The amazing Indian-summer weather certainly brought out the butterflies in Kendal in recent weeks.

I carried out a butterfly survey in early October for Cumbria branch of Butterfly Conservation to see how many I could record in Kendal.

Butterflies are now busy building up energy reserves in preparation for a long winter hibernation. I located five butterfly species gorging themselves on good nectar sources including buddleias, Michaelmas-daisies and flowering ivy.

These plants and their attendant butterflies were found in some unlikely places, such as car parks, walkways and open spaces across the town. Kendal is blessed with attractive front gardens in many houses which proved productive for these nectar-seeking insects.

My survey recorded a total of 57 butterflies across five species. These included 26 Red Admirals, 22 Small Tortoiseshells, 2 Commas and a single Peacock. Top marks went to a house in Kirkbarrow with an amazing 15 nectaring on a group of buddleias. The young family showed great pride in sharing their bounty with me.

Butterfly Conservation would love to receive records of readers' butterfly sightings in Kendal or further afield in Cumbria on their website at http://www.cumbria-butterflies.org.uk/.

Tom Dunbar

Cumbria branch of Butterfly Conservation committee member

Lancaster