The Devil's Dyke

by Iris Newbery

Having just read a letter in the Suffolk newsletter about Chalkhill Blues on the Devil's Dyke, it occurred to me that the writer and members of the Suffolk branch might be interested in the recent hi~tory of the Chalkhill Blues on this site. More members might be inspired to attend working parties when it is realised what an impact the right work can have on a site. Going back to the very beginning, Michael Chinery the branch President, contacted the Nature Conservancy Council (as it then was) in 1987 suggesting our branch (Cambridgeshire and Essex) might become involved with the work on Devil's Dyke, which was a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSS!) and in February of 1988 the branch had its first working party with Keith Poole, who was then the Conservation Officer for the branch. Four people turned up on that occasion. By 1989 there was talk of re-establishment of Chalkhill Blue on the dyke, with Therfield Heath being discussed as a possible donor site. However, at our A.G.M. in 1992 we discovered from rwo members that a Chalkhill Blue had been seen on the dyke, although neither of them had mentioned it to any committee member, or sent in a record to the Survey Officer. This made re-introduction out of the question. In 1993 a rota was drawn up for several committee members to visit the dyke during the flight season, and all weeks were covered. The highest number seen was 13, (11 males and 2 females). The winter work parties were continued, and during 1994 John Dawson made several visits, but the highest number that year were seen on our field trip, when 24 males were seen and 9 females. By 1995 these had climbed to 47 males and 9 females. In October 1995 John Dawson took on the role of Conservation Officer, and he made a detailed chart of the site showing areas worked and comparative Chalkhill Blue records, which illustrated clearly the benefit to butterflies of past work at the site. In 1996 the numbers had reached 51 males plus 5 females, although 11 females had been noted on 20th August. 1997 saw 236 males and 35 females.

Peak numbers seen in 1998 reached an outstanding 609.

As far as I am concerned this site is the jewel for Cambridgeshire and Essex, especially as I have always been one of the workers at the site, and have put in many hours recording there. We now have another Conservation Officer, Carl Blamire who is carrying on the excellent work of his predecessors.

Brown Argus by Douglas Hammersley

Other butterflies seen of interest are Dingy Skippers, many of these seen, Green Hairstreak and clouds of Brown Argus in a good year, along with many more common species. Others that have turned up are the Dark Green Fritillary, a singleton three years running, and Marbled White, a singleton several years. These of course could have been releases by someone and is not to be encouraged. There are many interesting moths to be seen when visiting, and for the keen eyed the spectacular larva of the Emperor moth can usually be seen. Also the flora alone is worth a visit to the dyke, in fact some visitors on our field trips have made that their prioriry.

Anyone ready to join a scrub clearance work party on the Devil's Dyke - the next is on Sun 18 March 0 1 - will be very welcome, and should contact Rob Parker (01284 705476) or Iris Newbery of the Essex and Cambridgeshire Branch (01992 573538)-Ed

Suffolk Argus - Index

Former committee member Steve Goddard has recently put together a full index to all 21 editions of the Suffolk Argus. Although we have not issued it with this edition of the Argus, copies can be obtained from Paul Gilson by sending a self addressed envelope or contacting me via e-mail. My address is paul.gilson@btinternet.com

Chalkhill Blue by Douglas Hammersley