We have just had exciting news from Butterfly Conservation Norfolk regarding the Butterfly Transect recording for 2025. Following the poor summer of 2024 when Butterflies seemed reluctant to come out in the rain and be counted, summer 2025 was much to their liking.
Butterfly Conservation had 62 full transects across Norfolk in the year 2025 where butterfly counting is done by volunteers in places which include Bure Marshes, Holme Dunes, Pensthorpe and our very own Dunston Field located across the River at Caistor Roman Town.
Dave Jones is a volunteer for Butterfly Conservation Norfolk and lives close by to our site. He takes responsibility for the Butterfly Transect at Dunston Field, and during the summer months you will frequently see him walking in the beautiful flower meadow and counting the butterflies.
Dave sharing his knowledge at Dunston Field
Of all the 62 sites across Norfolk and North Suffolk, more butterflies were recorded at Dunston Field in 2025 than on any other site. The total of butterflies counted was 4,749 butterflies – that’s a lot! We had 22 different species on the site in 2025.
For this amazing number of butterflies to be found on Dunston Field, we have the volunteers led by Wendy who turned the former Agricultural land into the wildflower meadow that it has become today. With support from members of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, planting at the meadow uses the scratch method in order that no damage is done to any archaeology which hides under the soil. During In late March each year, the cowslips start showing and by May the field is ablaze with yellow. The Meadow continues to give through the remainder of summertime, reaching its peak normally in July. There are footpaths around the meadow, interpretation board at the top of the hill with a bench to sit on and enjoy a fabulous view over the Roman Site at the bottom of the valley.
For 2027, we can offer group visits to the wildflower meadow with Wendy who can share amazing stories about the wildflowers on the site, including their medicinal uses and folklore behind many of the plants and flowers. This tour is limited to 2 groups per season due to volunteer commitments so don’t delay your booking.
We are also able to offer Butterfly Walks with Dave, who will support you to find the butterflies and inform you about their habitat, breeding habits and unusual stories behind their names. If you are interested in bringing your group book early to avoid disappointment.
Please remember our tours are subject to the availability of our knowledgeable volunteers, please consider 2 or 3 dates when you want to make a booking to ensure success.
