ON a walk in Smardale, near Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, last year we read the Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s information board which gave details of the various flora and fauna that can be seen along the route.

We noticed that the Scotch Argus butterfly was listed, Smardale being just one of two sites in England where this butterfly occurs. As we had never seen this species before we were keen to get started.

We met a young man who had his camera trained on the undergrowth. We asked him what he was looking at and were thrilled to find out that it was actually the Scotch Argus butterfly.

In conversation, this gentleman turned out to be Patrick Barkham, who works for the Guardian newspaper.

He told us that he was bringing out a book this October on British butterflies, of which he will witness every one. For those who may be interested, the book will be entitled The Butterfly Isles.

The walk is on the old Darlington to Tebay railway line, which closed in 1962. Smardale Gill Viaduct (which runs over Scandal Beck) is a sight to behold.

Dave and Carole Craggs, Darlington