Butterfly and Moth Events in Dorset - Butterfly Conservation Dorset Branch No. 90 - Butterfly Conservation ...
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Butterfly Conservation Dorset Branch
Butterfly and
Moth Events
in Dorset
No. 90
April 2019 to September 2019BUTTERFLY 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.
• 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.
• 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.
………………………………………………………………………………
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.orgSUNDAY 28 APRIL species that thrives on this site and
POT PLANT PREP PARTY which has been the target of a lot of
Lyn Pullen in Winfrith Newburgh our recent management efforts.
sells plants in aid of Butterfly There will be a choice of two walks
Conservation from her driveway at either 10.30 am or 2.00 pm, both
over the summer months, giving us starting from the Village Hall car
a very useful source of income. She park and finishing in St Mary's
needs some help with getting the Church for refreshments approx 2
pot plants which have been sitting hours later. The charge for the walk
over the winter weeded, possibly re and tea will go towards St Mary's
-potted and generally tidied up. A church funds and the other Festival
little bit of gardening knowledge charities. For further information go
would be helpful, but there will also to: http://cernegiantfestival.uk/.
be jobs like cleaning up labels and Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981
pots for re-use. 776767 or email
Tea and cake will be supplied and nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk
you will be welcome to look round
the garden, though there are no SUNDAY 12 MAY
guarantees as to the state it will be GUIDED WALK – CHASE
in! WOODS
Please let Lyn know if you are Spring butterflies and wild flowers
planning to help, in case the weather are our targets on this walk. Expert
is bad and the event has to be re- help will be on hand for the plant
scheduled. identification which should include
Cobblers Cottage, Winfrith some ancient woodland specialities.
Newburgh. 2.00pm - 5.00pm. Bring lunch.
Contact Lyn for details of how to Meet 11.00 am inside the gate to
find her if you need them. Email: Greatstone Coppice on the north
cobblers@btinternet.com. Tel: side of the B3081 about one mile
01305 853946 west of Sixpenny Handley, map
reference ST 978 173.
SATURDAY 4 MAY Contact is Arthur Bryant on 01747
CERNE DOWNS - Landscape, 228252 or 07711 404190 on the
flowers and butterflies day.
Guided walks along the Cerne
Downs at Cerne Abbas. This should
be a perfect time to see the rare
Duke of Burgundy butterfly, aWEDNESDAY 22 MAY SATURDAY 25 MAY
GUIDED WALK – THE WORKSHOP ON
BUTTERFLIES OF IDENTIFYING, SURVEYING
LULWORTH & RECORDING
This is the first of a series of walks BUTTERFLIES AND DAY-
that are being hosted by The FLYING MOTHS
Heritage Centre at Lulworth Cove In Dorset we run more than 60
throughout the summer. These transect walks for 26 weeks a year.
will be led by either a Ranger or a That is more than 1500 walks, each
representative of BC. The walks requiring a skilled walker to record
will involve a climb onto Bindon all the butterflies seen. We also
Hill which will be steep in places. take part in the national Wider
The events are free to BC Countryside Recording Scheme,
members but pre-booking is garden recording and casual
advisable as numbers may be recording. This means that we are
limited. Charges apply in the large always looking for more recorders,
car park next to The Centre, map and to help you get started, we
reference SY 822 801. offer a free workshop for beginners
Target species are Adonis Blue, and those who would like to
Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, improve their skills in order to take
Small Blue and Small Copper.. part in recording.
On later walks, Lulworth Skipper, Cerne Abbas Village Hall, 9.30 am
Dark Green Fritillary and Chalkhill to 4.00 pm. Weather permitting,
Blue will be among the target the workshop will consist of an
species. indoor session including learning
The start time is 11.00 am and it is from specimens, photos and
expected that the walk will last presentations, followed by an
about 2 hours after which you may outdoor field visit to nearby
wish to stay on the hill with lunch butterfly-rich Giant Hill where we
or visit The Heritage Centre. hope there will be plenty of
For further details and booking, opportunity to put your ID skills
ring The Heritage Centre on 01929 into practice. Please note that the
400155. hill, like many butterfly sites, is very
steep in places and you will need
sturdy footwear.
Numbers are limited, so to book a
place, please contact Robin George
on rab.george@btinternet.comSUNDAY 26 MAY
BUTTERFLY WALK ON WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE
BALLARD DOWN GUIDED WALK - THE
(SWANAGE) BUTTERFLIES OF
A walk along the lower slopes of LULWORTH
Ballard Down to enjoy this chalk For the second of our visits see
downland site with its stunning May 22 for full details.
views and the spring butterflies. Target species on this walk will
Target species are Green include Adonis Blue, Lulworth
Hairstreak, Wall, Dingy Skipper and Skipper, Small Blue and Wall.
the first broods of Adonis Blue and
Brown Argus. Meet 11.00 am at THURSDAY 6 JUNE
Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to GUIDED WALK – WINSPIT
Studland road, map reference SZ VALLEY
022 809. This walk will follow the route of
Contact is Lorraine Munns on the Winspit Valley Butterfly
07973 853628. Transect with an additional
diversion down to Winspit Cove
MONDAY 27 MAY for the lunch stop. The route is
GUIDED WALK - LYDLINCH moderately steep in places and may
COMMON be slippery after rain so wear stout
This is a key site for the Marsh footwear. Bring lunch.
Fritillary and our winter work Meet 11.00 am at Worth Matravers
programme here is designed to car park, map reference SY 974
maintain the habitat for this 776.
species. With luck, there will also Contact is David Lonsdale on
be nightingales singing. 01202 743609.
Meet 2.00 pm in the lay-by outside
the village on the north side of the SUNDAY 9 JUNE
A357 near the turning to GUIDED WALK – ALNERS
Sherborne, map reference ST 737 GORSE BUTTERFLY
137, nearest postcode DT10 2JD. RESERVE
Contact is Colin Burningham on Guided walk to enjoy the
01935 873219 or 07849 921594. butterflies and other wildlife and to
hear the Nightingales if they are
still singing. Meet in the hut in the
wood at 2.00 pm or arrive at 1.00
pm if you would like to have apicnic lunch there.
Alners Gorse reserve entrance is WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE
on the road from Kings Stag to GUIDED WALK - THE
Hazelbury Bryan beside the BUTTERFLIES OF
Hazelbury Bryan village sign and 30 LULWORTH
mph sign. Park on the wide straight For the third of our visits see May
road verge on the Kings Stag side 22 for full details.
of the village sign, well away from Target species include Wall,
the dangerous bend. Map reference Lulworth Skipper and Adonis Blue.
is ST 736 100.
For further information, contact SATURDAY 22 JUNE
Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or MOTH TRAPPING IN
email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk MILLENNIUM WOOD,
GILLINGHAM
SATURDAY 15 JUNE Organised by the Gillingham Action
GUIDED WALK – MARTIN for Nature Group
DOWN The light traps will be put out in
Joint with Wiltshire Branch the wood the previous evening and
Martin Down NNR is worth a visit the catch analysed 9.30 – 10.45 am
at any time during the butterfly on the Saturday morning. A good
season. Our targets on this, St opportunity to get to know your
Swithun’s Day, will be early- moths! It is hoped that this will be
summer species like Small Blue, a family event, all welcome! There
Marsh Fritillary and Dark Green will be refreshments and bacon
Fritillary. Martin Down is also sandwiches available.
renowned for its orchids. Car Parking at ‘Little Gems
We meet at 11.00 am at the car Nursery’ 21 Brickfields Estate,
park, map reference SU 058 192, at Gillingham SP8 4LT. Approach off
the top of Sillens Lane which runs New Road onto Brickfields
from the triangular green in Martin Industrial Estate, past South West
village. Bring lunch if you want to Packaging, go between Stiles Metal
stay for the afternoon but there is Craft and Brickfields Car Sales to
an option to return to the car park Little Gems. Walk through the
for those who want to leave early. gates to Tinknell Fuels depot and
Contact is Andrew Daw on 07778 the wood is round the back.
146297 Coming by train to Gillingham
Station - exit station on South side
opposite the ticket office side. Attop of footpath - turn right past database of information about the
Little Gems to Tinknell Fuels and site.
Millennium Wood - 200 metre Accommodation will be in tents
walk. next to the farm buildings at Wyke
Contact is Bob Messer, email Farm or in B&B’s nearby. Day
bobmesser@hotmail.com or visitors also welcome. Booking is
phone 01747 821269. essential for this weekend. Contact
In the event of bad weather, this is Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or
event will be held on the Sunday email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk
morning.
SATURDAY 29 JUNE
FRIDAY 28 – SUNDAY 30 GUIDED WALK –
JUNE BLANDFORD FOREST
BIOBLITZ WEEKEND – This will be an exploration of field
CHEDINGTON WOODS (nw margins as well as mature and
Dorset) coppiced woodland. Silver-washed
This is a joint venture between the Fritillary will be among the regular
Dorset branch of BC and EuCAN summer species to be seen here.
Community Interest Company. Meet at 1.00 pm at the picnic area
We are looking for a team of on Okeford Hill, grid reference ST
experts and trainees, both 812 094,
amateurs and professionals, to take Contact is Richard Norman on
part in a weekend of surveying and 01258 472887.
recording a wide range of animals
and plants in this under-recorded SUNDAY 30 JUNE
area of Dorset. This will include GUIDED WALK –
moth trapping, bird ringing, bat CHEDINGTON WOODS
detecting, butterfly counts and AND WHITEVINE FARM
surveys of wildflowers and lower SSSI
plants. A comprehensive survey of Chedington Woods is an area of
this land was carried out between hardwood and softwood
2006 and 2010 with the first plantations with some coppice
weekend event last year. The woodland and with many species-
owners and the forester rich wet flushes, on landslips west
responsible for Chedington Woods of Halstock. Whitevine Farm
are very keen to continue this on a adjacent to the woods to the north
regular basis to establish a public contains extensive hay meadowsrenowned for their botanical 07711 304412
diversity. This walk, part of the WEDNESDAY 3 JULY
survey weekend (see separate GUIDED WALK - THE
entry), will provide an opportunity BUTTERFLIES OF
to explore the fauna and flora on LULWORTH
these two sites and is part of a For the fourth of our visits see
weekend of biological surveying May 22 for full details.
instigated by the landowner and Target species on this walk will
the forester to add to the records include Marbled White, Lulworth
for the area. Skipper and Dark Green Fritillary.
Meet at the farm buildings at Wyke
Farm at map reference ST 500 070 SATURDAY 6 JULY
at 1.30 pm for a 1.45 start .Tea will
DEADMOOR COMMON –
be available at the end of the walkTHE HUNT FOR THE
(approx 4.30 pm). ELUSIVE PURPLE EMPEROR
Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 Deadmoor Common is one of the
776767 or email last remaining tracts of what was
nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk once a wonderful species-rich
Please email or phone in advance habitat that extended over the
to book a place. Blackmore Vale.
In 2017, the Dorset branch of
SUNDAY 30 JUNE Butterfly Conservation received a
GUIDED WALK ON retrospective report of three of
BROADCROFT QUARRY these iconic butterflies feasting on
RESERVE a deer carcase and several years
At this time of year there should ago another record was sent in.
be plenty to see! An impressive Unfortunately these reports were
colony of Silver-studded Blues can not followed up but we would like
be found in this quarry reserve. to survey the area to see whether
Meet 1.00 pm for approx. two this elusive and charismatic species
hour walk. To find Broadcroft can be confirmed here. The area is
Quarry Reserve, turn left off also likely to be full of Silver-
Easton Road onto Grove Road and washed Fritillaries, Hairstreaks and
about 100 yards on the right is a possibly White Admirals,
track (opposite Portland Football The habitat is certainly suitable as
Club) which leads to the car park, there are plenty of oaks and a few
map reference SY 695 723. goat willows.
Contact is Bernard Franklin on We will be meeting for a 10.00 amstart on the sharp bend in the track Contact is Tom and Jean Smith on
to Smetherd Farm at map 01305 567537 or 07717 437250 on
reference ST 747 104 – see this the day.
Google map:
http://tinyurl.com/y4j97qwg SUNDAY 7 JULY
Please wear thorn-proof and tick- MOTH TRAPPING AT
proof clothing, bring plenty to CHETTLE HOUSE, nr
drink as well as a picnic lunch as we
BLANDFORD
will be out until about 2.00pm. Courtesy of Mr and Mrs Sweet
Binoculars will be very useful for -Escott
identification. We have been invited by the
Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 owners to set up moth traps on
776767 or email the night of July 6th to assess the
nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk moth fauna of the land round
Chettle House. Members of
SUNDAY 7 JULY Butterfly Conservation and the
GUIDED WALK – Dorset Moth group are welcome
MISTLEBERRY AND to join in the opening of the light
GARSTON WOODS traps and analysis of the catch from
We are heading towards Garston 9.00 am on the Sunday morning.
Wood, where the Purple Emperor Anyone who would like to bring a
was seen last year, to look for trap and spend the Saturday
woodland butterflies along the evening there (there are also
rides recently enhanced by the facilities to camp overnight) should
RSPB’s management. After lunch, contact Nigel Spring 07981 776767
we will return via a brief visit to or by email
the eastern end of Chase Woods. nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk
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 continue until Our website:
the road ends. This road is narrow www.dorsetbutteflies.com/events
in places so should be followed will take you to a map of any
with caution.
of the events listed here.
We will be out until about 3.30 pm
so bring lunch and plenty to drink.FRIDAY 12 - SATURDAY 13 woodland, scrub and grassland off
JULY the Bristol Road. The Terrace
MOTH NIGHT and GUIDED Meadow is a fascinating patch of
WALKS – RYEWATER limestone grassland adjacent to
NURSERY, BISHOPS DOWN Sherborne’s Terrace Playing Fields
The Dorset branch of BC has been sports facilities. It is of particular
invited back to Ryewater for a interest as the soil is unusual for
weekend of mothing and butterfly the area, and supports flowers
walks on this fascinating and (including orchids), butterflies and
inspiring estate. We will be setting other species not generally seen in
up moth traps in a number of the locality.
different places on the Friday Join us for one or both guided
evening – meet at 7.30 pm and walks, with flower and insect
bring a tent if you would like to identification sessions. We will
stay overnight. Map reference for meet on the Quarr at 11.00 am and
parking and camping in the ‘R field’ at the Terrace Meadows SNCI at
is ST 664 108. 2.00 pm. Tea will be available
On the Saturday morning we will afterwards.
be going through the moth traps For the Quarr, meet at the
from 9.00 am. The guided walks to entrance by the Carpenters Arms
look at the butterflies and other pub off the Bristol Road at map ref
wildlife will start at 11.00 am and ST 637 174. For the Terrace
2.00 pm. There will also be access Meadows, park in the Terrace
to the greenhouses to see the Playing Fields Car Park, map
tropical butterfly collection. Please reference ST 641 156, signposted
bring a packed lunch - and other off the A352 just south of
food if you intend to camp. Sherborne and follow the footpath
Contact for these events is Wren back towards the town through the
Franklin on 07776 100613 patch of newly planted trees and up
a few steps, map reference ST 637
SUNDAY 14 JULY 156.
OPEN DAY AT THE QUARR For further information contact
LOCAL NATURE RESERVE Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or
AND TERRACE MEADOWS email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk
SNCI – SHERBORNE
The Quarr is Sherborne’s local
nature reserve, an area of youngWEDNESDAY 17 JULY Silver-washed Fritillary. There may
GUIDED WALK – still be White Admirals and White-
DUNCLIFFE WOOD letter Hairstreaks on the wing. We
This is our first visit for some time plan to have a picnic lunch by the
to this extensive wood owned by hut at around 1.00 pm.
the Woodland Trust. Silver- Meet at 11.00 am at the Alners
washed Fritillary will be among the Gorse reserve entrance which is
target species. on the road from Kings Stag to
Meet 1.00 pm in the car park (not Hazelbury Bryan, near the 30mph
on the roadside) by the track that and Hazelbury Bryan village signs.
leads up to the wood, map Park on the wide straight road
reference ST 817 223. verge on the Kings Stag side of the
Contact is Robin George on 01747 village sign, well away from the
824215. dangerous bend. Map reference is
ST 736100.
WEDNESDAY 17 JULY Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981
GUIDED WALK - THE 776767 or email
BUTTERFLIES OF nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk
LULWORTH
Continuing our visits, the target WEDNESDAY 31 JULY
species will include Chalkhill Blue, GUIDED WALK - THE
Lulworth Skipper, Essex Skipper BUTTERFLIES OF
and Dark Green Fritillary. See May LULWORTH
22 for full details. Our sixth visit to this splendid
hilltop habitat. See May 22 for full
19 JULY – 11 AUGUST details.
BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT Chalkhill Blue, Dark Green
To find out more and how to take Fritillary, Gatekeeper and Essex
part, go to Skipper are target species.
www.bigbutterflycount.org
SUNDAY 4 AUGUST
SUNDAY 28 JULY RODWELL TRAIL -
GUIDED WALK - ALNERS BUTTERFLY
GORSE IDENTIFICATION WALK
Joint with Devon Branch A walk along the old railway line
The Brown and Purple Hairstreaks between Weymouth and Portland.
will be among the targets, along This walk is ideal for families and
with other summer species like the those wishing to improveidentification skills. the end of 2017. A formal transect
Meet at 2.00 pm at the café in was set up last year and 28 species
Sandsfoot Castle gardens, Old were recorded then. An impressive
Castle Road, Weymouth, map colony of Small Blues has
reference SY 675 775, postcode developed.
DT4 8QE. Meet at 1.00 pm at the truncated
Contact is Bernard Franklin on end of the Broadmayne road where
07711 304412 it meets the relief road, map
reference SY 674 859. N.B. Access
THURSDAY 8 AUGUST is only possible from the eastern
GUIDED WALK - TYNEHAM side of the relief road.
and COASTAL PATH Contact is Adrian Neil on 01305
This walk may be steep in places 832937
but will bring rewarding sea views.
We will hopefully catch the SUNDAY 11 AUGUST
emerging second brood of Adonis GUIDED WALK – MARTIN
Blue and Wall and find Lulworth DOWN NNR
Skipper which will be coming to the Joint with Bournemouth
end of its flight period. Natural Science Society
Meet 11.00 am at the Tyneham car Target species include Silver-
park (charges apply), map reference spotted Skipper, Chalkhill Blue and
SY 882 802 and bring a packed hopefully second-brood Adonis
lunch. Contact is Tom and Jean Blue. Bring a packed lunch as we
Smith on 01305 567537 or 07717 will be stopping for lunch about
437250 on the day. halfway round the walk but there is
an option to return to the car park
SATURDAY 10 AUGUST for those who wish to leave early.
GUIDED WALK – We meet at 10.30 am in the car
WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD park, map reference SU 058 192, at
During the construction of the the top of Sillens Lane which runs
road an imaginative plan was from the triangular green in Martin
devised to create new herb-rich village.
downland on the slopes alongside Contact is Mark Spencer on 01202
it. Informal monitoring of 760621 or 07926 556653.
butterflies started in 2012 and, as
the site developed, an overall total
of 29 species had been counted bySUNDAY 11 AUGUST SUNDAY 18 AUGUST
BUTTERFLY WALK ON OPEN GARDEN –
BALLARD DOWN SHILLINGSTONE
(SWANAGE) Mike and Jennie Adams invite BC
A return visit to Ballard Down to members and the general public to
see the second brood of the visit their garden with broad
Adonis Blue, Wall and Brown borders packed with a profuse mix
Argus which will now be on the of plants – from the well-known
wing. Meet at 11.00 am at Ulwell and old-fashioned across the
lay-by on the Swanage to Studland spectrum to rare and unusual –
road, map reference SZ 021 809. including perennials, self-seeding
Contact Jon Bellamy 01929 450182. annuals, bulbs, climbers, shrubs,
trees and edibles, covering the
WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST ground and clothing fences, walls,
GUIDED WALK – THE hedges and wooden frameworks.
BUTTERFLIES OF They were in the National Gardens
LULWORTH Scheme Yellow Book for 20 years
On this, our penultimate visit this until 2015 (and open for Butterfly
summer, Adonis and Chalkhill Conservation in 1994 and 95)
Blues, Grayling and Dark Green opening every year in late August
Fritillary will be among the target and so specialising in late-flowering
species. See May 22 for full details. and architectural subtropicals both
outside and in the large glasshouse.
FRIDAY 16 AUGUST Non-botanical surprises too!
UPTON HEATH MOTHS Coombe Cottage (DT10 0SF) lies
AND BUTTERFLIES on the main A357 in the middle of
Joint with Dorset Wildlife Shillingstone between Gunn Lane
Trust (where parking is advised) and the
9.00 am Moths. The inspection of Old Ox pub. You are asked to
the overnight moth trap. donate £3 per head (under-16s
11.00 am Butterfly Walk on free), which will be donated in full
Upton Heath for Grayling and to BC. There may also be a few
other wildlife. home-grown plants for sale. The
Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre, garden will be open between 2.00
Corfe Mullen, map reference SY and 5.30 pm and phone enquiries
977 948, postcode BH21 3RX. may be made to 01258 860220.
Contact is Andy Fale on 07970
552673THURSDAY 22 AUGUST This is the week of The Great
GUIDED WALK - Dorset Steam Fair so avoid the
OSMINGTON (East of Blandford area at all costs.
Weymouth) Contact is Andrew Daw on 07778
A downland and country lane walk 146297.
on which we should find at least 15
species of butterfly. The targets SATURDAY 24 / SUNDAY 25
will include Adonis Blue and Wall. AUGUST
There is a choice to return to the OAK FAIR, STOCK
start making a 2 hour walk or then GAYLARD PARK
have a picnic lunch if you wish to Stock Gaylard Estate is a small
continue to make a total of 4½ traditional country estate just over
hours walking and watching. 4 miles from Sturminster Newton
Meet at 11.00 am outside and 8 miles from Sherborne.
Osmington church, map reference Come and find us on Conservation
SY 725 829. Row at this popular festival, details
Contact is Colin Burningham on of which can be found at
01935 873219 or mobile 07849 www.stockgaylard.com/the-oak-
921594 fair.asp
Contact is Colin Burningham on
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 01935 873219 or mobile 07849
GUIDED WALK - FONTMELL 921594
DOWN
Joint with Wiltshire Branch WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST
The last Dorset refuge of the Silver GUIDED WALK – THE
-spotted Skipper, Fontmell offers a BUTTERFLIES OF
great opportunity to study this and LULWORTH
other downland specialities like Our series of walks concludes
Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blue and today. Adonis Blue, Grayling,
the second brood of Adonis Blue. Clouded Yellow and Wall will be
Bring stout footwear and a packed among the target species. See May
lunch if staying for the afternoon 22 for full details.
visit to the lower slopes.
Meet 11.00 am at the National SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER
Trust car park, map reference ST GUIDED WALK - WINSPIT,
886 187. There is alternative PURBECK
parking around the triangle at ST We end the walk season with a
888 185. pleasant coastal walk (steep inplaces) for late butterflies and is ST 736 100.
migrating birds. Wear stout For further information, contact
footwear and bring packed lunch. Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or
Meet 11.00 am at Worth Matravers email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk
car park, map ref SY 974 776.
Contact is Arthur Bryant on 01747 THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
228252 or 07711 404190 on the day. NATIONAL MOTH NIGHT
EVENT (See over for further info
SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER on National Moth Night)
DORSET COUNTY SHOW, Urban Wildlife Centre, Corfe
Dorchester Showground, Mullen,
Dorchester. 9.00 am. Moth trap opening.
Come and find us in the Bee Tent Map reference SY 978 950,
at the top of the field, and visit our postcode BH21 3RX. Contact is
Information and Display Stall at this Andy Fale on 07970 552673.
busy show. Childrens’ activities, live
moths and sales. SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER
Contact is Colin Burningham on CONSERVATION WORK
01935 873219 or 07849 921594 DAY
Lydlinch Common
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Lydlinch is part of an area crucial to
CONSERVATION WORK the Marsh Fritillary. Conservation
DAY AT ALNERS GORSE work is vital to ensure that the
We will be continuing the habitat is kept suitable for its
woodland and scrub management survival. Meet 10.00 am and park
work to improve our wildlife in the lay-by outside the village on
habitats on this fabulous reserve. the north side of the A357 near the
There will be hot drinks and cake turning to Sherborne, map
for refreshment. Join us if you can reference ST 737 137. The nearest
between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm postcode is DT10 2JD.
Alners Gorse reserve entrance is Contact is Colin Burningham on
on the road from Kings Stag to 01935 873219 or 07849 921594.
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 referenceTHURSDAY 26 – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
MOTH NIGHT 2019
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Moth Night, this year there
are two themes – Clifden Nonpareil and migrants.
The Clifden Nonpareil was until recent years only recorded as a
scarce immigrant but it is now thought to have colonised some
southern counties and there is evidence that it is breeding in
Dorset. It is on the wing in September and October, so should be
at its peak at this time.
September is an excellent month for migrants but their arrival is
dependent on the prevailing weather conditions.
Any other events we organise for National Moth Night will be on
our website: www.dorsetbutterflies.com/events
Help us fill Dorset’s ‘White Holes’
2019 is an important year for butterfly recording, as this is the last
year of our current five-year recording cycle. After this year, the
slate is wiped clean and we start all over again,
‘White Holes’ is our local term for kilometre squares in Dorset
where no butterflies have been reported in the current recording
cycle, and our aim is to fill as many as possible. A few are
impossible because they are out of bounds, such as on the army
ranges: we don’t want you to be shot!
Our website has a map to show you where the white holes are.
Searching them out can take you to parts of Dorset you’ve never
seen before, and most of this County is very beautiful. Please do
not trespass, and if you are walking along a road, take extra care of
the traffic: lanes are not as quiet as they used to be.
Help us make this the best year ever for coverage of the County!You can also read
