North Norfolk boasts top butterfly spotting site

Tara GreavesFelbrigg Hall, near Cromer, has been highlighted as one of the best National Trust properties in the east of England for butterfly sightings.The months of July and August are peak times for butterfly spotting and, as a major landowner and the biggest conservation charity in Europe, the trust has acres of land dedicated to making sure wildlife flourishes.Tara Greaves

Felbrigg Hall, near Cromer, has been highlighted as one of the best National Trust properties in the east of England for butterfly sightings.

The months of July and August are peak times for butterfly spotting and, as a major landowner and the biggest conservation charity in Europe, the trust has acres of land dedicated to making sure wildlife flourishes.

Stuart Warrington, the trust's nature conservation advisor for the region, said: 'Butterflies are incredible insects and it isn't hard to love them. Every year when the temperatures rise and they begin emerging as fresh adults it just lifts your spirits to see them flying around you, feeding on flowers like a busy rabble of small stained glass windows.'

Felbrigg is said to be a top site for garden species such as the holly blue, red admiral, painted lady, small tortoiseshell and peacock.

Mr Warrington added: 'In July and August the butterfly populations peak, both in terms of numbers and different species you can see, so this is the best time to go looking for them.'

Felbrigg has different types of garden, the sheltered environment of the walled garden and the flower-filled borders means there is plenty on offer for the classic garden butterfly species, which feed on nettle as caterpillars and flock to nectar rich flowers to drink from.