Rare swallowtail butterflies spotted in Norfolk gardens

Lisa Kirk, from Neatishead, snapped an elusive swallowtail butterfly as it rested on a flowerpot in her garden.

The species has drawn national attention for its beauty and can only be found in the Norfolk Broads, which draws visitors from as far as Europe and Scotland for a chance of a sighting.

The rare species of butterfly has drawn crowds from overseas (Image: Lisa Kirk)

Ms Kirk said she was unaware that the butterfly, which measures up to 90mm, was so rare.

"I had no idea that it was what I took a picture of in my garden, I took a photo just because it was very pretty," she said. "It stayed about 20 minutes while I ate my toast and drank my tea."

READ MORE: What temperature is too hot for dogs? Pet warm weather guide

Wildlife photographers flocked to RSPB Strumpshaw Fen over the weekend to catch a glimpse of the butterflies as they emerge from winter hibernation. 

Strumpshaw site manager Tim Strudwick told the BBC that people come from around the UK to see the "separate subspecies of swallowtail".

Swallowtail butterfly numbers declined sharply in the twentieth century but have seen growth over the last few decades from conservation management aimed at increasing open fen vegetation.