and Willow (Salix spp.). Fitch (1891) noted that the Large Tortoiseshell preferred elm stubs (i.e.
pollards) to other tree types and the decline in this form of management in the county may have
contributed, with other factors, to its decline. Meldola (1891) reported this species from the Forest at
Wanstead. A recent report of this species from Wanstead Park in 1985 (LN 65 p. 22) is quite remarkable.
The White Admiral population of Essex seems to ebb and flow with great irregularity. In Epping
Forest the records are sporadic. Fitch (1891) does not record it at all, Firmin et al. (1975) noted it in
1932, then in the mid 1940s it was seen in the Cuckoo pits area (LN 24 p.63) and the Lower Forest
(EN XXVII p.306). At the Cuckoo Pits it was recorded as a breeding species. There have since only
been sporadic records of its occurrence in the northern parts of the Epping Forest area. The Ringlet
(Aphantopus hyperantus) was said to be common in the Forest (Meldola, 1891). There has been only
one recent record (Emmet, 1979). Similarly the Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae) and Dingy Skipper
(Erynnis tages) were both apparently common in Epping Forest in the 19th century, particularly in
the Monk Wood area. Both species were recorded from the Cuckoo Pits area in 1944 (LN 24 p.64)
and the last records for the Epping Forest area are by Corke (1968) who found them in the grounds
of Hawkswood House (Pole Hill, Chingford). I have not seen either species in the Forest. The last
three species are probably the most enigmatic records for the Forest - they are all more typical of chalk
downland. The Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) was said sometimes to abound in the Epping District.
Meldola (1891) said it was taken 'more commonly in the Forest'. There were no subsequent records
of this species for over 100 years until August 1991 when a single specimen was seen feeding at
Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) in the Fairmead area. Presumably this represents a natural
recolonisation of the Forest and hopefully may lead to the species becoming firmly established. The
Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) was reported from High Beach in the early part of the 19th
century (Fitch, 1891). Lastly, the Chalkhill Blue (Lysandra coridon) was established in the Forest for
some 33 years between 1859 and 1892. It was observed commonly near Loughton and Epping in 1859
(EN V p.140-141), seen here and there through the Forest in 1866 (Fitch, 1891), noted in the Forest in
1885 (De Worms, 1958) and the last specimen, a male, was seen on Fairmead in 1892 (EN VI p. 140-141).
Scarce Vagrants
The Bath White (Pontia daplidice) has been reported once from the Forest, taken by a Mr. Walter
Nash in 1866 (Fitch, 1891). The Black-veined White (Aporia crataegi) was reported from Wanstead
(Fitch, 1891). The Camberwell Beauty (Nymphalis antiopa) has been reported many times from the
Forest area:- Hollow Pond, Whipps Cross, 1888 (EN XX p.72); Monk Wood, 1894 (EN VIII p.88);
Fitch (1891) gave several records, not all from the Forest - Chingford. Leytonstone, Walthamstow,
Woodford Bridge and Epping. There have been recent records from the Epping Forest area (Loughton,
1976 and Epping 1983) but not from the Forest itself. The Pale Clouded Yellow (Colias hyale) was
recorded from the Forest area (near Epping, Snaresbrook and the Wake Arms) in the years 1842 and
1868 (Fitch, 1891). Some records of this species at least may refer to Berger's Clouded Yellow (Colias
australis) which was not separated from C. hyale at this time.
Butterflies recorded outside the Forest sensu stricto
The following five species have been reported from the vicinity of the Forest, but I have been unable
to find positive records of their occurrence within the Forest. A Dark Green Fritillary (Argynnis aglaja)
was seen in a garden at Loughton in August 1943 (EN XXVIII p.37) and what was probably this species
was seen in Epping Forest in 1974 (Firmin et al., 1975). The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary (Hamearis
lucina) was found in Gaynes Park and Ongar Park Wood in 1839-41 (Fitch. 1891). The Milkweed (Danaus
plexippus) reported from Loughton in July 1982 (Emmet and Pyman, 1985). The Wood White (Leptidea
sinapis) was reported freely from near Epping in 1839 (Mays, 1978) but was gone by 1888. The Small
Blue (Cupido minimus) was said to have been taken 'near Amesbury and Hainault Forest' (Fitch. 1891).
There are no other records and I suspect the Amesbury referred to is Amesbury in Wiltshire.
Introduced species and doubtful records
There are a few records of introduced species that have failed to establish viable breeding
populations in the Epping Forest area and some, mostly continental, species, that are of extremely
doubtful natural occurrence. The Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) may have occurred naturally in the
Forest area prior to 1830 (Fitch, 1891). Henry Doubleday attempted to naturalise this butterfly in the
Epping area in 1848-50, but it failed to establish itself (Mays. 1978). Swallowtails (presumably
releases) were seen at High Beach and Connaught Water in June 1988 (LN 68 p.91). The Swallowtail
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