N No.84 Spring 2017
BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION DORSET BRANCH Butterfly Conservation is an organisation dedicated to saving wild butterflies and moths and their habitats. Dorset has a very active branch of the Society which, as well as carrying out conservation work, organises guided walks and survey days. Everybody is welcome at all events, except the few marked members only. Most events are free - if there is a charge it will be mentioned in the listing, unless it is an event put together by another organisation in which case we may not have received the relevant information. Donations are always appreciated. Butterflies will not fly unless it is fairly warm and sunny, so if the weather makes you dubious you are welcome to phone the contact listed for each walk. Reduce the risk of being bitten by ticks: avoid exposed skin by wearing long trousers tucked into socks and long sleeves, avoid long and overhanging vegetation, keep to footpaths and consider using insect repellent. Check skin and clothing when in the field and again on return home. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which is very serious if not treated early - check the internet for details. Some of the walks are on private land which is not open to the public at times other than those stated. Conservation work days start at 10.00am unless stated, and are suitable for all the family except the very young. Children should be accompanied. Please wear stout footwear and protective gloves, and bring a packed lunch. You are advised to ensure your tetanus injections are up to date. For further information about the society, please contact the branch secretary Adrian Neil on 01305 832937 or adrian.neil@madasafish.com, or visit the website: www.dorsetbutterflies.com BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION Company limited by guarantee Registered in England (2206468) Registered Office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268) Tel: 01929 400209 Fax 01929 400210 Email: info@butterfly-conservation.org www.butterfly-conservation.org
SUNDAY 14 MAY GUIDED WALK WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD During the construction of the road an imaginative plan was devised to create new herb-rich downland on the slopes alongside it. This event gives us the opportunity to monitor the development of this important new habitat where more than 20 species of butterfly have already been recorded. A second visit is planned for August 19 th. Meet at 1.00 pm at the truncated end of the Broadmayne road where it meets the relief road, map reference SY 674 859. N.B. Access is only possible from the eastern side of the relief road. Contact is Adrian Neil on 01305 832937 WEDNESDAY 17 MAY BUTTERFLY SURVEY OF HOD HILL The Dorset branch of Butterfly Conservation, in conjunction with the National Trust, is looking for volunteers to help carry out a thorough survey of the top of Hod Hill to assess the population of the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly there. Identification training will be given! We aim to meet at the NW corner of the top of the hillfort at 1.30 pm. Parking is off the Hanford minor road at map reference ST 853 112. If you would like bring a picnic with you, meet at 1.00 pm at the car park and walk up. This survey is likely to take 2-3 hours. Please contact Keith Howland ( keithhowland1@hotmail.co.uk ) or Nigel Spring (nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk ) if you would like to take part or if you would like further information. Butterflies like sunshine! In the event of bad weather on the 17th, this event will be rescheduled for Tuesday June 6th. FRIDAY 19 MAY CHARMINSTER COMMUNITY MEADOW - SURVEY OF BUTTERFLIES, FLORA AND OTHER WILDLIFE A small field on the edge of the Cerne River on the northern side of Charminster (near Dorchester) has been purchased for the local community and is being managed to enhance the wildlife habitats. The Dorset branch of Butterfly Conservation has offered to help with the survey work and this will be the first of several visits there. If you would like to be involved in these surveys, please contact Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767 or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk Meet at 11.00am. SATURDAY 20 / SUNDAY 21 MAY SPRING AT ALNERS GORSE Saturday 8.00 pm. Moth Trapping evening and camp with a backdrop of Nightingales. Camping facilities are available for anyone wishing to stay overnight bring tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils etc and food as required. Advance booking essential. Sunday 4.00 am for 4.30. The Nightingale Experience. Dawn Chorus. Walk to hear the nightingales and other spring songbirds, followed by breakfast. Booking is essential. 9.00 am. Moths - Inspection of last night s moth catch followed by refreshments at 10.30 am. 11.00 am 1.00 pm Guided Walk to see the butterflies and other wildlife. Beginners, learners and new members welcome. Bring your own picnic if you would like to have lunch on the reserve. Alners Gorse reserve entrance is on the road from Kings Stag to Hazelbury Bryan beside the Hazelbury Bryan village sign and 30 mph sign. Park on the wide straight road verge on the Kings Stag side of the village sign, well away from the dangerous bend. Map reference is ST 736 100. For further information, contact Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767 or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk SUNDAY 21 MAY BUTTERFLY WALK ON BALLARD DOWN (SWANAGE) Joint with Dorset Wildlife Trust A walk along the lower slopes of Ballard Down to enjoy this chalk downland site with its stunning views and the spring flowers. Target species are Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper and the first broods of Adonis Blue and Brown Argus. Meet 11.00 am at Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road, map reference SZ 021 809. Contact is Jon Bellamy on 01929 450182. THURSDAY 25 MAY GUIDED WALK - CASHMOOR DOWN A guided walk for spring species including Dingy Skipper, Small Blue and Green Hairstreak. Meet 1.00 pm in the lay-by at the eastern end of the Cashmoor 50 mph speed restriction, map reference ST 980 139. Contact is Arthur Bryant on 07711 404190.
SATURDAY 27 MAY WORKSHOP ON IDENTIFYING, SURVEYING & RECORDING BUTTERFLIES AND DAY-FLYING MOTHS The regular recording of butterflies is now playing an important part in measuring progress in maintaining the biodiversity of our species and in assessing the speed of global warming. As a result, Dorset Butterfly Conservation needs more recorders. There are a variety of important recording schemes to participate in, ranging from simple garden recording to the more demanding skill of butterfly walking. We are offering a workshop for beginners and those who still lack the full confidence to take part in recording. The workshop will be held at Cerne Abbas Village Hall from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. It will consist partly of an indoor session in which the theoretical techniques of identification will be shown with the aid of a power point display, specimens and photos and also the different types of recording explained. Weather permitting, the workshop will also include an outdoor field visit to nearby butterfly rich Giant Hill in order to put the theoretical skills into practice. The numbers will be limited so if you are interested you must book your place in advance by contacting Mrs. Robin George [Branch Membership Secretary] on 01747 824215 or e-mail: rab.george@which.net SUNDAY 28 MAY OPEN DAY AT LANKHAM BOTTOM RESERVE 11.00 am and 2.00pm Guided walks to see the wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife. Beginners and learners and new members welcome. If you want to bring a picnic, you are welcome to have lunch on the reserve after the walk. The reserve entrance is off the minor road from Cattistock to the A37 about ½ mile from the A37. Park inside the metal gate at map reference ST 606004. For further information please contact Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767 or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk MONDAY 29 MAY GUIDED WALK - LYDLINCH COMMON This is a key site for the Marsh Fritillary and our winter work programme here is designed to maintain the habitat for this species. Meet 2.00 pm in the lay-by just outside the village on the Sherborne to Sturminster road, map reference ST 736 137, nearest postcode DT10 2JD. Contact is Colin Burningham on 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 921594. WEDNESDAY 31 MAY EXPLORATORY WALK - HAMBLEDON HILL The National Trust have asked us to help revive the transect walk on this site. To assess what species are present and the most favoured habitats, there will be two visits this summer (see also August 3) with the aim of resuming the transect in the 2018 season. The walk is open to everyone whether or not you might be interested in being involved in the transect. If you are interested but cannot attend either walk please get in touch to register your interest. The walk will start with a steep climb to the ramparts. Bring your lunch and plenty to drink. Meet at 11.00 am in the NT field, by the start of the bridleway, south-east of Childe Okeford map reference ST 838 122. Contact is Arthur Bryant on 07711 404190. SATURDAY 3 JUNE GUIDED WALK STRATFORD TONY and THROOPE DOWNS Joint with Wiltshire Branch We are invited to visit and survey these two extensive areas of chalk grassland in south Wiltshire which are becoming increasingly attractive to butterflies through sympathetic management. Meet at 11.00 am at New Farm Barn, map reference SU 093 240. If travelling from Dorset, 600 yards after sign on the left to Throope, it is accessed by an unmarked track, on the left just before the pylon line. Press button to open gate. Bring packed lunch if you intend staying for the afternoon visit to Throope Down. Contact is Arthur Bryant on 07711 404190 SUNDAY 4 JUNE GIANT HILL, CERNE ABBAS GUIDED WALK OVER CHALK DOWNLAND Joint with Somerset and Bristol Branch An exploration of this managed ancient grassland habitat seeking a variety of late spring and early summer butterflies. Recent years have seen an
increase in colonies of Duke of Burgundy and possibly the return of the Adonis Blue. It will also be a good time for the Marsh Fritillary, as well as Green Hairstreak with Dingy and Grizzled Skippers. Please be prepared for steep slopes in places, and do bring a packed lunch for an extended walk into late afternoon. Meet at 11.00 am in the picnic area car park opposite the village hall, map reference ST 663 015. Contact is Malcolm Wemyss on 01935 872047 or 07977 287739 and pearlborderedfritillary@gmail.com WEDNESDAY 7 JUNE BLANDFORD MILITARY CAMP BUTTERFLY - SURVEY OF WILDFLOWER MEADOW PROJECT 2.00 pm An exciting project is underway at Blandford Signals camp to create flower-rich meadow habitat on two former football pitches within the Camp grounds. The Dorset branch has been asked to help carry out surveys of the area to assess the populations of butterflies and other wildlife there. There are also several very interesting areas of SSSI and SNCI within the camp which we might be able to have access to. Because of the tight security, we have to collect names and personal details in advance for this event and everyone must bring ID. If you would like to be involved in this afternoon (and in further visits during the summer) please contact Keith Howland ( keithhowland1@hotmail.co.uk, 07810 453351) or Nigel Spring (nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk, 07981 776767) SATURDAY 17 JUNE GUIDED WALK FOR LARGE BLUE GREEN DOWN, SOMERSET Joint with Somerset and Bristol Branch This is a Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve and one of the key introduction sites for Large Blue. As well as Large Blues we may see Large Skipper, Brown Argus, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Ringlet. Parking is on the roadside at ST 512 289. Parking space is limited so please car-share if possible. Meet at 11.30 am. More info on the site including directions is at www.somersetwildlife.org/green-down.html After visiting the site, people way wish to go the Large Blue site at Collard Hill which is wardened by the National Trust through the flight season. The site is about 5 miles north of Green Down off the B3151 road from Somerton to Street. Parking is off the road at a Youth Hostel at ST 481 346 and then walk east crossing the B3151 and follow the signs. The NT posts info on the internet from the start of the flight period and there is a helpful location map at last year s warden s blog www.ntlargeblue.wordpress.com/collard-hill-map/ Contact is Nigel Cottle on 07710 120715. SUNDAY 18 JUNE OPEN DAY AT THE QUARR LOCAL NATURE RESERVE AND TERRACE MEADOWS SNCI SHERBORNE The Quarr is Sherborne s local nature reserve, an area of young woodland, scrub and grassland off the Bristol Road. The Terrace Meadow is a fascinating patch of limestone grassland adjacent to Sherborne s Terrace Playing Fields sports facilities. It is of particular interest as the soil is unusual for the area, and supports flowers (including orchids), butterflies and other species not generally seen in the locality. Join us for one or both guided walks, with flower and insect identification sessions. We will meet on the Quarr at 11.00 am and at the Terrace Meadows SNCI at 2.00 pm. Tea will be available afterwards. For the Quarr, meet at the entrance by the Mermaid pub off the Bristol Road at map ref ST 637 174. For the Terrace Meadows, park in the Terrace Playing Fields Car Park, map reference ST 641 156, signposted off the A352 just south of Sherborne and follow the footpath back towards the town through the patch of newly planted trees and up a few steps, map reference ST 637 156. For further information contact Nigel Spring on 01963.23559 or 07981 776767 or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk SUNDAY 25 JUNE GUIDED WALK ON BROADCROFT QUARRY RESERVE At this time of year there should be plenty to see! An impressive colony of Silver-studded Blues can be found in this quarry reserve. Meet 11.00 am for approx. two hour walk. To find Broadcroft Quarry Reserve, turn left off Easton Road onto Grove Road and about 100 yards on the right is a track (opposite Portland Football Club) which leads to the car park, map reference SY 695 723. Contact is Bernard Franklin on 07711 304412
SUNDAY 2 JULY OPEN GARDEN SHILLINGSTONE (MEMBERS ONLY) Mike and Jennie Adams invite BC members to visit their garden with broad borders packed with a profuse mix of plants from the well-known and old-fashioned across the spectrum to rare and unusual including perennials, self-seeding annuals, bulbs, climbers, shrubs, trees and edibles, covering the ground and clothing fences, walls, hedges and wooden frameworks. They were in the National Gardens Scheme Yellow Book for 20 years until 2015 (and open for Butterfly Conservation in 1994 and 95). The garden is at its best in early July, with added autumn promise from subtropicals emerging outside, many already in full bloom in the large glasshouse. Non-botanical surprises too! Coombe Cottage (DT10 0SF) lies on the main A357 in the middle of Shillingstone between Gunn Lane (where parking is advised) and the Old Ox pub. You are asked to donate 3 per head (under-16s free), which will be donated in full to BC. There may also be a few home-grown plants for sale. The garden will be open between 2.00 and 5.30pm and phone enquiries may be made to 01258 860220. WEDNESDAY 5 JULY GUIDED WALK THE BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH The Lulworth Skipper will be a target species on this, the first of two walks that we are leading in conjunction with The Heritage Centre at Lulworth Cove. The walk will involve a climb onto Bindon Hill which will be steep in places. The event is free to BC members but prebooking is advisable as numbers may be limited. Charges apply in the large car park next to The Centre, map reference SY 824 800. The start time is 11.00 am and it is expected that the walk will last about 2 hours after which you may wish to stay on the hill with lunch or visit The Heritage Centre. For further details and booking, ring The Heritage Centre on 01929 400155. SUNDAY 9 JULY CHASE WOODS - RUSHMORE ESTATE Joint with Wiltshire Branch A guided walk in old woodland with Silverwashed Fritillary and White Admiral among the target species. Bring your lunch and plenty to drink. Meet 11.00 am inside the gate to Greatstone Coppice on the north side of the B308 about one mile west of Sixpenny Handley, map reference ST 978 173. Contact is Arthur Bryant on 07711 404190. WEDNESDAY 12 JULY GUIDED WALK THE BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH For the second of our two visits see July 5 for full details. 14 JULY 6 AUGUST BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT To find out more and how to take part, go to www.bigbutterflycount.org SATURDAY 15 JULY GUIDED WALK PIDDLES WOOD This is our first visit in some time to this ancient woodland, traditionally a good site for White Admiral and other woodland species. Meet at 1.00 pm in the car park on the south side of the wood at map reference ST 791 127 Contact is Richard Norman on 01258 472887. SUNDAY 16 JULY GUIDED WALK DURLSTON NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE In Discover Butterflies in Britain, Newland puts Durlston as No. 4 in his top 10 sites to visit in Britain. There are 3 National Butterfly Transects based at Durlston and there should be up to 15 species on the wing, including Lulworth Skippers. Meet 10.30 am at the entrance to the renovated Durlston Castle (not the educational centre) map reference SZ 033 772. Follow the brown signs to the car park where charges apply. Contact is Brian Arnold on 01929 480224 or 07740 980056 on the day. SATURDAY 22 JULY GUIDED WALK STONEDOWN WOOD Joint with Wiltshire Branch Stonedown Wood is adjacent to Chase Woods north of Sixpenny Handley and rich in butterflies. This is an ideal opportunity for beginners to improve identification skills. Meet at 11.00 am at Shermel Gate, map reference ST 989 192. North of Sixpenny Handley, turn onto Dean Lane, signposted to Deanland and Newtown and follow
until the road ends. This road is narrow in places so should be followed with caution. Bring lunch if you want to stay into the afternoon. Contact is Tom and Jean Smith on 01305 567537 or 07717 437250. SATURDAY 22 / SUNDAY 23 JULY THE THIRD GREAT DORSET BUTTERFLY SCRAMBLE 10.00 am - 4.00 pm. A weekend of butterfly counting with a small element of competition and a large element of fun! The results will help us with our mapping of Dorset s butterflies. We are looking for teams of at least two people who will be allocated a 5x5 km square in which to survey as many 1km squares as they can in the time allowed, the aim being to see as many species as possible during the time. Teams can compete on one or both days. For details of the rules and / or application forms please email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07981 776767. SUNDAY 23 JULY GUIDED WALK MORDEN BOG, WAREHAM FOREST A visit to see butterflies and dragonflies at this National Nature Reserve. We will be walking through dry and wet heath so should see Silverstudded Blue and Grayling butterflies as well as a good range of dragonflies. Meet at 1.00 pm in the large lay-by just south of Sherford Bridge, map reference SY 919 926 on the B3075 which is about 1 km south of the A35. Leaders are Tom and Jean Smith on 01305 567537 or 07717 437250. THURSDAY 3 AUGUST EXPLORATORY WALK HAMBLEDON HILL The National Trust have asked us to help revive the transect walk on this site. See the entry for May 31 for details. SATURDAY 5 AUGUST GUIDED WALK - ALNERS GORSE The Brown and Purple Hairstreaks will be among the targets, along with other summer species like the Silver-washed Fritillary. There may still be White Admirals and White-letter Hairstreaks on the wing. We plan to have a picnic lunch by the hut at around 1.00 pm. Meet at 11.00 am at the Alners Gorse reserve entrance which is on the road from Kings Stag to Hazelbury Bryan, near the 30mph and Hazelbury Bryan village signs. Park on the wide straight road verge on the Kings Stag side of the village sign, well away from the dangerous bend. Map reference is ST 736 100. Contact is Martin Warren email: martin.warren@bc-europe.eu or phone 07775 590750 SUNDAY 6 AUGUST RODWELL TRAIL - BUTTERFLY IDENTIFICATION WALK A walk along the old railway line between Weymouth and Portland. This walk is ideal for families and those wishing to improve identification skills Meet at 2.00 pm at the café in Sandsfoot Castle gardens, Old Castle Road, Weymouth, map reference SY 675 773. Contact is Bernard Franklin on 07711 304412 SUNDAY 13 AUGUST GUIDED WALK MARTIN DOWN NNR Joint with Bournemouth Natural Science Society Target species include Silver-spotted Skipper, Chalkhill Blue and hopefully second-brood Adonis Blue. Bring a packed lunch as we will be stopping for lunch about halfway round the walk. We meet at 11.00 am in the car park, map reference SU 058 192, at the top of Sillens Lane which runs from the triangular green in Martin village. Contact is Mark Spencer on 01202 760621 FRIDAY 18 AUGUST UPTON HEATH MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES Joint with Dorset Wildlife Trust 9.00 am Moths. The inspection of the overnight moth trap. 11.00 am Butterfly Walk on Upton Heath for Grayling and other wildlife. Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Corfe Mullen, map reference SY 977 948, postcode BH21 3RX. Contact is Andy Fale on 07970 552673
SATURDAY 19 AUGUST GUIDED WALK WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD This is our second visit this summer to this newly created downland habitat. See May 14 th for details. Contact is John Elliott on 01305 889380 SUNDAY 20 AUGUST GUIDED WALK - FONTMELL DOWN Joint with Devon and Wiltshire Branches The last Dorset refuge for the Silver-spotted Skipper, Fontmell offers a great opportunity to study this and other downland specialities like Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blue and the second brood of Adonis Blue. Bring stout footwear and a packed lunch if staying for the afternoon visit to the lower slopes. Meet 11.00 am at the National Trust gate, map reference ST 885 187. There is alternative parking around the triangle at ST 888 185. Contact is Andy Daw on 07778 146297 SUNDAY 20 AUGUST BUTTERFLY WALK ON BALLARD DOWN (SWANAGE) Joint with Dorset Wildlife Trust A return visit to Ballard Down to see the second brood of the Adonis Blue and Brown Argus which will now be on the wing. Meet at 11.00 am at Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road, map reference SZ 021 809. Contact is Colin Nunn on 01929 439211 FRIDAY 25 AUGUST GUIDED WALK - OSMINGTON (East of Weymouth) A downland and country lane walk on which we should find at least 15 species of butterfly. The targets will include Adonis Blue and Wall. There is a choice to return to the start making a 2 hour walk or then have a picnic lunch if you wish to continue to make a total of 4½ hours walking and watching. Children are very welcome. Meet at 11.00 am outside Osmington church, map reference SY 725 829. Contact is Colin Burningham on 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 921594 SATURDAY 26 / SUNDAY 27 AUGUST OAK FAIR, STOCK GAYLARD PARK Stock Gaylard Estate is a small traditional country estate just over 4 miles from Sturminster Newton and 8 miles from Sherborne. Come and find us on Conservation Row at this popular festival. Contact is Colin Burningham on 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 921594 SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER GUIDED WALK - WINSPIT, PURBECK A pleasant coastal walk for late butterflies and migrating birds. Wear stout footwear and bring packed lunch. The walk will be steep in places. Meet 11.00 am at Worth Matravers car park, map reference SY 974 776. Contact is Bernard Franklin on 07711 304412. SUNDAY 3 SEPTEMBER DORSET COUNTY SHOW, Dorchester Showground, Dorchester. Come and find us in the Bee Tent at the top of the field. Children s activities, live moths and sales. Contact is Colin Burningham on 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 921594 SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER CONSERVATION WORK DAY AT ALNERS GORSE We will be continuing the woodland and scrub management work to improve our wildlife habitats. There will be a bonfire with hot drinks and cake for refreshment. Join us if you can between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm Alners Gorse reserve entrance is on the road from Kings Stag to Hazelbury Bryan beside the Hazelbury Bryan village sign and 30 mph sign. Park on the wide straight road verge on the Kings Stag side of the village sign, well away from the dangerous bend. Map reference is ST 736 100. For further information, contact Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767 or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER CONSERVATION WORK DAY Lydlinch Common Lydlinch is part of an area crucial to the Marsh Fritillary and conservation work is vital for its survival. Meet 10.00 am and park in the lay-by just outside the village on the Sherborne to Sturminster road, map reference ST 736 137. Contact is Colin Burningham on 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 921594