After this species had nearly become extinct in this county a few new populations were introduced to a some woods in south Essex. Thrift Wood is a site managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust where about an acre a year is freshly coppiced for the Heath Fritillary. The coppicing suits the Cow Wheat larval food plant and the warm, sheltered micro-climate in the wood suits the butterflies.
On a sunny day in late May the butterflies could be seen flying low and slowly
about the clearing. On May 30th 2011, I saw up to six adults at once within about 12 feet. Two weeks later, on June 14th I saw about seven butterflies.
They are very accomodating to photograph, allowing cameras quite close without immediately taking off.
The Heath Fritillary over-winters as a larva, occurs as a chrysalis in May and June, and is in flight from the end of May to late June.