The first Small Heath of the season appeared on the 5th but persistent NE winds and low temperatures kept subsequent activity to a minimum. A perceptible change took place on the 13th, when the first Common Blue of the spring was seen, and in continuing warm weather a Brown Argus appeared on the 16th. However, the eighth transect walk of the season on the 21st confirmed this as the poorest start to the year in the last four years, though the total of 28 butterflies did include the welcome sight of 2 Wall Browns.