Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa)

The Greater Knapweed - Centaurea scabiosa is a common downland flower that is still blooming in mid-October.

I noticed that many downland flowers that I saw blooming this time last year are finished. Not sure if last years were delayed, or this years were early. For example, I was unable to find any dropwort in flower this year.

One surprise though was to see a small copper butterfly still on the wing.