I'm always eager to see the emergence of these little splashes of colour in the spring, signifying that summer is on its way - although I did see two red admirals in January this year!!! I'm particularly fond of the blue butterflies and am lucky to live very close to some of the prime sites of the North Downs to observe these.

Photographing butterflies  is so dependant on decent weather, but it's still possible on rainy days in Wales, by visiting the delightful Butterfly and Rainforest Centre in Felinwynt. This place is a little haven of tranquillity run by an enthusiastic husband and wife team and the butterflies are amazing - from the enormous owl butterflies to the mesmerising glass wings. Look out for the 'pest control' too - a little gang of quails who frequently make their presence known with their loud shrieks.