Years ago, they were very common. More recently, we seem to have seen more painted ladies and commas, with a smattering (fluttering?) of peacocks and red admirals. This year, the small tortoiseshells are out en masse, raiding the plentiful bramble blossom (and presumably ensuring a good crop of blackberries later in the year).
Once again, the thunder is rumbling in the distance, over Bridgnorth – we’d better get back before it comes any closer.

Just look at the weather! Rain last night, more forecast for this evening. Between, leaden skies, but at least it’s dry. The distance is hazy – we’ll concentrate on what’s close by. The spring display is over, replaced by summer’s foliage, and in the sloes and blackberry flowers are reminders that autumn will come – but not just yet…

A short walk with the camera, after a welcome little drop of rain earlier in the day. There are one or two rather fine thistles coming into flower, and there’s some woody nightshade down by Dean Farm. Nearer home, the bindweed is beginning to flower.