No. 78 Spring

No. 78 Spring 2015 2

SATURDAY 25 th /SUNDAY 26 th APRIL SPRING AT ALNERS GORSE Saturday 8.00pm: 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. Sunday 4.00am for 4.30 start: 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 the night s moth catch followed by refreshments at 10.30 am. 11.00am 1.00pm: Guided walk: 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. Contact is Nigel Spring by email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01963 23559. SATURDAY 16 th MAY GUIDED WALK WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD Joint with South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership This event gives us the opportunity to monitor the development of this important newly developed herbrich habitat, where more than 20 species of butterfly have already been recorded. 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 John Elliott on 01305 889380. SUNDAY 17 th MAY GUIDED WALK - CERNE GIANT HILL, joint with Devon Branch A visit to this splendid area of ancient grassland habitat to see abundant wild flowers and numerous spring butterflies, including the thriving colony of Duke of Burgundy. Other species typically expected at this time would be Adonis and Common Blues, Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Marsh Fritillary, Small Copper and Small Heath, and possibly Small Blue and Wall. Please be aware the terrain is a little steep in places and as the tour will be for more than three hours, do bring a packed lunch. 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 melrose@john-lewis.com. FRIDAY 22 nd /SATURDAY 23 rd MAY MOTH TRAPPING SESSION SPRINGHEAD STUDY CENTRE, Fontmell Magna Friday 22 nd 8pm/Saturday May 23 rd from 8.30am. Join us on the Friday evening at 8.00 pm for the setting up of the moth traps and/or from 8.30 am the following morning for the opening of the traps and identification of the moths caught. This will be a public event run jointly by the Dorset Branch and the Springhead Study Centre and coincides with the Woodland Crafts Day and our Butterfly Identification Day. Basic facilities for overnight camping are available. Springhead is one mile east of Fontmell Magna on the Ashmore road, postcode SP7 0NU. Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 776767. SATURDAY 23 rd MAY WORKSHOP ON IDENTIFYING, SURVEYING & RECORDING BUTTERFLIES AND DAY- FLYING MOTHS The regular recording of butterflies is now playing an important part in monitoring trends in our species populations. 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 free workshop for beginners and those who still lack the confidence to take part in recording. The workshop will be held at Springhead, Fontmell Magna from 9.45 am to 4.00 pm. It will consist partly of an indoor session in which the theoretical techniques of identification will be shown, and the different types of recording explained. We will also have a field visit to nearby butterfly rich Compton Down 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 [DBC Membership Secretary], Clarence House, Cemetery Road, Gillingham, SP8 4BA. 01747 824215. (email: rab.george@which.net) Full details of this meeting, including how to get to Springhead and what to bring with you, will be sent when you make your booking. SUNDAY 24 th 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 spring flowers. Target species are Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper, Adonis Blue and Brown Argus. Meet 11.00am at Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road, map reference SZ 021 809. Contact is Colin Nunn on 01929 439211. 3 4

MONDAY 25 th MAY GUIDED WALK - LYDLINCH COMMON This is a key site for the Marsh Fritillary. Meet 2.00pm 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. THURSDAY 4 th JUNE BUTTS POND OPEN DAY LNN, Butts Pond Meadows, Sturminster Newton, 10.30am to 3.00 pm. The Display and Information Stall will be at this event. Contact is Bridget de Whalley: stall@dorsetbutterflies.com or 01258 880524 FRIDAY 19 th /SATURDAY 20 th JUNE MOTH TRAPPING SESSION SPRINGHEAD STUDY CENTRE, Fontmell Magna See event on 22 nd /23 rd May for details, contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 776767. SUNDAY 21 st JUNE OPEN DAY AT THE QUARR LOCAL NATURE RESERVE AND TERRACE MEADOWS SNCI SHERBORNE The Quarr is Sherborne s local nature reserve, with a mix of young woodland, scrub and grassland habitats, while the Terrace Meadow is a fascinating patch of limestone grassland. Join us for one or both guided walks, which will include flower and insect identification sessions. We will meet on the Quarr at 11.00am and at the Terrace Meadows SNCI at 2.00pm. 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 641156, 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 637156. For further information please contact Nigel Spring on 01963.23559 or 07981.776767 or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk SATURDAY 27 th / SUNDAY 28 th JUNE MIDSUMMER ON BROADCROFT QUARRY RESERVE, joint with Dorset Moth Group Saturday 7.00pm Barbecue and Moth Trapping: this is a coastal limestone habitat which could attract migrants if conditions are favourable. Camping facilities are available for anyone who would like to stay overnight bring tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils etc. and food and drink to share. Sunday 9.00am Moths: analysis of last night's catch in moth traps at Broadcroft Reserve with refreshments at 10.30 am. 11.00 am Guided walk: Broadcroft Quarry was the county's first Butterfly Reserve, and an impressive colony of Silver-studded Blues can be found here. For Broadcroft Quarry Reserve, turn left off Easton Road onto Grove Road and about 100 yards on the right is a track which leads to the car park, map reference SY 695 723. Contact is Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767, or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk SATURDAY 4 th JULY CHASE WOODS - RUSHMORE ESTATE, joint with Wiltshire Branch A guided walk in old woodland with Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral among the targets. Meet 11.00am inside the gate to Greatstone Coppice on the north side of the B3081about one mile west of Sixpenny Handley, map reference ST 978 173. Contact is Arthur Bryant on 01202 892816 or 07711 404190. WEDNESDAY 8 th JULY GUIDED WALK THE BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH The Lulworth Skipper will be a target species on this, the first of three 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 but pre-booking is advisable as numbers are limited. Charges apply in the large car park next to The Centre, map reference SY 824 800. The start time is 11.00am and it is expected that the walk will last about 2 hours. For further details and booking ring The Heritage Centre on 01929 400155. WEDNESDAY 8 th / THURSDAY 9 th JULY MOTH TRAPPING ON HARDOWN HILL, MORECOMBELAKE This may be the first time that moth trapping has been done on this west Dorset National Trust site. We will be setting the traps around 8pm on the Wednesday evening and gathering to analyse the catch from 8.30am the following morning. Arrangements have been made for parking nearby within easy walking distance of the hill. Contact Ann Bartlett on 01297 489532 or email: ann.bartlett1945@gmail.com to organise access and for further information about the event. SATURDAY 11 th JULY GUIDED WALK MARTIN DOWN NNR, joint with Wiltshire Branch Target species include Dark Green Fritillary and Marbled White. Bring a packed lunch as we will be stopping for lunch about halfway round the walk. Meet at 11.00 am at 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 Andrew Daw on 07778 146297 5 6

SATURDAY 11 th JULY Uplyme and Lyme Regis Summer Show Come and visit our Display and Information Stall and hear our plans for the Big Butterfly Count which runs from 17 th July to 9 th August. Enjoy the show from 1.00 5.00pm. Contact is Brian Dicker on 01963 32453. SUNDAY 12 th JULY GUIDED WALK AT RINGSTEAD BAY (BETWEEN WEYMOUTH AND LULWORTH COVE) This cliff top walk from Ringstead towards Lulworth will be an all day event, so bring a packed lunch. The walk is steep at one point. Marbled White, Grayling and Lulworth Skipper should be seen. Meet at 11.00am in the National Trust car park (at top of hill, not the lower car park) map reference SY 759824. Contact is Bernard Franklin on 07711 304412. WEDNESDAY 15 th JULY GUIDED WALK THE BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH See July 8 th for details. FRIDAY 17 th /SATURDAY 18 th JULY MOTH TRAPPING SESSION SPRINGHEAD STUDY CENTRE, Fontmell Magna See event on 22 nd /23 rd May for details, contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 776767. SATURDAY 18 th JULY GUIDED WALK DURLSTON NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE Durlston is one of the best butterfly sites in the country, and there should be up to 15 species seen during the walk. Meet 10.30am at the entrance to the renovated Durlston Castle (not the educational centre) map reference SZ 035 772. Follow the brown signs to the car park where charges apply. Contact is John Gilbert on 01929 425165. SUNDAY 19 th JULY THE FLEET NATURE RESERVE We will be surveying an area of land to the west of Abbotsbury Swannery adjacent to the Fleet which, because there is no public access, is under-recorded. It will be of particular interest to look for colonies of Lulworth Skipper along this part of the Fleet. Meet at 11.00am at the Swannery car park, map reference SY 577 846. Bring a packed lunch. Contact is Adrian Neil on 01305 832937. SUNDAY 19 th JULY AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK. Wild Sunday As guests of AHCP there will be a moth trap opening at 10.30am at The Discovery Centre followed by a butterfly walk at 11.30am. AHCP is off the A31, 4 miles NW of Ferndown. Contact is Bob Steedman on 01202 884671. TUESDAY 21 st / WEDNESDAY 22 nd JULY FAMILY BIOBLITZ DAY AT LANKHAM BOTTOM RESERVE Includes a guided walk for beginners/learners/new members. Tuesday 7.00pm: Barbecue & Moth trapping. Camping facilities available for anyone who would like to stay overnight. Bring tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils etc. and food and drink to share. Wednesday 9.00am: analysis of last night's catch in moth traps with refreshments at 10.30am 11.00am: guided walk to see the wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife. If you want to bring a picnic, you are welcome to have lunch on the reserve after the walk. 2.00 4.00pm: guided walk to teach basic butterfly identification and ecology. Beginners and learners and new members welcome. 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. contact Nigel Spring on 01963.23559 or 07981.776767, or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk SATURDAY 25 th JULY STONEDOWN WOOD, SOUTH WILTSHIRE, joint with Wiltshire Branch This is planned as a butterfly identification event and is deal for beginners. Stonedown Wood is adjacent to Chase Woods north of Sixpenny Handley, and is rich in butterflies. Meet at 11.00am 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 so needs to be followed with caution. Contact is Frank Crosier on 01722 790419. SATURDAY 25 th /SUNDAY 26 th JULY FAMILY WALKS ON THE SOUTH DORSET RIDGEWAY Two days of guided walks in the stunning south Dorset landscape, and a chance to help with the Big Butterfly Count. An event organised by Butterfly Conservation Dorset branch in association with the South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership, all are welcome! Saturday 25 th Short route (2.5-3 miles) Bincombe Down to Sutton Poyntz. Meet 12.00 noon at the junction of Came Wood and Came Down Golf Course at the eastern end of Bincombe Down, map reference SY687 857. The walk will end at the Springhead pub from where drivers will be taken back to their cars. Saturday 25 th Longer route (4.5-5 miles) Bincombe Down to Osmington Village. Meet 10.00am at meeting point above. The walk will end at the Sunray Inn in 7 8

Osmington from where drivers will be taken back to their cars. Sunday 26 th Short route (2.5 3 miles) Portesham Farm to Friar Waddon via Corton Farm. Meet at 12.00 noon at Portesham Farm, map reference SY611 861. The walk will end opposite Friar Waddon House from where drivers will be taken back to the cars. Sunday 26 th Longer route (5m) Portesham Farm to Friar Waddon via Hardy s Monument. Meet at 10.00am at Portesham Farm. You will need suitable footwear and a packed lunch with plenty to drink; binoculars will be useful. We will be identifying butterflies and day-flying moths (and plenty of other wildlife and landmarks) as we go. All walks are expected to finish around 3.00 pm. Please contact Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk to find out more and to book places on one or both days. SATURDAY 1 st / SUNDAY 2 nd AUGUST THE GREAT DORSET AND WILTSHIRE BUTTERFLY SCRAMBLE 10.00 am - 3.00 pm. A weekend of butterfly counting with a small element of competition and a large element of fun! Prizes will be awarded too! We are looking for Dorset teams of at least two people who will be allocated a 10x10km 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 5 hours (hopefully more than anyone else, and more than Wiltshire!). Teams can compete on one or both days. For details of the rules and/to apply please email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07981 776767. SUNDAY 2 nd 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 1.00pm at the café in Sandsfoot Castle gardens, Old Castle Road, Weymouth, map reference SY 675 773. Contact is Bernard Franklin on 07711 304412 WEDNESDAY 5 th / THURSDAY 6 th AUGUST FAMILY BIOBLITZ DAY AT ALNERS GORSE Wednesday 7.00 pm: barbecue and Moth trapping. Camping facilities available for anyone who would like to stay overnight - bring tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils etc. and food and drink to share. Thursday 9.00am: analysis of last night's catch in moth traps with refreshments at 10.30am. 11.00am Guided walks to see the wildflowers, butterflies and other wildlife. 1.00pm: bring your own picnic if you would like to have lunch on the reserve. 2.00-4.00pm: guided walk to teach basic butterfly identification and ecology. Beginners, learners and new members welcome. Alners Gorse reserve entrance is on the road from Kings Stag to Hazelbury Bryan, beside the Hazelbury Bryan village sign and 30mph 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. contact Nigel Spring on 01963 23559 or 07981 776767, or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk. SATURDAY 15 th AUGUST GUIDED WALK WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD See event on May 16 th for details. Contact is Adrian Neil on 01305 832937. SATURDAY 15 th AUGUST GUIDED WALK WIN GREEN (ASHCOMBE BOTTOM), joint with Wiltshire Branch Chalkhill Blue is among target species. Bring a packed lunch and be prepared for a long yet leisurely walk (approx. 5 miles). The general plan is to have lunch by the pond in Tollard Royal. Meet at 10.00am at Win Green car park ST 923 205. Contact is Andrew Daw on 07778 146297. SUNDAY 16 th AUGUST GUIDED WALK - FONTMELL DOWN, joint with Devon Branch 9 10 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 possinly the second brood of Adonis Blue. Bring stout footwear and a packed lunch if staying for the afternoon visit to the lower slopes. Meet 11.00am at the National Trust gate, grid reference ST 885 187. There is alternative parking around the triangle at ST 888 185. N.B. If the B3081 is still closed at Melbury Abbas, then travel either via Ludwell on the A30 or via Fontmell Magna on the A350 If travelling from Shaftesbury. Contact is Lawrie de Whalley on WEDNESDAY 19 th AUGUST GUIDED WALK THE BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH See July 8 th for details. SUNDAY 23 rd 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 11.00am at Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road, map reference SZ 021 809. Contact is Jon Bellamy on 01929 450182.

THURSDAY 27 th AUGUST GUIDED WALK - OSMINGTON (East of Weymouth) A walk through downland and along a country lane, where 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 to have a picnic lunch if you wish to continue to make a total of 4½ hours walking. Children are very welcome. Meet at 11.00am outside Osmington church, map reference SY 725 829. Contact is Lawrie de Whalley on SATURDAY 29 th /SUNDAY 30 th 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. This is a 2 -day fair this year to celebrate their 10 th anniversary. Come and find us on Conservation Row at this popular festival. Contact is Bridget de Whalley stall@dorsetbutterflies.con or on SUNDAY 30 th AUGUST GUIDED WALK - WINSPIT, PURBECK, joint with Wiltshire Branch A pleasant coastal walk for late butterflies and migrating birds. Wear stout footwear and bring packed lunch. Steep in places. Meet 11.00am at Worth Matravers car park, map reference SY 974 776. Contact is Bernard Franklin on 07711 304412. THURSDAY 10 th - SATURDAY 12 th SEPTEMBER NATIONAL MOTH NIGHT The theme of this year s events is Migration. The following events have been arranged in conjunction with the occasion: FRIDAY 11 th SEPTEMBER UPTON HEATH MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES, joint with Dorset Wildlife Trust 9.00am: Inspection of the overnight moth trap. 11.00am: Butterfly Walk on Upton Heath for Grayling and other wildlife. Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Corfe Mullen, map reference SY 977 948. Contact is Andy Fale on 07970 552673. SATURDAY 12 th SEPTEMBER AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK There will be a moth trap opening at 10.30am at the Discovery Centre. AHCP is off the A31, 4 miles NW of Ferndown. Contact is Bob Steedman on 01202 884671. SATURDAY 12 th /SUNDAY 13 th SEPTEMBER LATE SUMMER MOTHS AT ALNERS GORSE Saturday 7.30pm: moth trapping evening and camp. Camping facilities are available for anyone wishing to stay overnight bring tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils etc and food as required. Sunday 9.00am: Inspection of last night s moth catch followed by refreshments at 10.30am. 11.00am 1.00pm guided walk to see the butterflies and other wildlife. contact Nigel Spring on 01963.23559 or 07981.776767, or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk. SUNDAY 20 th SEPTEMBER CONSERVATION WORK DAY AT ALNERS GORSE Continuing the woodland and scrub management work to improve our wildlife habitats. There will be a bonfire with hot drinks and baked potatoes for lunch. Please come and join us between 10.00am and 4.00pm if you can. 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. contact Nigel Spring on 01963.23559 or 07981.776767, or email nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk SUNDAY 27 th SEPTEMBER CONSERVATION WORK DAY Lydlinch Common Lydlinch is part of an area crucial to the Marsh Fritillary and conservation work is vital to ensure that the habitat is kept suitable for its survival at this site. Meet at 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 Lawrie de Whalley on 11 12