I READ Mark Ward s column every week with interest as I have always been interested in nature. Last week I saw two very small blue butterflies flitting together in my garden. I was only for a couple of minutes, but they were so bright that they caught my

I READ Mark Ward's column every week with interest as I have always been interested in nature.

Last week I saw two very small blue butterflies flitting together in my garden. I was only for a couple of minutes, but they were so bright that they caught my attention.

Today, Thursday whilst sitting in the garden another of these creatures chose to settle on one of the filter mats which I had just washed out from my garden pond. It gave me the opportunity to look closely at it as it spent 30 minutes feeding from the damp foam mat.

It was about three quarters of an inch long in body and also in wing length whilst feeding. The wings were pale blue underside and a bright pastel blue on top.

I could only observe the underside of the wings for while feeding, it kept the wings tightly closed.

However, I got close enough to see that they had lots of minute black marks on them with fine white fur on the body.

My wife and I were only remarking the other day that we had not seen many butterflies, not like when we were young. Maybe with the new "set aside" farming we might see their return.

If anyone has any idea of the name of the butterflies I would be most grateful.

B AYRES

Saxon Road

Whittlesey