On most days in mid to late summer a scattering Meadow Browns can be seen in the paddock at Roseland House. The paddock was grazed up to 2011. In July 2010 they were slightly less common than Gatekeepers, becoming much scarcer from early August.
It is a common species in Yeldham, especially in meadows and grassy field margins and conservation strips.
It usually has only one brood per year, and overwinters as larvae. The larvae feed on a wide range of grasses. The pupae are suspended from grasses in May to August. Cutting areas of long grasses in that period may kill the pupae, cutting at other times is likely to kill the eggs and caterpillars. On June 15th in 2011, I saw over 20 adults flying in the paddock at Roseland House. The grass is not cut at any time. 2012 was a late year, none were seen here until June 25th, when 9 were seen on a warm day.
Meadow Browns are very shy and difficult to photograph with their wings open. The best times seem to be on days with bright intervals, as they warm up in sunshine just after a cloud has passed by.










