Butterflies are not only beautiful but also vital to the UK’s natural environment. Across the Windsor Estate, the rich variety of habitats, landscapes, and land uses supports an impressive array of butterflies and moths.
Thirty-three species of butterfly and 600 species of moth have been recorded. Their numbers and diversity serve as indicators of environmental health. Discover more about these fascinating species below.
The grayling butterfly is a well-camouflaged species found in dry grasslands in Swinley Forest, Swinley Park and Buttersteep. Its mottled brown wings blend perfectly with bare ground, helping it avoid predators. Active in summer, it often rests with wings closed. The species is one of our conservation priorities.
The green hairstreak is a small, vibrant butterfly with bright green underwings that help it blend into vegetation. Found in heathlands, grasslands, and scrub, it feeds on flowers like bird’s-foot trefoil and gorse. Adults are active from April to June, while caterpillars feed on host plants before pupating in leaf litter.
The large skipper butterfly is a fast, darting species found in sunny grasslands, hedgerows, and woodland clearings. Recognisable by its golden-orange wings with dark borders, it’s active from June to August. Females lay eggs on coarse grasses like cock’s-foot. Caterpillars shelter in folded leaves, overwintering before pupating in spring.
The silver-studded blue butterfly is a national priority for conservation and is found in heathlands within Swinley and Buttersteep Forests. Our habitat management efforts have helped the species to spread to many new areas of the Forests over the past ten years. Males have bright blue wings with silvery spots on the underwings. The rely on ants to protect their caterpillars which feed on heather and gorse.
The small heath butterfly is a delicate, low-flying species found in grasslands, meadows, and heathland. It has pale orange-brown wings with a distinctive eyespot and often rests with wings closed. Active from spring to autumn, it lays eggs on fine grasses. Its subtle colouring helps it blend into dry, grassy habitats.
