Suffolk Argus 28 Spring 2003 by Suffolk Naturalists' Society

Suffolk Branch Contacts

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

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Chairman Rob Parker, 66 Cornfield Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3BN (01284 705476) Membership Secretary Beryl Johnson, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701) Newsletter Editor Jim Foster, Lugano, The Street, Stonham Aspal, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6AH (01449 711484) Publicity Officer (Vacant) Programme Secretary Alan Johnson, 28 Medway Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QH (01473 715701) County Recorder (Butterflies) Rob Parker (address as above)

Conservation Officer (Butterflies) Rob Parker (addr_essleft) Conservation Officer (Moths) Tony Prichard, 3 Powling Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9JR (01473 270047) County Recorder (Moths) Tony Prichard (address above) Secretary Tony Prichard, (address above) Treasurer Graham Bull, Willow Cottage, 1 The Street, Raydon, Suffolk IP7 5LP (01473 310371) Committee Members Stella Wolfe, Mike Dean President Howard Mendel, c/o The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD (0171 938 8782)

Volunteers Needed If you feel you could help out now and then with the growing work of the Branch, please contact Beryl Johnson on 01473 715701.

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The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation

Published by the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation (The British Butterfly Conservation Society Ltd.) © 2003 all rights reserved Reg. No. 2206468 Reg. Charity No. 254937 Head Office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Tel: (01929) 400209 Editor: Jim Foster Logo: (Silver-studded Blue) Doug Hammersley Design: Stephen Ion, Cat & Mouse design

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Spring 2003 BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

Volume 28

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The SuffolkArgus

Spring 2003

Contents

Editorial

Safety Code/Newsflash

Field Meetings 2002

5-11

Spring

Sandlings Walk

Summer

April Fools Day

Butterfly Conservation Report for 2002

Autumn

August Bank Holiday

18-19

Climate Change and Future Recording

20-21

Any piece of writing that is considered to be of interest will be published together with line drawings/prints /photographs. The Suffolk Argus is your magazine, so please let us hear from you.

Newsletter details and general information

To advertise in the Suffolk Argus please contact Jim Foster on

Back Cover

01449 711484.

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A range ofbutteJ!i~ and some moths, cast in aluminium alloy, painted in true-to-life colours, and suitable for out.door or indoor mouming. A scale of five times life-siz.e is used to portray insects in theirnaturalsettled positioos

Christmas Eve

Atlas of Norfolk Butterflies - A Further Appraisal Suffolk Branch Contacts

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Contributions for our newsletter should reach the Editor (address on back page) no later than:

Accounts

Deer and Butterflies

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Copy Dates

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Annual General Meeting

The Great Apollo Hunt - Episode 4

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House number/nameplates too, all painted in durable enamels to last for many years. One quarter oflhe purchase price will be donated to branch funds.

Phone or fax Mervyn Crawford on Mildenhall (01638) 712600 for Colour brochure I Price list

A purpose built Hotel with all the facilities that today's travellers require yet in a rustic traditional environment that is welcoming and comfortable.

Butterfly Hotel, Al 4 Bury East Exit. Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds Tel: 01284 760884

Butterfly Hotel, Al 4 Bury East Exit. Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds Tel: 01284 760884 23

The Suffolk Argus

The Millennium

Atlas of Norfolk Butterflies - A Further Appraisal By Richard Stewart Can I add to some of Rob Parker's comments in the last ½rgus'. I found the text very full and interesting, picking up some new information in the process. Considering the size of reproduction, the photos were excellent, being in focus and a helpful guide to identification, not just through their variety but also because they were grouped closely together. Several Suffolk comments needed much closer checking - Rob mentioned the Chalkhill Blue transposition, but the suggestion that the Green Hairstreak is declining in Suffolk translates, in reality, to genuine expansion into areas off the heathlands, though admittedly the national publication got it wrong as well. Bearing in mind I made it quite clear in the first column of my detailed Suffolk Butterflies article in BC News, Winter 2001, that there was no conclusive proof of a breeding colony of the Queen of Spain Fritillary in Suffolk, the comment: "reports of a permanent colony in Suffolk have continued throughout the late 1990s" is unfortunate. I also doubt if the authors could justify the comment "The White Admiral is unlike any other British butterfly in appearance" if they saw one in the canopy, flying alongside a female Purple Emperor. And to be told "Some authors ascribe a named form to individuals with such spots, but in our experience it is very rare for there to be no blue markings at all", in respect of v. caeruleopunctata, Small Copper, is very misleading. Certainly in Suffolk there are several recorders closely examining this species and their evidence is in clear contradiction. However, my main concern is with the distribution maps. These are certainly clear but also very limited, simply because of there having

Spring 2003 been only 83% coverage from 1989-2000 and just 22,000 records, that is about 2,000 a year: not enough, surely, for a comprehensive set of distribution maps. Even those covering the more common species have large gaps and in the case of the Brown Argus the comment that it "has colonised the entire county in little more than a decade" unfortunately is directly below a largely empty map, including many completely recordfree 10 km squares. This lack of coverage is most evident in the bottom right hand corner of the maps, i.e. administrative Norfolk, which is also vice-county Suffolk on our maps. Species after species has large gaps which are covered on Suffolk maps, the Essex Skipper being perhaps the most obvious example. This has detailed coverage in this area, representing a genuine expansion since the mid-80's Suffolk survey. Since I compiled and issued updated species distribution maps every year from 1993-99, a simple telephone call to me, Martin Sanford, Richard Fox or Jim Asher would •have released this data. Perhaps it just emphasises the need for closer liaison between adjoining East Anglian branches, which hopefully will occur once a Regional Officer is appointed.

BrownArgus by Douglas Hammersley

Editorial· byJim Foster Regular readers will know that for many years the author of this page has been Richard Stewart, however he resigned from the Committee at the Annual General Meeting in September. I have taken over the mantle as the sole editor where recently Richard and myself were joint editors. Richard has undertaken a tremendous amount of work for the conservation of butterflies in Suffolk. He has been Conservation Officer (Butterflies) since the formation of the Suffolk Branch in 1993, County Recorder (Butterflies) since 1994 and Joint Newsletter Editor of the Suffolk Argus from July 1998. Throughout his period of office he has been a very active committee member and carried out numerous tasks on behalf of the Branch. This work culminated in the publication of'The Millennium Atlas of Suffolk Butterflies' in 2001. Richard's outstanding endeavours were acknowledged recently when committee colleagues presented him with Michael Salmon's superb new book: "The Aurelian Legacy - British Butterflies and their Collectors". Well done Richard, and thank you for all the enthusiastic work you have done on our behal£ An advantage Richard had when writing the editorial was that he could draw on his experiences as County Recorder, furthermore, he was in a previ~us incarnation an English teacher, and therefore had a way with words. Your present editor, a retired qualified accountant, has more of a way with figures than with words, consequently readers may well find the editorial rather shorter than previously. This is a new venture for me but I will do my best. In the previous issue of The Suffolk Argus under the Lavenham field meeting, reference was made to an unidentified plant as follows, "with just one plant, probably a spurge, causing identification problems in the well-cleared former

railway cutting". Two members, Derek and Valerie Soper who attended that meeting decided to return to the site in early June and found it in flower. They noted the botanical characteristics and identified it as Common Gromwell Lithospermum officinale, a member of the Borage Family. They pointed out that Gromwells have a very hard seed hence the scientific name that means "stone seed". I note in Simpson's Flora of Suffolk that the species is, "Formerly frequent, now becoming scarce. Not usually in any quantity". Thank you Derek and Valerie for identifying this plant for us. For those who have yet to attend a Suffolk Branch field meeting this emphasises the fact that although Lepidoptera are the main motive for the meetings most of those who attend have interests wider than butterflies and moths. Thus field meetings can give rise to us furthering our knowledge and understanding of all aspects of natural history. Turning to this issue, those of you that have been following the Apollo articles by our former Chairman James Mann will see that he has at last found his quarry. Episode 4 also includes illustrations of the butterfly. Enclosed with this newsletter is the 2003 programme. The Committee have as before endeavoured to create a varied selection of meetings both 'home and away' and for moths as well as butterflies. The out of county trips provide members with the opportunity of seeing species that are absent or uncommon in Suffolk. We would like to see more members attending the field meetings as only a small proportion of the membership in Suffolk currently participate. These meetings can be a pleasant social event in addition to the natural history, so why not give them a try.

The Suffolk Argus

Spring 2003

Safety Code

6. Children are welcome on our walks, but if under 16 must be accompanied by at least one adult for two children. It is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s) to ensure that the trip is within the children's ability.

As with any other activity, there are hazards in

the countryside and everyone taking part in a Field Trip or Work Party has a responsibility (duty of care), for their own safety and that of others. We try hard to ensure that our Events present no greater hazard than any other walk in the countryside, but please note and act on the following:

7. Dogs are normally welcome on walks, but must be kept under control. Any exceptions are shown in the individual trip details. 8. If you are uncertain about any details of the trip, ring the leader/contact in advance. There is always a telephone number given with the trip details.

1. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If there are unusual requirements, these are noted in the individual trip details. Stout shoes are a minimum requirement for any walk. 2.

9. If you decide to leave the event early, tell the leader.

During the main summer season you may be exposed to strong sunshine for much or all of the walk. Take a hat, use suncream or protection for exposed skin. Make sure that you have adequate food and liquid to drink with you. Equally, sunshine can easily turn to cold and rain during the day. Be prepared.

10. Take care at YOURSELF.

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ENJOY

We thank Upper Thames Branch for allowing us to publish their Safety Code. Please also refer to our own Safety Notes on the back of the Events Programme 2003 - Ed.

3. The leader will provide a briefing on the trip before setting out, with details of any known particular hazards, and will also give advice on what to do in an emergency. Please listen carefully.

NEWSFLASH

4. At the briefing, please let the leader know if:you have a mobile telephone and are able to take it with you on the walk; you have First Aid qualifications.

rom January 2003, the East of England will at last have a Regional Officer. Her name is Sharon Heade, and she will be making the rounds of all the Anglia Branches with John Davis, Butterfly Conservation's Senior Conservation Officer in the first weeks of the New Year. Much more detail will follow in the next edition.

5. Joining the walk is an indication of your interest in butterflies. By their nature butterflies do not remain conveniently by the main path and will offer many opportunities (temptations) for you to wander away. Take particular care to look out for hazards - rabbit holes, fallen or hanging branches, barbed wire, boggy areas, etc. Beware of wet grass, particularly on sloping ground.

study focused on those European i~ species, which had the northern or southern limit of their present range in Britain (30 southern species and 5 northern). For each species, a theoretically suitable area was mapped using climatic criteria (Mean temperature of coolest month, annual sun/temperature count, moisture/ rainfall). This theoretical area was then compared with the actual distribution. For most species, an excellent match was found, with a few fuzzy margins. Using the output of the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction (not using the most extreme scenario), prediction maps were created to show the areas likely to be suitable after a three degree increase in average temperature. The conclusions are not heart-warming, as it appears that most species will lose more territory at the south of their range than they will gain at the north. Furthermore, new colonisation will be restricted by the shortage of suitable habitat. The Ringlet, for example will lose more ground in Romania and France than it gains in Norway, whilst we must expect to see the Large Heath becoming extinct in Britain. Given continuing degradation of habitat, the reality could be even worse than the model suggests. The research report has been published in "Nature", and we can expect to see further details through BC publications in due course. Regional Conservation On the subject of making use of records to achieve conservation at a local level, the Regional Officer for the North East described progress with finding and managing High Brown Fritillary sites in South Cumbria. It is clear that a Regional Officer adds weight to volunteer effort.

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Grayling by DouglasHammersley

Targeted Recording Anyone prepared to visit under-recorded corners of the UK on holiday should lodge their names with Richard Fox, as one of BC's objectives is to organise some targeted recording in the next few seasons. One aim is to update the maps in 2005. It is clear that annual/periodic fluctuations are becoming more extreme, and that species with changing distributions need to be monitored very closely if we are to detect the warning signs. Another report on "The State of Britain's Butterflies" will also be produced and circulated to decision-takers, using the 2005 data. The overall message was that continued intensive recording is worth the effort, and BC will rise to the challenge.

The SuffolkArgus

Spring2003

Cli~ate Change & Future Recording by Rob Parker A meeting in Birmingham on 5 October 2002 was an opportunity to hear Butterfly Conservation's plans for future recording and transect walking, delivered by way of seven specialist presentations, given by staff and coworkers intimately involved in analyzing the data collected during the five years of the Millennium survey, and looking ahead to make the best use of our recording effort in support of fragile species. The following snippets may be of interest. North Cambs Gap Attention has been drawn to the existence of a blank spot in distribution records for many common species in North Cambridgeshire. Recorder Bias The density of records received for the Millennium survey tended co suggest false extensions of range when compared to old records, simply because earlier surveys were less comprehensive. It is important to realize that where a species had declined in range, the change shown is very real, significant enough to outweigh the positive "recorder bias". A means of cancelling out this difficulty statistically has been devised; this involves thinning the most numerous records down to the level of the earlier survey, before making the comparison. This process is described as subsampling. NBN Bottleneck Distribution data has been made available to all via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway, a website available as a link from the BC website. However, because of a

bottleneck in loading the data at the NBN, not all of it is yet available. Agri-environment Schemes Good cooperation with DEFRA is enabling A-E schemes to work to the benefit of butterflies. At present, over 10% of English farmland is in one of the two schemes (either ~ountryside Stewardship or in one of the 22 Environmentally Sensitive Areas, of which the Brecks is amongst the largest). The Curry report had recommended "modulation" i.e. the diversion of money away from CAP subsidies and into A-E schemes; the aim is the turn round of production-oriented landowners. Transect Results A study comparing the results of transects on land in stewardship with those in other farmland did show that the schemes are already having a positive effect, particularly for BAP species, ten out of thirteen of which were either increasing in numbers, or at least declining at a slower rate than elsewhere. The only transect in Suffolk across "scheme" land is at the RSPB reserve at North Warren, where Grayling numbers are strong on the restored heathland. Transect Coverage There is regional and habitat imbalance in the range of sites at which transects are operating. East Anglia is not well covered, nor is ordinary farmland; obviously volunteers prefer to conduct transects on butterflyrich sites. BMS & BC Transects The strengths and weaknesses of transects conducted under the longstanding Butterfly Monitoring Scheme organised by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology were compared with those conducted by BC volunteers. It is clear that there are benefits to be had from combining the two parallel schemes, and BC's Transect Walker software is already improving the exchange of information. Wider Co-operation Greater co-operation with the recording organisations in other European countries is also underway. For the time being, this includes the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain (Catalonia) and Finland. Climate Change Research in conjunction with the University of York has produced interesting results concerning the likely effects of climate change on butterfly distribution. The

were arrested! The weather was warm and humid with a number of prolonged sunny spells. The walk took us on a circular route through the wood and it was not long before we saw our target species for the day, the Heath Fritillaty. The larval food plant is Common Cow-wheat and it is plentiful here as were the Heath Fritillaries. At least 19 were seen and a number were observed mating. A Large Skipper, the first for this year for most members, was also noted. Two species of damselfly were seen the Large Red and a Variable. Later on as we progressed along the track a leaf beetle, Clytra 4punctata, was identified. This beetle is found near Wood Ant nests on which it scatters its eggs. When we were about half way round the walk a larva was spotted and later identified as the Heath Fritillary. It was on plantain and was probably seeking a suitable spot to pupate. Moths noted were three Speckled Yellow, two of which were mating, a Green Silver-lines and a Cream-bordered Green Pea. A full list of flora was not taken but Honeysuckle, Marsh Bedstraw, Lesser Spearwort, Figwort and Wood Spurge were recorded. Lunch was taken on our return to the car park before proceeding to our next site. The afternoon found the party beside the sea at Minnis Bay in the hope that we might see some Small Blues. The weather was cloudy, although mild but there were frequent showers. We tracked west along the coast and Kidney Vetch, the larval food plant for the Small Blue, was present but no Small Blues, the weather was not conducive for them to be on the wing. The most plentiful butterfly was the Painted Lady with about 20 plus recorded, Small White and Common Blue were also seen. During one of the showers a beautiful female Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly was seen taking refuge from the inclement weather. Six Silver Y moths were recorded and a Drinker moth larva. Some members of the group were lucky enough to see a Kingfisher. Ringed Plover, Grey Heron and a flock of about six Linnets were the only other notable bird records. On one of the banks near a dyke a large area of orchids were in flower and were thought to be Southern Marsh Orchids. So ended the day that started on a sunny note but finished up rather wet.

2002 Field Meetings Two days in Kent/East Sussex 14th & 15th June 2002 byJim Foster For this Suffolk Branch event the majority of members stayed at Heron Cottage in Biddenden, Kent. The village is well known for its Siamese Twins and indeed these are proudly depicted on the village sign. Heron Cottage was at the end of a long, bumpy unmade road through cereal fields. The setting was quiet and peaceful and the grounds featured lovely lawns, numerous trees and a large lily-studded pond. We were informed that Kingfishers visited the pond, however they were not seen but the resident Mistie Thrushes and Turtle Doves were observed. Four sites were visited during the two days each one being led by Paul Johnson.

East Blean Wood and the. coast at Minnis Bay, Birchington 14th June The Kent Wildlife Trust manages East Blean Wood and we met in the reserve car park. Just after our arrival a lone motorcyclist did a circuit of the car park that raised our suspicions, however this was shortly followed by the Police checking out the car park, which settled our nerves. I am pleased to report that no members

Spring 2003

The Suffolk Argus

Park Corner Heath and Butts Brow

resident in Suffolk, was the Grizzled Skipper with two sightings. A lone Green Hairstreak was seen, rather late in the year for this species. Other butterflies noted were Large Skipper, Brimstone, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, and a lone Comma. Flora noted in the reserve included Dyer's Greenweed, Heath Bedstraw and Slender St. John's Wore. The o;,_ly moth seen was the ubiquitous Silver Y. We reversed our tracks back to the car park for lunch and were rewarded with sightings of a female Broad-bodied Chaser and a male Beautiful Demoiselle. The latter was a real gem as this is a species not present in Suffolk. After lunch Paul then led the group in convoy to Butts Brow at Combe Hill near Eastbourne. This site is chalk grassland and a lot more hilly than Suffolk. The hilly ground was not too much of a problem but, as the previous day, the weather had deteriorated and this time instead of rain the culprit was a cool fresh wind. With these conditions butterflies were not going to be too plentiful, nevertheless one Common Blue, four Painted Ladies and two Adonis Blues were recorded. One of the latter was closely observed on low vegetation 'keeping its head down' trying to avoid the wind. Clouded Silver and a Silver Y were the only moths seen. The flora was typical for the habitat and included Salad Burnet, Thyme, Bulbous Buttercup, Dropwort, Horseshoe Vetch and Kidney Vetch. Thus our two-day event in the south of England came to a close. All considered it very successful and our thanks to Paul Johnson for leading and Alan and Beryl Johnson for making the arrangements.

15th June Park Corner Heath is a Butterfly Conservation reserve but as parking here was limited we parked at the adjacent Lower Vert Wood. It was at this car park we saw our first species a Peacock; no not the butterfly but the bird (actually a Peahen), in one of the woodland rides and seemingly some distance from human habitation. Lower Vert Wood did however contain some other interesting species. Before we left for the reserve two species of Damselfly were seen, the Azure and Large Red. The weather had improved since the previous afternoon and the sun was shining, well at least for some of the time. On making our way along the road through the wood Red Admiral, Brimstone, Painted Lady and for most of us the first Meadow Brown of the year. We took a woodland ride to the left to gain access to the reserve. The signboard at the reserve had a picture of an Apollo on it but needless to say we did not see any! For those unfamiliar with this butterfly just turn to the article by James Mann in this issue. The reserve is noted for its Fricillaries and we were not to be disappointed as at least eleven Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were seen. Another species present, unfortunately no longer

PS. The author used a complete film taking the species on this trip and those at Glapthorne Cow Pastures, (see report in the previous Suffolk Argus re Glapthorne). The film was lost in the post! Never mind will have to try again but will I see a Heath Fritillary larva?

Heath Fritillary byJim Foster 6

through the adjacent reeds being clearly heard. Our still positions obviously increased its curiosity though each retreat was with its tail high and erect, a normal anxiety indicator in this species. I must admit I had only the previous day restated my views at another meeting about this species needing to be completely eradicated but this particular alien was most attractive and graceful, with the sun across its face and at one point it lifted one front leg elegantly off the ground, in a balletic stance. The favourable impression was also enhanced by our viewing it head on most of the time, compared to the normal sideways view, which is often less elegant.

racing off through the heather, obviously quite alarmed as they didn't do as normal, that is stop, regroup, look back from a safe distance, but just kept going until they were out of sight.

16thJuly:On a visit to a private White Admiral site and, on the edge of a large sunny clearing, I detected two shadowy Roe Deer, their colours just grey and white. They quickly melted away completely into the surrounding dark woodland. 26th July: I

made a return visit to Howard Nurseries at Wortham, mainly to look for Whiteletter and Purple Hairstreaks along a large green at the bottom of the cultivated fields. The former was unsuccessful but I found two new colonies of the latter. In the afternoon, disappointed by the short cutting of grassy areas at Burgate church, I walked on to the nearby wood. To my delight the marked footpath around the edge was now supplemented by permissive paths through the wood and I soon located another new Purple Hairstreak colony. At the far end of the wood a cautious approach to a large, sunlit coppiced area produced good views of two russet-coated Roe Deer, an adult and a second about a year old. Again I kept still, with a camouflage of high trees behind me. The distance allowed me to use my binoculars and I watched them for several minutes before they moved slowly from the edge of the clearing into longer vegetation where they were soon hidden.

11th July: The Butterfly Conservation/RSPB joint count of Silver-studded Blues at Minsmere produced several distant views of Red Deer, one group jumping high over Bracken clumps. Also one retreating Muntjac, which unusually kept its tail down. 15th July: My annual count of the Silverstudded Blue colonies at Hollesley was enhanced by views of two separate Foxes and a memorable encounter with five Fallow Deer. I had finished my count, and was sitting against a mature Oak with low branches, having just finished my food and drink. My view ahead, across purple swathes of heather, was that portrayed on page 13 of "The Millennium Adas of Suffolk Butterflies". I had heard faint noises behind cover to my left but assumed it was tree branches rubbing together. These materialised into five Fallow Deer, two fluffy fawns that must have been less than two months old, two does of the normal colour and a fifth much darker one. I kept very still, not even reaching for my camera or binoculars, and my seated position obviously helped to keep me undetected. They were scarcely thirty feet away and one doe was very protective, pushing away any other adult getting too close to her fawn. There were no signs of alarm, in fact their whole posture was relaxed, but then one adult on the right of the group decided to head back towards my tree, straight for me, with the inevitable result: sudden stop, alarm posture, then two separate groups

This ideally is how I like my deer watching, being able to observe them undetected. As a final thought, I do sometimes question the attitude to deer in some coppiced areas, where they are not just excluded by fences but also culled. I appreciate their numbers are growing, and they have no natural enemies, but do sometimes wonder if their needs should have a more equal balance with the freshly emerging flora that coppicing produces. Such thick carpets of flowers are an attractive feature of any wood but don't some visitors get equal, or even greater, joy from seeing wild deer in these woodland settings?

The SuffolkArgus I reached the Col at noon and after reading a notice that informed me I was on the GR 10 at a height of 1125 metr~ I decided to return to the car for lunch. On the way down to the spot of my first sighting I saw another nine, possibly some of the same ones I had seen on the way up as they all flew off when they saw the camera. I saw my final two nectaring on the massed Buddleia at just under 900 metres. As Jean had seen them much lower down at 6pm the previous day it seems possible that they move downhill as the day progresses. During my lunch I was watching various butterflies mudpuddling, where water from a spring ran across the track. As I watched, a new butterfly turned up which I thought merited a closer look. It sat with closed wings but as I approached, it flew round my feet and I could see the purple sheen on the upper side of the wings, not a Purple Emperor in this area but most likely the £ barcina variation of the Lesser Purple Emperor. A larger dark butterfly settled nearby but was immediately chased off up the track by the Emperor, as they flew past I recognised it as a Camberwell Beauty. A few minutes later it reappeared and proceeded to circle my head. I tried to follow its flight but suddenly it had gone. I then felt something walking up the back of my head and realised I was as close to a Camberwell Beauty as I would ever get. Just picture me with camera in hand thinking how do I photograph this thing. I gently offered it my hand but it refused the offer and flew off to perch some three metres up a tree. I could only get long shot photos of either species. I had had a perfect day and realised why French T.V. had come here to film. I was 42 road miles from home but only about 20 miles as the butterfly flies over the mountains. Now that I have seen the Apollo my project for next year is to search for them nearer to home in the Tech Valley.

Spring2003

Deer and Butterflies by RichardStewart For many years, before I concentrated on butterflies, my preoccupation was with deer and I often explain that the change was precipitated by more sociable hours and sunnier weather. However, 2002 gave me several unexpected situations when I was able to combine both interests, and these are described in date order:

24th June: I took my wife, Marie, with me on the weekly butterfly transect along the Fynn valley near Tuddenham, mainly to admire the abundant Southern Marsh Orchids in a wet meadow and, •the other side of the river, a field covered in Poppies and the delicate lavender haze of Bugloss. We walked slower than I usually do when by myself and fortunately approached the meadow cautiously, with a short tunnel of trees hiding our initial approach. This led to good views of a Fox on the meadow slope to our left and as we emerged into the meadow itself there was a large animal on the narrow path ahead of us. We stood absolutely still as we normally do, just whispering and not, at first, even raising our binoculars. We assumed it was the Fox again but soon realised it was a young male Muntjac, with short horns visible. I had seen slot marks the size of a Muntjac before on the transect, but this was the first sighting. It hadn't detected us and was moving relatively briskly our way, eventually stopping about thirty feet away, obviously baffled by the sudden shapes where none had been before but, with our binoculars now raised, we could see that it just couldn't pick up our scent. It was also having trouble with flies and at one point shot out a very long tongue. It soon decided retreat was best but hesitated about going into the lush vegetation by the path, returned to give us a second look, retreated again, came back for a final look then went off the path, its progress

Joint Butterfly Conservation and Ipswich and District Natural History Society meeting Dunwich Forest

Other species recorded; at least twenty in number for Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Large and Small Skipper, Comma and Green-veined White. Moths recorded included Cinnabar, many of their larvae on Ragwort, three Brown Plume and Clouded Magpie. A Black-tailed Skimmer was noted on arrival, Jays, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker were heard, plus sightings of a Kestrel, two Herons in flight and several enormous slugs brought out by the damp conditions. In the afternoon five members visited Blackheath, Wenhaston, hoping to find some surviving Silver-studded Blues. By now there was even more cloud cover but we were able to appreciate the beauty of the flowering heather, in many different shades of colour and full of bees, also recording Meadow Brown and a welcome ten Small Heaths. The target species was missing, despite an extensive search, but as we started to cover the one remaining stretch of heather, close to where the species had formerly been recorded in good numbers, we encountered local recorder Richard Havard, who keeps a close eye on the heath and he also had his eye and camera fixed on a male Silver-studded Blue. He had seen another two previously and a fourth was seen nearby. This 1s good news and I will be contacting the Commoners group about future monitoring and management, possibly also a 'top up' under licence from a larger colony, if everyone is agreeable.

Saturday 6th July 2002 by RichardStewart Sixteen members and friends met on a dull day at the edge of the forest, and the reluctance of the sun to come through for any length of time meant that sightings of the target species, the White-letter Hairstreak, were only at some distance, though everyone had reasonable views through binoculars. Two of us did manage to get back to the colony site while there was a brief burst of sunshine and a maximum of six was recorded, in flight. This site, notified to me last year by Dave Riley of Wrentham, is now one of the most accessible and well established in Suffolk and Forestry Enterprise has been informed of its precise location. On a good day the species can be seen in numbers up to about thirty, either on the tall Elms, flitting around them, or feeding on the Bramble flowers beneath. There may be other colonies close by as there is an abundance of both Elm and Bramble. The small group who kept at the site longer were able, on their delayed walk up the long ride, to record three White Admirals - I had seen two earlier in the week.

White Letter Hairstreak byDouglas

Hammersley

Spring 2003

The SuffolkArgus

Hadleigh Castle Country Park 7th July 2002 by GrahamBailey As with the previous year, unseasonal weather

again tried to hamper

Due to the overcast conditions we were not to be so fortunate, but careful searching of the bramble bushes did eventually allow reasonable sightings of a small number of White-letter Hairstreaks, with the bonus of one or two Purple Hairstreaks also present very nearby, thereby allowing comparisons to be made for those able to study closely using binoculars. Ringlets remained the most noticeable species, with an isolated Comma and Holly Blue adding some extra interest along the narrow and enclosed pathway. Every so often a White-letter •Hairstreak would dart out from its perch in the topmost elm leaves, but it was clear this would not be an ideal day for them. Moving on to the more open expanse of Benfleet Downs the grassland butterflies again came to the fore. Here, Marbled Whites.were very numerous, easily being put up from their perches and some feeding eagerly on Red Clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil. The Meadow Browns predominated on the slopes, sharing the surroundings with good numbers of the two 'golden skippers'. Other insects to keep us occupied were the day-flying moths such as Six Spot Burners, a variety of grasshoppers and bush crickets, and even one or two of the nocturnal moths, such as the Clay, a common insect of grassy areas. We made our way back to the car park with a few variations to the outward journey, but little else of interest made itself obvious as the clouds persisted through the afternoon. However, we had all achieved our hoped-for sightings of our target butterflies, the two Hairstreak species being particularly pleasing as they are rarely seen when there is such a dearth of sunshine.

best efforts to find butterflies on one of my field trips. Despite this, a sizeable crowd of people from several counties greeted me as I walked into the car park at the Country Park, a site that has healthy populations of some of OW' more localised species. The first large meadow gave us plenty of Ringlets, Meadow Browns and Small Skippers, and also a handful of Essex Skippers identified as they roosted amongst the lush vegetation. Further on we disturbed our first Marbled White of the day, its laboured flight making it easy to follow under the leaden sky. This was one of our principal species for the day, and within an hour or so our party had noted a couple of dozen in their more favoured locations closer to the railway. Other butterflies seen en route included Small, Green-veined and Large Whites and an occasional Large Skipper. Continuing on towards Benfleet our group had glimpses of a couple of Purple Hairstreaks flying around the lower branches of an oak tree, a few rays of hazy sun tempting them to make a dash around the dense foliage. A little further on we began to crane our necks as the path took us through some dense elm scrub - this is normally one of the best places to observe White-letter Hairstreaks, an often reclusive butterfly that keeps within the canopy of the young elm trees. However, in most years the Country Park is an ideal place to watch the Hairstreaks at eye-level, sometimes dozens of them treating enthusiasts to an unrivalled viewing as they indulge in sipping nectar from Bramble and Creeping Thistles. OW'

had heard the words "Well they were definitely here yesterday" when I saw, some distance in front, a whitish thinly scaled butterfly with a much slower wing beat, my heart nearly stopped. I crept up to where it had landed, and yes, it was a Blackveined White. I trudged on thinking of what to say in my letter to Jean Haxaire when another whitish butterfly drifted towards me, I could hear a slight rustle of its wings and as it passed a few feet above my head I knew I had at last seen my first Apollo at 960 metres. It did not stop to be photographed but I was certain of what I had seen. I walked on, light of step, grinning all over my face. I soon came upon a scruffy Apollo nectaring on a Thistle and took my first photograph. I saw a total of twelve spaced at regular intervals on my way up to Col de Jou. Several of these were happy to pose for photographs, those that flew off all made a slight rustling sound. I have not read of this, can any expert tell me if this is normal?

Sahorre, and just through the town I turned left onto an unmade track signposted Col de Jou, and as directed, parked a few hundred metres along amongst the Buddleia at a height of 828 metres. Jean had said that a few years ago French T.V. had made a film on butterflies here. I could see why, it was massed with large numbers of many species, but I was only looking for one. I walked up the stony track cut into the mountainside. To one side the mountain sloped steeply up, to the other steeply down. Both sides contained some pine, some heather and lots of general scrub. Along the downside edge of the track grew Buddleia, Bramble, Thistles and other flowering plants. When I reached a height of 950 metres the Buddleia thinned out and finally stopped. The numbers of butterflies decreased but I still kept seeing large white-based butterflies which despite their quick wing movements, made my heart jump, until I recognised them as large specimens of Marbled White. I was now feeling very hot and becoming a bit depressed and thinking of how many times I

Apollo by James Mann

The SuffolkArgus

The Great

Apollo Hunt - Episode 4 ByJamesMann We did not want to miss the Apollo this year so decided to check on the reserves at an early date. We went up to Jujols on 18 May again parking by the fire bassion and walking up to the bergerie for lunch. We did not see as many butterflies as at our last visit nor did we find what looked like good Apollo habitat, so decided to check at the Maison de la Reserve Naturelle which should be open when we returned to the village. It was a bit chilly in the wind but walking the long way down we came across a microclimate in a fold in the hills that was massed with butterflies. I was watching the antics of some Orange Tips when I thought I was seeing things, an Orange Tip that was yellow where it should have been white, settled in front of me. I quickly saw several more and have now discovered that they were Moroccan Orange Tips, nice to see both species together. Not to be outdone among the many Clouded Yellows were a few of the pale form. To add to that were a number of Mazarine Blues. At the Maison de la Reserve Naturelle they knew little about butterflies but gave me lots of leaflets and photocopied a page of a 1989 report that pinpointed where to see Apollos at Jujols in July. On 8 June we made our visit to the Valley de Eyne, again they knew little about butterflies but the flowers were wonderful and Anne had me take many photos, much easier than butterflies for flowers don't fly away. Although we had no positive information on Apollos I could see this was ideal habitat for them later in the year. I earmarked 18 July for my Jujols visit. The day was overcast with rain forecast for the

Spring 2003 mountains so that day was out. On 25 July I set off in bright sunshine and arrived at Jujols at 9.20am. The young man at the reserve spoke excellent English and knew all about water, but nothing about butterflies, but said that he knew a man who did. He led me up the steep narrow streets ofJujols and banged on the door of a gite. After a few minutes of the dog barking a bleary eyed man came out. I discovered he was Jean Haxaire, "Mr Hawk Moth France" who had been up most of the night with his moth trap. He also speaks good English and was very helpful, he said I was too late for Apollos at Jujols, they had been out in June, although he told me where I might just be lucky to see a tattered one. He then did a very brave thing, he said he would tell me of a place where he could guarantee I would see Apollos that day, as he had seen them nectaring on Buddleia at 6pm the previous evening. I returned back toward Conflet and just before the town I turned right and followed the • valley of the river Rotja, through the small town of

Apollo

Captain's Wood

27th July 2002 by Rob Parker Captain's Wood, lies in a rarely visited comer between lken and Sudbourne. It is private land, and we visited at the invitation of the new owner, Mel Glazer, an enthusiastic conservationist keen to learn more about the flora and fauna of his recently acquired domain. No less than 17 people turned up on a scorching morning to walk round a site that featured sheltered grasslands as well as the ancient oak woodland, reminiscent of Staverton Thicks. By a stroke of fate, the estate sits in three adjacent tetrads, giving us a triple recording opportunity. A Grayling in the car park made an auspicious start, though it was the only one we were to see. We hoped for Purple Hairstreaks, and were gratified to find them in the oaks in all three tetrads. Those unfamiliar with hairstreaks got a good look at one that had been unlucky enough to fly into a spider's web. Brown Hares and Fallow Deer provided some mammal interest as we progressively notched up a healthy total of 19 butterfly species, generally those one would expect in the Sandlings in July. After a picnic lunch in the welcome shade of a veteran oak, a few of us ventured out for a second lap. This filled in a few records for species not seen in every section, but left some gaps, as Small Heath, Small Copper and Common Blue were each found only in one tetrad. Stella Wolfe had been busy with a parallel flora list, and we were pleased to pass both lists on to Mel after the event. Analysis of the butterflies showed that in all, seven new tetrad records were noted. In all then, a pleasant meeting in a locality we have not visited before. Captain's Wood is a bluebell wood, so members might be tempted to make another trip in spring. Mel would welcome this, but by arrangement through Rob, please.

Ringlets byJim Foster Editor's Footnote: We thank Graham for leading this joint field meeting of the Suffolk Branch and the Cambridge and Essex Branch. I would like to add one or two records of my own to this successful meeting. Graham was able to show the group the Roesel's Bush-cricket. This is a distinctive cricket that has a cream-coloured band around the side margins of the pronotum. The nocturnal moths I noted in addition to the Clay were Shaded Broadbar and an Orange Moth. One flower Essex can be particularly proud of is Hartwort Tordylium maxii:num, a member of the carrot family. My understanding is that this is a rare flower and in the U.K. is confined to Essex. Two insects of interest were Oedemera nobilis, which sometimes goes under the name of the Thick-kneed Beetle and Urophora cardui one of the 'picture winged' flies which as its species name implies feeds on composite flower heads. Graham mentioned that Ringlets were plentiful on the day and two posed on a thistle for the photographers and a copy is illustrated above.

byJames Mann 16

The SuffolkArgus

Spring 2003

Thornham Walks, Sunday 4th August 2002

probably due to the continuing stormy unsettled weather. We were met by John Loombe, the Assistant Countryside Ranger, who gave us a brief introduction to the estate. In view of the deteriorating weather it was decided to at least start the walk and review the situation later. The first part of the :walk taking us through to the area of the Walled Garden. By the Spinney Pond we paused to observe both male and female Southern Hawker Dragonfly, the latter egg laying on an old tree stump at the water's edge. In spite of the damp conditions, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Green-veined White, Large White, Red Admiral and Painted Lady were seen. By the time the Walled Garden was reached, the onset of another thunderstorm complete with hail stones, convinced us all that the meeting should be abandoned, everyone retreating to the tearoom. An unfortunate end to our visit but another casualty of an English summer.

byAlan Johnson This event, a joint meeting with 'Thornham Walks', was scheduled to follow the same format of the two previous ones, in 2000 and 2001. An afternoon stroll through pact of the Thornham Estate, near Diss, including the 'Butterfly Ride', situated within the Connaught Plantation. The ride having been in existence foe several years now. Butterfly Conservation were involved in the project at the invitation of Lord Hennikec, owner of the estate. As the meeting was not due to start until 2.00pm, four of us, Beryl and myself, together with Marie and Richard Stewart, had previously arranged to arrive earlier, during the morning. This was to take advantage of some of the permissive and public footpaths through the diverse habitats of the estate. We decided to walk to the River Dove, which flows to the south of Thornham Magna village, our route taking us along grassy tracks, green lanes and through woodland. The warm sunshine encouraging Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Skipper, Large White, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood into activity. On reaching the start of the wet meadows, we had sightings of Essex Skipper, Comma and a Small Tortoiseshell, the latter almost a 'rarity'. With the skies becoming more threatening and with a rumble of distant thunder, we turned to retrace our steps. My prophecy of 'the storm will miss us', proving wrong and as we sheltered from the torrential rain we were aware of a very sharp drop in the temperature. However, once the rain ceased, the sun came out once more, the butterflies quickly re-appearing. Purple Hairstreak being noted around the lower branches of a large Oak. For the official afternoon meeting, two more of our members, Rob and Alex Parker, arrived, together with seven visitors to Thornham, these included three children. The low numbers

Aldeburgh-second caravan pack application:

Butterfly Conservation Report for 2002

BC opposed the first and, despite persistent overtures from the developers, who have now presented a scaled-down second application, we have declined to support them.

Sandlings Group:

By RichardStewart

There is, at present, no information from the organiser of the 2002 combined Silver-studded Blue count but I hope it will be a more comprehensive and complete count compared to 200 l. Relations between BC and the Group still remain a bit frayed but hopefully Rob Parker's replacement of me will improve matters. There are still problems with scrub at Martlesham and Purdis, the latter hopefully to be tackled by a big volunteer event, which was advertised in the autumn 'Argus'. Wenhaston Commoners, whose site at Blackheath lost virtually all of its Silverstudded Blue numbers because of neglect of scrub clearance by the Sandlings Group, has approached BC about joint management and a site visit has taken place. This could, under licence, produce a 'top up' in numbers from a larger, nearby SSB colony. The good news is that in 2002 SSB's have been recorded in three new areas, one close to Ipswich.

Churchyard Survey: This has now received publicity of results in five different publications, including a two page spread in the Suffolk and Norfolk Life magazine and a more general two page colour article in the nationally issued Home and Country magazine; a report is imminent in the Ipswich & District Natural History Society Newsletter and the full survey will be published in the forthcoming Suffolk Naturalists' Society transactions.

Wolves Wood: The roadside verge here is a nature reserve specifically to protect the Essex Skipper colony; numbers have declined since my count of 235 in 1995. The overgrown site was walked, with some difficulty, and management advice given.

Bixley Water Tower Compound: Plants remaining from the Suffolk Show were used to replace those not surviving the first planting event. An update has been sent to Steve Piotrowski of Anglia Water, the entrance key has been passed to James Baker of the Greenways Project and we hope the extra nectar sources will help the nearby White-letter Hairstreaks and other species. Although half of the compound has been sold off to developers the planted area remains intact.

Painted Lady byBerylJohnson

Grizzled Skipper reintroduction: Plans are still in place for a possible attempt at an experimental reintroduction on a West Suffolk farm, hopefully liaising with Kent Branch BC.

White-letter Hairstceak Survey: Despite some lack of expected publicity this has produced several new sites and the combined 1993-2002 coverage exceeds that in the mid-80's Survey-good news for one of our rarest species.

Butterfly Garden in Alexandra Pack, Ipswich:

Brewery Meadow at Holywells Pack:

This can be summarised as 'beware all Park Rangers professing to be in charge of it and able to sort it out'. BC is now dealing with those who have a more realistic evaluation of their influence in such matters-i.e. senior council staff-and progress is slowly being made.

Work involving several different wildlife groups is going well but numbers could be improved. This is a lovely sunlit site and once the excessive Hogweed is fully under control it could become one of our best urban butterfly sites

The SuffolkArgus

Spring2003

SandlingsWalk

Greenways Project and other volunteers has produced a series of boardwalks allowing visitors to negotiate what can be a very damp stretch of woodland in relative comfort. The Mill River runs byRichardStewart through this wood and several plants were pointed out, including a few orchids, Twayblade and Although this was not on our programme, I was ancient grass tussocks. We then crossed the road, invited to attend on behalf of SBBC to give a enduring a blast ·of sound from the Hotrod World butterfly input on what was the final walk in a Championships taking place close by and series from June 28th to July 14th,covering all fortunately not directly encountering any noisy the different sections of the eighty-mile route bikers on the footpaths. linking up the Sandlings from Southwold to The ancient oaks were admired, also Ipswich. Greenways recent work close to the new housing At the start the scroll of the walk was passed development, then we headed up to Bixley Heath, on in its baton-type case, and later signed by those where several species of butterflies were noted in present after the walk, when everyone had a the part of the former grassland, most of which is welcome cooling drink back at the Golf Club and now covered by houses. Species noted here, and on took full advantage of the generous portions of a a nearby Buddleia, were Large White, Red special cake, decorated with the Nightjar symbol Admiral, Comma, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown for the walk. This now appears on the relevant and Ringlet. There was no noted activity from footpath signs. either Purple or White-letter Hairstreak as we We walked from the Purdis Golf Club along passed along the lane leading past the water tower. the lane to the nearby heath, and just before We then retraced part of the route to avoid busy reaching it saw a low flying Purple Hairstreak, roads, having time to examine the ponds along the which conveniently landed on eye-level foliage. Foxhall valley and identify an Emperor dragonfly. Further down the lane, on the far side of the heath, The return through Brookhill Woods was on a there was a quick glimpse of a high-flying Holly higher path and as we crossed the minor road and Blue before we turned off left across a field to headed back towards Purdis Heath another Brookhill Wood, where the efforts of the species, Speckled Wood, was seen in a typical sundappled spot and a slight detour enabled everyone to see both male and female Silverstudded Blues, a 'first' for some present. This afternoon walk of just over three hours was a good finale to the / series of Sandlings walks, and _ , __. involved members from several • •• conservation groups, including Neil Lister from the Sandlings , ~~ Group, James Baker representing J~~ the Greenways Project, myself from -( ~SBBC, conservation volunteers, the ,r Ipswich Wildlife Group and members of the local branch of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Sunday July 14th 2002

Purple Hairstreak by DouglasHammersley 14

Carlton Marshes S.W.T. Reserve 17th August 2002

spotting a 'blue' announced it was a Common, but when it alighted on his boot it revealed itself as a Holly. It goes to prove that identifying butterflies in flight, even for the experienced, can be a hazardous business! We were all left wondering what the attraction of Richard's boot might be! A Kestrel hovered over the meadows and Herring Gulls called overhead. We then left the bridleway, negotiating some gates and a herd of cattle and crossed the pastures to link up with another footpath that would take us back into the reserve. A Heron took flight as we approached yet another dyke and standing on the footbridge we watched numerous small fish below us and admired an Emerald Damselfly and a Ruddy Darter. Small Tortoiseshells were much in evidence as were Brown Hawkers. Gatekeeper and Small White butterflies were also seen. A flock of about 20 Goldfinches was perched on the telegraph wires and included at least one young being fed. There was no shortage of food as there was an abundance of thistledown. Over the pasture a male Marsh Harrier performed for us. As we entered the reserve a Sparrowhawk flew past, alighting on a dead tree, where it remained briefly. A Yellowtail moth and a Jay were seen and on some Fleabane a solitary Green-veined White was nectaring. To return to the car park we took the path used earlier, by the oaks, in the hope that some more Purple Hairstreaks could be seen. Some of the party did see another one but whilst standing looking for the Hairstreaks two Hobby's flew close by affording good views to everyone. Thus the day ended on a high note with four birds of prey seen. The pleasing point for butterflies was the number of Small Tortoiseshells seen, 45 in total, which can be regarded as a minimum as counting is not a precise exercise.

byJim Foster On one of the hottest days of the year thirteen colleagues assembled in the reserve car park for this joint meeting with the Ipswich and District Natural History Society. Before leaving the car park a Peacock butterfly and a Brown Hawker were spotted. We made our way out towards Sprats Water where a Wall butterfly was seen and in the oak trees alongside the track two Purple Hairstreaks were noted. There was an abundance of Hemp Agrimony and Fleabane that proved quite an attraction for the butterflies. The dragonflies were very active with Brown and Migrant Hawkers being the predominant species. Other butterflies recorded were Small Tortoiseshell, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Meadow Brown and Large White. The flora alongside the paths was often very high, particularly the Great Willow Herb and Perennial Sow-thistle, thus making it sometimes difficult to observe species. At least there were some trees from time to time that gave a welcome shade to the party. Birds are not too active in the heat and only Wood Pigeon, Crow and Swallow were noted. Other Odonata seen were Southern Hawker, Ruddy and Common Darter, Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies. The flora was too numerous to mention but as one would expect the wetland plants were predominant. To name just a· few, Water Parsnip, Skullcap, Devil's-bit Scabious, Water Mint, Milk Parsley, Meadowsweet, Lesser and Greater Spearwort. We eventually made our way back alongside dykes that were full of Frogbit in flower and Water Soldier. Also there were a few flowering stems of Arrowhead. We then had lunch in the car park where the only species of note was a Skipper either a Small or an Essex (the leader was more interested in his lunch to attempt identification). After lunch we took a bridleway north for a circular walk around the meadows. Richard on

The SuffolkArgus

Spring2003 support to the "Save Orwell Country Park" campaign, as the road spoils decent habitat unnecessarily; though I should say that it does not directly threaten any species of butterfly or moth that is listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan. I want to tell you a few things about butterfly books too, as our own ''.Aurelians" have been busy. W~ are fortunate to have two authors with us tonight, firstly, Jim Asher, whose Millennium Butterfly Adas is the subject of tonight's talk. Secondly, Richard's Millennium Atlas of Suffolk Butterflies has found its way into the hands of most of our recorders, and that is important as it provides an important baseline for the records of the new millennium. Turning to a book that you probably did not know about, I can tell you that our own Doug Hammersley is at last making his superb artwork available to an eager market; some of the pages of his "Butterfly notebook" are available for viewing at the front of the room, and the whole book will be published next year. Coming back to the core business of the Branch, your Committee has been busy delivering another year of excellent field visits, very readable editions of the "Suffolk Argus" and stable finances; all the things that our gently expanding membership wants. So now I am going to let you hear from our key officials. After reports by individual Committee Members, the Chairman offered thanks for all their valued, and continuing contributions. He went on to thank Paul Gilson for his outstanding work as Joint Editor of the Suffolk Argus, as Membership Secretary, and as a member who had set a fine example as a landowner, by creating butterfly habitat on his own meadow. Paul had given sufficient warning of his decision to stand down to allow us to find replacements. Jim Foster had taken over as Joint Editor of the Argus, and Beryl Johnson, already a Committee member, had now taken over as Membership Secretary. The Committee, as listed on the back cover, was then elected.

Annual General Meeting 14th September 2002

Chairman's Report byRob Parker 2002 has not been a good year for butterflies, with the wet summer weather, interspersed with fair weeks, making it something of a concertina season. We monitored our BAP species, and saw rather less of some than we would have wished. I am pleased to tell you that Butterfly Conservation is establishing a Regional Officer for our region. The title has changed, and he will not now be called a Regional Development Officer. Thanks to grants from DEFRA, a recruiting exercise is underway, and we hope to have someone 'in post' by early next year. I believe we should think of our RO as a professional boost bringing benefits to all the activities that we, as volunteers, are already working at. Suffolk is principally an agricultural county, so it is good to report progress this year in the business of encouraging landowners to establish wildlife conservation areas through agroenvironmental schemes. As more farmers enter Stewardship agreements, the amount of marginal land protected for butterflies, moths and other invertebrates increases. A Butterfly Conservation study, based on transect records and funded by DEFRA, has produced the first evidence that butterflies are doing better on transects across land in Stewardship schemes, than on land under less enlightened management. Locally, we are helping by distributing this excellent brochure on Butterflies and Farmland to any landowners that will read it. The planning application for the Thetford link road has moved very slowly this year, but a new threat to wildlife has arisen with the plans for an eastern relief road for Ipswich. We have given

BUTTERFLYCONSERVATIONSUFFOLKBRANCH Income & Expenditure Account for 9 Months Ended 31st March 2002 2000/01 £1,113.00 £0.00 £0.00 £75.00

£172.80

INCOME Membership Subscriptions ...............................................................................£900.00 Grants ...................................................................................................................£0.00 Bank Interest ......................................................................................................£13.36 Donations: General Fundraising........................................................................£85.00 Butterfly Plants ..................................................................................£2.00 Sale of Merchandise.........................................................................................£150.00

1360.80 £36.75

£1,150.36 Cost of Sales ......................................................................................................£88.00

£1324.05

£20.00 £0.00 £15.00 £300.81 £0.00 £166.25 £96.60 £123.30 £65.50 £25.19

£1,062.36 EXPENDITURE ...................................................................................................... . Donation .............................................................................................................£85.00 Suffolk Show.........................................................................................................£0.00 Subscriptions ........................................................................................................£0.00 Newsletters/Programme...................................................................................£239.60 Butterfly Action Plan .............................................................................................£0.00 Member's Night / AGM .........................................................................................£0.00 Special Conservation Projects .............................................................................£0.00 Office Expenses .................................................................................................£57.27 Conference Expenses .......................................................................................£17.00 Depreciation .......................................................................................................£18.89

£812.65

£417.76 SURPLUS ON CURRENT YEAR

£644.60

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH 2002 CONSOLIDATED FUND Represented by: Balance 1.7.2001 £2,345.18 Add surplus on year £644.60 £2,989.78

Girobank plc ....................................£1,609.50 Alliance & Leicester ...........................£763.36 Cash in hand ..........................................£4.98 £2,377.84

ASSETS as at 31.03.2002 Generator £150.00 Projector Table £29.99 Exhibition Tent £100.00 Software £85.00

Write down value @ 20% £110.67 £20.15 £67.23 Write down 3yrs £85.00 ···········..··········......................................£81.94 Debtors ..............................................£303.00 Stock - Merchandise ..........................£326.00 Liabilities .............................................(£99.00) NET WORTH

£2,989.78

The SuffolkArgus

Annual General Meeting 14th September 2002

BUTTERFLYCONSERVATIONSUFFOLKBRANCH Income & Expenditure Account for 9 Months Ended 31st March 2002 2000/01 £1,113.00 £0.00 £0.00 £75.00

£172.80

1360.80 £36.75

£1,150.36 Cost of Sales ......................................................................................................£88.00

£1324.05

£20.00 £0.00 £15.00 £300.81 £0.00 £166.25 £96.60 £123.30 £65.50 £25.19

£812.65

£417.76 SURPLUS ON CURRENT YEAR

£644.60

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st MARCH 2002 CONSOLIDATED FUND Represented by: Balance 1.7.2001 £2,345.18 Add surplus on year £644.60 £2,989.78

Girobank plc ....................................£1,609.50 Alliance & Leicester ...........................£763.36 Cash in hand ..........................................£4.98 £2,377.84

ASSETS as at 31.03.2002 Generator £150.00 Projector Table £29.99 Exhibition Tent £100.00 Software £85.00

£2,989.78

The SuffolkArgus

Spring2003

SandlingsWalk

Sunday July 14th 2002

Purple Hairstreak by DouglasHammersley 14

Carlton Marshes S.W.T. Reserve 17th August 2002

The SuffolkArgus

Spring 2003

Thornham Walks, Sunday 4th August 2002

Aldeburgh-second caravan pack application:

Butterfly Conservation Report for 2002

BC opposed the first and, despite persistent overtures from the developers, who have now presented a scaled-down second application, we have declined to support them.

Sandlings Group:

By RichardStewart

Painted Lady byBerylJohnson

Grizzled Skipper reintroduction: Plans are still in place for a possible attempt at an experimental reintroduction on a West Suffolk farm, hopefully liaising with Kent Branch BC.

Butterfly Garden in Alexandra Pack, Ipswich:

Brewery Meadow at Holywells Pack:

The SuffolkArgus

The Great

Apollo

Captain's Wood

byJames Mann 16

Spring 2003

The SuffolkArgus

Hadleigh Castle Country Park 7th July 2002 by GrahamBailey As with the previous year, unseasonal weather

again tried to hamper

Apollo by James Mann

Spring2003

Joint Butterfly Conservation and Ipswich and District Natural History Society meeting Dunwich Forest

White Letter Hairstreak byDouglas

Hammersley

Spring 2003

The Suffolk Argus

Park Corner Heath and Butts Brow

Heath Fritillary byJim Foster 6

racing off through the heather, obviously quite alarmed as they didn't do as normal, that is stop, regroup, look back from a safe distance, but just kept going until they were out of sight.

The SuffolkArgus

Spring2003

The Suffolk Argus

Spring 2003

Safety Code

As with any other activity, there are hazards in

1. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If there are unusual requirements, these are noted in the individual trip details. Stout shoes are a minimum requirement for any walk. 2.

9. If you decide to leave the event early, tell the leader.

10. Take care at YOURSELF.

all

times,

but

ENJOY

We thank Upper Thames Branch for allowing us to publish their Safety Code. Please also refer to our own Safety Notes on the back of the Events Programme 2003 - Ed.

3. The leader will provide a briefing on the trip before setting out, with details of any known particular hazards, and will also give advice on what to do in an emergency. Please listen carefully.

NEWSFLASH

4. At the briefing, please let the leader know if:you have a mobile telephone and are able to take it with you on the walk; you have First Aid qualifications.

~t·fr::\•

Grayling by DouglasHammersley

The Suffolk Argus

The Millennium

BrownArgus by Douglas Hammersley

The SuffolkArgus

Spring 2003

Contents

Editorial

Safety Code/Newsflash

Field Meetings 2002

5-11

Spring

Sandlings Walk

Summer

April Fools Day

Butterfly Conservation Report for 2002

Autumn

August Bank Holiday

18-19

Climate Change and Future Recording

20-21

Any piece of writing that is considered to be of interest will be published together with line drawings/prints /photographs. The Suffolk Argus is your magazine, so please let us hear from you.

Newsletter details and general information

To advertise in the Suffolk Argus please contact Jim Foster on

Back Cover

01449 711484.

_/:_-,_.·-:· ., ., ,.,....-·

Christmas Eve

Atlas of Norfolk Butterflies - A Further Appraisal Suffolk Branch Contacts

....·

Contributions for our newsletter should reach the Editor (address on back page) no later than:

Accounts

Deer and Butterflies

1:1\

Copy Dates

16-18

'/I ;";t,

----

Annual General Meeting

The Great Apollo Hunt - Episode 4

✓ i.'

-~~,i.

House number/nameplates too, all painted in durable enamels to last for many years. One quarter oflhe purchase price will be donated to branch funds.

Phone or fax Mervyn Crawford on Mildenhall (01638) 712600 for Colour brochure I Price list

A purpose built Hotel with all the facilities that today's travellers require yet in a rustic traditional environment that is welcoming and comfortable.

Butterfly Hotel, Al 4 Bury East Exit. Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds Tel: 01284 760884

Butterfly Hotel, Al 4 Bury East Exit. Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds Tel: 01284 760884 23

Suffolk Branch Contacts

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

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Volunteers Needed If you feel you could help out now and then with the growing work of the Branch, please contact Beryl Johnson on 01473 715701.

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The Newsletter of the Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation

byB,ry/f,hm~

Spring 2003 BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

Volume 28

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Suffolk Argus 28 Spring 2003

Articles inside

Editorial