Paying much more attention to butterflies (and moths) these days. Of course I've always enjoyed seeing them around but it's interesting to identify them and find out more. Above is a Speckled Wood. I don't think I can do better than quote the description on the 'A-Z of butterflies' on the admirable Butterfly Conservation website:

 "The aptly named Speckled Wood flies in partially shaded woodland with dappled sunlight. The male usually perches in a small pool of sunlight, from where it rises to intercept any intruder. Both sexes feed on honeydew in the treetops and are rarely seen feeding on flowers, except early and late in the year when aphid activity is low."

 So it makes perfect sense to find a Speckled Wood in the back garden in Hitchin which corresponds to light woodland albeit in a town setting. The plastic wash basket makes a suitable perch where my father happened to leave it in a sunny spot on the patio.