darter dragonflies.

Hobby on the Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

Spoonbills have had another successful year, with 41 pairs producing an average of two teaspoons per pair. Cattle Egrets continued to frequent the herds of cows, with a flock of 43 counted in mid-August.

Spoonbills on the Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

Things to look out for in September

As September progresses we should see the first returning Pinkfoot geese as well as Wigeon and Teal, migrant waders such as Little Stints and Ruff and even northern songbirds such as Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts and Whinchats if the weather is right.

Ruff juvenile on the Holkham National Nature Reserve c. Andrew Bloomfield

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