Field Meetings 2003

2003 Field Meetings

A Weekend in the Salisbury Area Saturday and Sunday, 26th & 27th July 2003

by Alan] ohnson

Having had an extremely wet drive to Salisbury, from Ipswich, on the Friday, a combination of

an early arrival coinciding with a 'window' in

the weather conditions, we decided to find the entrance and car park for Bentley Wood, the venue for the following day's visit.

Once found, our half hour stay in the car park was to prove rewarding, with the occasional spells of sunshine tempting out eleven species of butterfly - Brimstone, Comma, Red Admiral, Sped·Jed Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Green-veined White, Marbled White, a Silver-washed Fritillary which obligingly posed on a thistle, finally a fleeting glimpse of a Purple Emperor, high in the canopy. With our 'weather window' duly closing it was then time to find our Guest House in Salisbury and to meet others in our par-ty staying there.

The following morning saw our members assembled in the Bentley Wood car park, all eager to see the Purple Emperor, our 'target species' for the day. We stood admiring the roning banana skins adorning the 'roof' over an information board, these placed there to tempt the butterfly down from the canopy of an oak tree. However, the weather was • against us, with showers and longer periods of rain developing by mid-morning, also not very warm, very disappointing after the heat of the previous weeks. Bentley Wood is approx. seven miles east of Salisbury and extends over more than 1700 acres (657 hectares) covering an area of five miles by three at its broadest parts. Owned by the Forestry Commission prior to 1983, it was purchased by a Charitable Trust using funds provided by the late Lady Colman, who lived nearby. Currently there are four Trustees who work closely with various conservation bodies to develop the woodland as a nature reserve whilst continuing its management on commercial lines. It was designated an SSSI in 1985. Over 35 species of butterfly are regularly recorded and the opportunity to see the Purple Emperor attracts visitors from all over the country. Our group spent the morning walking a circular route withi:l the wood and in spite of the damp conditions managed to record - Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Small White, Painted Lady and a female Silver-washed Fritillary. The rich and varied ground flora kept our botanists happy but to record a full list of flora noted would take up too much of this report. By late morning the rain had stopped and we noticed a slight rise in the temperature, we then returned to our cars for a picnic lunch. It was during this break with the obligatory bananas being eaten and Jim Foster having just deposited his offering, that to everyone's surprise and delight a Purple Emperor descended onto the fresher banana skins. A male, somewhat worn, stayed long enough to be photographed and for all of us to have a good view of this most impressive butterfly. A walk in the southern section of the wood, during the afternoon, was eventually abandoned, with the onset of more rain. The only species to add to our morning tally being a Red Admiral, thus making a total of twelve for the day, pretty good considering the weather! In the words of a member "this is such a beautiful wood I wish we could roll it up and take it back to Suffolk" and had it been a fine day the careful management of the rides and the creation of sunny scallops and clearings would have provided many more records to add to our list. Sunday, day two of our weekend 'jolly', dawned fine and sunny with a fresh N.W. wind blowing, in complete contrast to the previous day's

weather. Our group, now up to full numbers with the arrival of the four remaining members, was to spend the day on Salisbury Plain, our leader being Kevin Walker, of the 'C.E.H.', at Monk's Wood. Kevin, undertaking research in the area, had kindly offered to show us around his 'patch' and duly met us at our first location, Everleigh Down, a few miles N.W. ofTidworth. Our 'car park' was normally used by Army vehicles when on manoeuvres, fortunately, being Sunday, they were having a day off. We had been pre-warned of the dire consequences of parking on tracks used by Tanks! The Plain, is approx. 20 miles from west to east and 12 miles from north to south, parts given over to military use. Kevin showed us a map to explain the M.o.D. owned land, basically divided into three parts, the eastern area where we were at present, the western area around Imber, and a central 'impact' area consisting of the Larkhill Artillery Ranges. We gathered that this 'impact' area supported colonies of the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Setting off on our walk, up cowards Sidbury Hill, we had superb views of a vast green expanse of undulating chalk downland, the largest remaining such area in Europe. The walk eventually produced sightings of 21 species: Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Peacock, Brimstone, Small Heath, Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Marbled White, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Blue, Dark Green Fritillary and a Humming-bird Hawk Moth. Also we found two of the 'webs' of the Marsh Fritillary caterpillars, on Devil's-bit Scabious. Once again the chalk downland flora being too numerous to list here, but perhaps I should mention that Kevin searched, in vain, co show us a Tuberous Thistle (which only grows in Wiltshire) but he could only locate a hybrid of the Tuberous/Stemless Thistle. Returning for a picnic lunch, we were most grateful to the Army for the provision of a 'thunderbox' (portaloo) in the parking area. This evoked considerable amusement and Richard Stewart was photographed, for posterity, exiting this edifice, perhaps it was fortunate that it wasn't booby-trapped! For our afternoon visit, Kevin led us in a convoy of cars, to the western end of the Plain, and the village of Lierle Cheverell. Here, a lane led us to Fore Hill and after leaving che cars, we crossed a grazing meadow which led us to a bowl shaped steep sided Coombe, the slopes of which were covered with a profusion of flowers. By now, although still sunny the freshening wind was tending to whisk the butterflies away from the flower heads. In this area we noted: - Marbled White, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Wall, Small Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary and Clouded Yellow. Growing around the rim of the Coombe was the attractive and rare Woolly Thistle, the globular flower heads covered with a white cotton-like growth and up co three inches across, the largest of any British thistle. This now brought our weekend activities to a close, the visit providing a fascinating insight into two contrasting habitats. Our thanks co Kevin Walker for sharing his expertise with us, I'm sure we all left with a greater knowledge of a lovely area of Wiltshire.

Postscript:- Some members stayed on for a late afternoon walk and although still broad daylight, they were able to approach, quite closely, and photograph a Badger. The same members paid a brief visit to Bentley Wood on the Monday morning, seeing a Purple Emperor that conveniently alighted fairly low down on an Oak tree by the car park. A Silverwashed Fritillary and a White Admiral were also seen. The latter bringing the species count for the weekend to 21.

Thornham Walks, 3rd August, 2003

by Alan Johnson

This event, a Joint meeting with 'Thomham Walks', is now in its fourth year. Previously the basic format was to 'meet the public' and to take an afternoon stroll through part of the Thomham Estate, near Diss, including their 'Butterfly Ride',

For this year's programme it was decided to expand our activities into the morning and to include an illustrated talk - 'The Butterflies of Suffolk and how to identify them', presented by Rob Parker and Jim Foster. This was duly held in one of the rooms of the Field Centre, commencing mid-day and lasting for just over an hour, and attended by 18 members of the public, including three children. The excellent range of colour slides were well received by the audience. At 2 pm, with numbers now increased to approximately double that of the morning, we were met by John Loombe, the Assistant Countryside Ranger, who gave us a brief introduction to the estate. In view of the large numbers it was decided to split into rwo parties, one being led by Rob Parker, the other by Jim Foster. Our route was to take us through some of the estate's diverse habitats, the path initially bordered by grasses, thistles, knapweed and patches of bramble. This led us to the 'Pinetum', then through a wooded glade to the Victorian Walled Garden, now fully restored. Here the sighting of a Humming-bird Hawk-moth evoked much interest. Continuing past the Canal Pond we came to the 'Butterfly Ride', a mix of shady and brighter sunnier areas, set within the Connaught Plantation. The ride is only open to the public during July and August, Butterfly Conservation being involved in the project several years ago, at the invitation of Lord and Lady Henniker, owners of the estate. A total of fourteen species of butterfly was recorded during the afternoon, the very hot weather in complete contrast to last year, when thunderstorms curtailed the walk. The good response from the public was very encouraging, also the enthusiasm shown by the children. Hopefully, some may continue their interest shown in butterflies and moths. This event is to be repeated in our 2004 programme and it will be a great help if more members were available to distribute themselves among a party to pass on information and help with identification. Finally, our thanks to Thornham Walks and John Loombe.

Species seen: Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted Lady, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Brimstone, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Humming-bird Hawkmoth.

Humming-bird Hawk Moth

by Jim Foster

North Downs Walk, August 10th 2003

by Richard Stewart

Ten members including two friends from the Norfolk Branch braved what was easily the hottest day any of us have experienced here. Our initial steep ascent was not helped by the many passing motorbikes and four-wheel vehicles hut after we reached the top we didn't encounter them again. We recorded seventeen species on our ascent, but despite careful study of the abundant oaks no Purple Hairstreaks were seen.

The usual detour into a small reserve halfway up was particularly rewarding, with not just our first Chalk.hill Blues and a distant view of a Fricillary but also several Silver-spotted Skippers, not usually encountered so early on the walk. For the rest of the day they were abundant in even marginally suitable habitat and had we had the necessary energy our total would have been several hundred. Later one landed on Alan Johnson's blue sock and a mating pair, obviously with less discrimination, landed on Paul Johnson's rucksack. With some reluctance we left this lovely area and continuing our climb were able to admire a coppiced area to the left, already colonised by Marjoram. Lunch was taken in welcome shade and Paul Johnson produced what initially seemed to be a short-listed entry for the Turner Prize, but was in reality a still iced drink in a boccie, having not defrosted. Various unhelpful suggestions were made about what he could do with it but luckily he had some more co drink. The panoramic views from the top were much appreciated and we also recorded hunting Kestrel, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Several moths identified included Rush Veneer, Straw Dot, Treble-Bar and the migrant Silver Y. In addition to the nectar rich and extensive beds of Marjoram other planes noted included Autumn Gentian, Dodder, Clustered Bellflower, Centaury, Soapwort, Knapweed, Teasels (gone over) and some impressive clumps of Deadly Nightshade. Dehydration was starting to sap some of our collective energy in the afternoon though we used shady areas for short stops. However, there were two highlights still to come. The first was close views of two tattered Silver-washed Fritillaries in courtship on the path, one initially seen by Jill Perkins. They were head to tail, very close, the male presumably showering scent scales over the female, who was probably emitting her own scent from the tip of her abdomen. This courtship is fully documented in Thomas and Lewington, 'The Butterflies of Britain and Ireland', pp. 148-149. Thanks to Paul Johnson we saved any climbing in the final field by skirting the lower left side and this produced several good close views of our last target species, Adonis Blue. More accompanied us, with several other Silver-spotted Skippers, as we walked down the lane back to Dorking. At no time did we identify any other Skippers or a late Ringlet, assuming that early emergence and the hot weather had already finished their activities. A final bonus was a total of six Clouded Yellows. At Dorking car park several of us made a quick move into a nearby air-conditioned pub to consume much-needed long, cool drinks.

Butterfly species recorded: Three Whites, Brimstone, Clouded Yellow, Silver-spotted Skipper, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted Lady, Silver-washed Fritillary, Common, Holly, Chalk.hill and Adonis Blue, Brown Argus, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Small Heath: total of 21. Overheard comment of the day: 'Why should we let the Waveney divide us?'

Kenton Hills and Sizewell, 31 st August 2003

by Alan Johnson

This was the last field meeting of our 2003 programme and 24 people attended it, probably a record for the Branch? Perhaps tempted out by the fine weather, or maybe the fact that it was our last meeting before we all go into 'hibernation'. It was good to see some new faces, including two visitors to the area, also three members from the Norfolk Branch.

The car park at Kenton Hills provided our first ~ightings of the day - Red Admiral and Comma, both on bramble, also Speckled Wood, Small Copper and Holly Blue. Earlier, another item of interest was a female Glow Worm found on a dry stony track adjacent to the car park. The initial part of our walk was to take us along waymarked permissive paths around Sizewell Belts, an area rich in wildlife, comprising grazing marshes intersected by drainage dykes and tree belts. Crossing a damp grazing area, House Martins, Sand Martins and Swallows were noted swooping low over the meadow, however the butterflies were confined to fair numbers of Greenveined Whites. On some of my previous visits this meadow has been occupied by a herd of cows, with attendant bull. However, on this occasion 'Ferdinand' and his harem were absent, much to the relief of my wife!

An ascent through bracken took us up onto Leiston Common, the grass now parched and the colourful haze of the areas of Sheep's Sorrel now gone. Here, Small Heath, Small Copper and the Small Copper blue-spotted aberrant form (caeruleopunctata) were seen, the latter possibly in a new area for our records? We then followed the path alongside Reckham Pits Wood, then crossed an open meadow, rabbit grazed with a few flower heads of Ragwort remaining. This area provided sightings of Grayling, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small Heath, Peacock and Small White. After joining the public footpath, which crosses Broom Covert, a group of four Brown Argus, was found by Geoff Hayes and Jim Foster. Small Tortoiseshell and a very pale female Meadow Brown, but in good condition, were also seen. Onto Sandy Lane, a track which leads to the Leiston-Sizewell road, normally a good spot for seeing the Wall, but on this occasion none obliged. However, a Buddleia bush provided us with Peacock, Red Admiral and Large and Small Whites. Further on Grayling and Comma were noted. Once at Sizewell Beach, we had our picnic lunches, and then continued our walk northwards. The weather by now had become increasingly cloudy with a fresh northerly to N.W wind. The beach, normally bright with wild flowers such as Rest Harrow, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Ragwort and Hawkweed, but now most of the flowers dried and shrivelled from the past weeks of hot sunshine. A small clump of Sheep's-bit Scabious provided some colourful relief. Good numbers of Small Heath and Common Blue were seen; also a solitary Painted Lady and a Grayling egg laying on a tuft of grass. Concrete blocks, remnants of anti-invasion measures from the 2nd World War marked the point at which we left the beach to turn inland. Here, a patch of heather in flower attracted a mating pair of Grayling, also Small Heath, Small Copper and Common Blue. Nearby, in amongst tall dried grass stems a grasshopper was seen. Whilst this was being admired, one of our party spotted a Common Lizard, which promptly disappeared, to be re-discovered climbing up one of Sheila Keeley's legs, clinging to her sock! Dragonflies noted were Common Darter, Migrant Hawker, Southern Hawker and a solitary Ruddy Darter. The final stage of our walk was along woodland rides, following the southern edge of Goose Hill, then Kenton Hills. Items of note being two brilliantly coloured Commas, on Blackberries, a Common Blue on Fleabane, a Grayling on Susan Peck's hat, and a Red Admiral 'drinking minerals' (sweat!) from Geoff Hayes' arm, obviously enjoying the taste as it lingered for quite some rime! The weather by now was much cloudier and cooler, and our group well spread out, but eventually everyone returned to our starting point.

Once back, rime to exchange information and species seen, also an opportunity to admire photographs taken by Angela Woodrow, on our recent walk along part of the North Downs Way. A rewarding day with a good number of species of butterfly recorded, also very nice to see so many members and visitors

1f

Common Blue

by Douglas Hammersley

Moth Night at Alder Carr Farm, 13th September 2003

by Tony Prichard

This moth night followed the AGM held at Alder Carr Farm and several members were attracted to the light following the meeting and slideshow.

A leaf-miner Bede/Lia somnulentella was recorded on the bindweed while we were setting up the lights. This previously scarce species seems to have had a very good year in 2003 with numbers of records being during the autumn, it will be interesting to note if it continues to be recorded in such numbers in future years. A reasonable selection of autumnal moths was recorded considering the conditions. Some late examples of Single-dotted Wave and Small Fanfooted Wave were noted, this autumn has seen some very late appearances of species normally associated with the summer months. Other species of note, on the basis of their more localised distribution, included Large Wainscot and Feathered Gothic. At this time of year woodland habitats normally prove to be more productive than more open habitats, on this night it proved the reverse with very little being recorded in the traps in the copse in comparison to the sheet light in its more open position. The full species list for the night was; Bede/Lia somnulentella, Ypsolopha parenthesella, Celypha lacunana, Nomophila noctuella, Hypsopygia costalis, Blood-vein, Small Fan-footed Wave, Small Dusty Wave, Single-dotted Wave, Common Marbled Carpet, Brimstone Moth, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Seraceous Hebrew Character, Square-spot Rustic, Feathered Gothic, Common Wainscot, Angle Shades, Rosy Rustic, Large Wainscot, Burnished Brass and Snout.