Trudie Willis had a life-long love of butterflies. Her mother collected swallowtail caterpillars from along the Norfolk Broads to sell for a penny each at Norwich Market. As a child, Trudie was enthralled by the unique features and individual character of each type of caterpillar she found, mesmerised by the endearing charm of puss moth caterpillars, and diverted by the magical sight of clouds of butterflies fluttering in and around the meadows. Her fascination with caterpillars and butterflies remained strong throughout her life and compelled her to create Priors Oak, a magnificent, ten-acre butterfly garden in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
Sadly, Trudie died earlier this year. Before she died, I was fortunate enough to spend time with her,
