ON the recent warm, sunny spring days, particularly in sheltered spots, the first butterflies are beginning to flutter on the Naze, having either over-wintered as adults or newly emerged after over-wintering as pupae.

Liz Huxley reports spotting peacock, red admiral, small tortoiseshell and comma, as well as early spring species, such as the orange-tip and the beautiful lemon yellow colour of the brimstone butterfly.

Bee flies are buzzing around. They have a large furry body and long nose or proboscis, while bumblebees and mining bees are busy too.

A bat was spotted near the cliffs and identified by Iain and Julia McFarlane as a noctule bat (nyctalus noctula), which has a wingspan of 320 to 450mm and a distinctive reddish-brown oily fur.

Its ears, nose and membrane sport a dark brown colour and its wings are rather long and narrow.

A few summer visitors have started arriving early – chiffchaff, willow warbler and common whitethroat, along with a special sighting of a pair of gannets heading north, plus an unusual sighting of a male tufted raynor in full summer plumage.

The Essex Rock and Mineral Society recently visited the Naze Centre where they provided a fascinating exhibition and a very interesting talk on the geological history and structure of the Naze.

The society had a field trip to the Naze on Sunday, their annual visit to collect fossils from the fine exposures of Red Crag and London Clay.

The ever-popular Bluebell Day at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Weeleyhall Wood nature reserve runs tomorrow from 11am to 4pm.

Parking is available near Weeley Church and is organised by Essex Wildlife Trust’s Tendring group.

The Naze Centre contains information about coastal erosion, as well as displays and interpretation of the Naze history, geology and rare fauna and flora.

It is open all year round, staffed mainly by volunteers and has Essex Wildlife Trust education rangers on hand to organise walks, special events or educational activities.

For details and booking, call 01255 679379 or visit Facebook page here.