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No. 78
Spring 2015
2
SATURDAY 25th/SUNDAY 26th
APRIL
This event gives us the opportunity
to monitor the development of this
important newly developed herbrich habitat, where more than 20
species of butterfly have already
been recorded. Meet at 1.00 pm at
the truncated end of the
Broadmayne road where it meets
the relief road, map reference SY
674 859. N.B. Access is only
possible from the eastern side of
the relief road.
SPRING AT ALNERS GORSE
Saturday 8.00pm: moth trapping
evening and camp with a backdrop
of Nightingales. Camping facilities
are available for anyone wishing to
stay overnight – bring tent, sleeping
bag, eating utensils etc. and food
as required.
Sunday 4.00am for 4.30 start: The
nightingale experience. Dawn
Chorus Walk to hear the
nightingales and other spring
songbirds, followed by breakfast.
Booking is essential.
Contact is John Elliott on 01305
889380.
SUNDAY 17th MAY
GUIDED WALK - CERNE GIANT
HILL, joint with Devon Branch
9.00 am. Moths - Inspection of the
night’s moth catch followed by
refreshments at 10.30 am. 11.00am
–1.00pm: Guided walk: Bring your
own picnic if you would like to have
lunch on the reserve.
A visit to this splendid area of
ancient grassland habitat to see
abundant wild flowers and
numerous spring butterflies,
including the thriving colony of
Duke of Burgundy. Other species
typically expected at this time would
be Adonis and Common Blues,
Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak
Dingy and Grizzled Skippers,
Marsh Fritillary, Small Copper and
Small Heath, and possibly Small
Blue and Wall. Please be aware the
terrain is a little steep in places and
as the tour will be for more than
three hours, do bring a packed
lunch.
Meet at 11:00 am in the picnic area
car park opposite the village hall,
map reference ST 663 015.
Contact is Malcolm Wemyss on
01935 872047 or 07977 287739
and [email protected].
Alners Gorse reserve entrance is
on the road from Kings Stag to
Hazelbury Bryan, beside the
Hazelbury Bryan village sign and
30 mph sign. Park on the wide
straight road verge on the Kings
Stag side of the village sign, well
away from the dangerous bend.
Map reference is ST 736 100.
Contact is Nigel Spring by email
[email protected] or phone
01963 23559.
SATURDAY 16th MAY
GUIDED WALK – WEYMOUTH
RELIEF ROAD
Joint with South Dorset
Ridgeway Landscape
Partnership
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FRIDAY 22nd/SATURDAY 23rd
MAY
recording. The workshop will be
held at Springhead, Fontmell
Magna from 9.45 am to 4.00 pm. It
will consist partly of an indoor
session in which the theoretical
techniques of identification will be
shown, and the different types of
recording explained. We will also
have a field visit to nearby butterfly
rich Compton Down in order to put
the theoretical skills into practice.
The numbers will be limited so if
you are interested you must book
your place in advance by contacting
Mrs. Robin George [DBC
Membership Secretary], Clarence
House, Cemetery Road,
Gillingham, SP8 4BA. 01747
824215. (email:
[email protected])
MOTH TRAPPING SESSION
SPRINGHEAD STUDY CENTRE,
Fontmell Magna
Friday 22nd 8pm/Saturday May 23rd
from 8.30am. Join us on the Friday
evening at 8.00 pm for the setting
up of the moth traps and/or from
8.30 am the following morning for
the opening of the traps and
identification of the moths caught.
This will be a public event run
jointly by the Dorset Branch and the
Springhead Study Centre and
coincides with the Woodland Crafts
Day and our Butterfly Identification
Day. Basic facilities for overnight
camping are available. Springhead
is one mile east of Fontmell Magna
on the Ashmore road, postcode
SP7 0NU. Contact is Nigel Spring
on 07981 776767.
Full details of this meeting,
including how to get to Springhead
and what to bring with you, will be
sent when you make your booking.
SATURDAY 23rd MAY
SUNDAY 24th MAY
WORKSHOP ON IDENTIFYING,
SURVEYING & RECORDING
BUTTERFLIES AND DAYFLYING MOTHS
BUTTERFLY WALK ON
BALLARD DOWN (SWANAGE),
Joint with Dorset Wildlife Trust
A walk along the lower slopes of
Ballard Down to enjoy this chalk
downland site with its stunning
views and spring flowers. Target
species are Green Hairstreak,
Dingy Skipper, Adonis Blue and
Brown Argus. Meet 11.00am at
Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to
Studland road, map reference SZ
021 809.
The regular recording of butterflies
is now playing an important part in
monitoring trends in our species’
populations. As a result, Dorset
Butterfly Conservation needs more
recorders! There are a variety of
important recording schemes to
participate in, ranging from simple
garden recording to the more
demanding skill of butterfly walking.
We are offering a free workshop for
beginners and those who still lack
the confidence to take part in
Contact is Colin Nunn on 01929
439211.
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MONDAY 25th MAY
woodland, scrub and grassland
habitats, while the Terrace Meadow
is a fascinating patch of limestone
grassland. Join us for one or both
guided walks, which will include
flower and insect identification
sessions. We will meet on the
Quarr at 11.00am and at the
Terrace Meadows SNCI at 2.00pm.
Tea will be available afterwards.
For the Quarr, meet at the entrance
by the Mermaid pub off the Bristol
Road at map ref ST 637 174. For
the Terrace Meadows, park in the
Terrace Playing Fields Car ParK,
map reference ST 641156,
signposted off the A352 just south
of Sherborne and follow the
footpath back towards the town
through the patch of newly planted
trees and up a few steps, map
reference ST 637156. For further
information please contact Nigel
Spring on 01963.23559 or
07981.776767 or email
[email protected]
GUIDED WALK - LYDLINCH
COMMON
This is a key site for the Marsh
Fritillary. Meet 2.00pm in the lay-by
just outside the village on the
Sherborne to Sturminster road,
map reference ST 736 137.
Contact is Colin Burningham on
01935 873219 or mobile 07849
921594.
THURSDAY 4th JUNE
BUTTS POND OPEN DAY
LNN, Butts Pond Meadows,
Sturminster Newton, 10.30am to
3.00 pm. The Display and
Information Stall will be at this
event. Contact is Bridget de
Whalley:
[email protected] or
01258 880524
FRIDAY 19th/SATURDAY 20th
JUNE
SATURDAY 27th/ SUNDAY 28th
JUNE
MOTH TRAPPING SESSION
SPRINGHEAD STUDY CENTRE,
Fontmell Magna
MIDSUMMER ON BROADCROFT
QUARRY RESERVE, joint with
Dorset Moth Group
See event on 22nd/23rd May for
details, contact is Nigel Spring on
07981 776767.
Saturday 7.00pm Barbecue and
Moth Trapping: this is a coastal
limestone habitat which could
attract migrants if conditions are
favourable. Camping facilities are
available for anyone who would like
to stay overnight – bring tent,
sleeping bag, eating utensils etc.
and food and drink to share.
SUNDAY 21st JUNE
OPEN DAY AT THE QUARR
LOCAL NATURE RESERVE AND
TERRACE MEADOWS SNCI –
SHERBORNE
Sunday 9.00am Moths: analysis of
last night's catch in moth traps at
Broadcroft Reserve with
The Quarr is Sherborne’s local
nature reserve, with a mix of young
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refreshments at 10.30 am.
11.00 am Guided walk: Broadcroft
Quarry was the county's first
Butterfly Reserve, and an
impressive colony of Silver-studded
Blues can be found here. For
Broadcroft Quarry Reserve, turn left
off Easton Road onto Grove Road
and about 100 yards on the right is
a track which leads to the car park,
map reference SY 695 723.
Contact is Nigel Spring on 01963
23559 or 07981 776767, or email
[email protected]
Charges apply in the large car park
next to The Centre, map reference
SY 824 800. The start time is
11.00am and it is expected that the
walk will last about 2 hours. For
further details and booking ring The
Heritage Centre on 01929 400155.
WEDNESDAY 8th/ THURSDAY 9th
JULY
MOTH TRAPPING ON HARDOWN
HILL, MORECOMBELAKE
This may be the first time that moth
trapping has been done on this
west Dorset National Trust site. We
will be setting the traps around 8pm
on the Wednesday evening and
gathering to analyse the catch from
8.30am the following morning.
Arrangements have been made for
parking nearby within easy walking
distance of the hill. Contact Ann
Bartlett on 01297 489532 or email:
[email protected] to
organise access and for further
information about the event.
SATURDAY 4th JULY
CHASE WOODS - RUSHMORE
ESTATE, joint with Wiltshire
Branch
A guided walk in old woodland with
Silver-washed Fritillary and White
Admiral among the targets. Meet
11.00am inside the gate to
Greatstone Coppice on the north
side of the B3081about one mile
west of Sixpenny Handley, map
reference ST 978 173. Contact is
Arthur Bryant on 01202 892816 or
07711 404190.
SATURDAY 11th JULY
GUIDED WALK – MARTIN DOWN
NNR, joint with Wiltshire Branch
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WEDNESDAY 8 JULY
Target species include Dark Green
Fritillary and Marbled White. Bring a
packed lunch as we will be stopping
for lunch about halfway round the
walk. Meet at 11.00 am at the car
park, map reference SU 058 192, at
the top of Sillens Lane which runs
from the triangular green in Martin
village.
Contact is Andrew Daw on 07778
146297
GUIDED WALK – THE
BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH
The Lulworth Skipper will be a
target species on this, the first of
three walks that we are leading in
conjunction with The Heritage
Centre at Lulworth Cove. The walk
will involve a climb onto Bindon Hill
which will be steep in places. The
event is free but pre-booking is
advisable as numbers are limited.
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SATURDAY 11th JULY
SATURDAY 18th JULY
Uplyme and Lyme Regis Summer
Show
GUIDED WALK – DURLSTON
NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Come and visit our Display and
Information Stall and hear our plans
for the Big Butterfly Count which
runs from 17th July to 9th August.
Enjoy the show from 1.00 –
5.00pm. Contact is Brian Dicker on
01963 32453.
Durlston is one of the best butterfly
sites in the country, and there
should be up to 15 species seen
during the walk. Meet 10.30am at
the entrance to the renovated
Durlston Castle (not the educational
centre) map reference SZ 035 772.
Follow the brown signs to the car
park where charges apply. Contact
is John Gilbert on 01929 425165.
SUNDAY 12th JULY
GUIDED WALK AT RINGSTEAD
BAY (BETWEEN WEYMOUTH
AND LULWORTH COVE)
SUNDAY 19th JULY
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK.
Wild Sunday
SATURDAY 25th JULY
This cliff top walk from Ringstead
towards Lulworth will be an all day
event, so bring a packed lunch. The
walk is steep at one point. Marbled
White, Grayling and Lulworth
Skipper should be seen. Meet at
11.00am in the National Trust car
park (at top of hill, not the lower car
park) map reference SY 759824.
Contact is Bernard Franklin on
07711 304412.
THE FLEET NATURE RESERVE
WEDNESDAY 15th JULY
Contact is Adrian Neil on 01305
832937.
We will be surveying an area of
land to the west of Abbotsbury
Swannery adjacent to the Fleet
which, because there is no public
access, is under-recorded. It will be
of particular interest to look
for colonies of Lulworth Skipper
along this part of the Fleet. Meet at
11.00am at the Swannery car park,
map reference SY 577 846. Bring a
packed lunch.
See July 8th for details.
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FRIDAY 17 /SATURDAY 18
JULY
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MOTH TRAPPING SESSION
SPRINGHEAD STUDY CENTRE,
Fontmell Magna
As guests of AHCP there will be a
moth trap opening at 10.30am at
The Discovery Centre followed by a
butterfly walk at 11.30am.
See event on 22nd/23rd May for
details, contact is Nigel Spring on
07981 776767.
AHCP is off the A31, 4 miles NW of
Ferndown. Contact is Bob
Steedman on 01202 884671.
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adjacent to Chase Woods north of
Sixpenny Handley, and is rich in
butterflies.
FAMILY BIOBLITZ DAY AT
LANKHAM BOTTOM RESERVE
Includes a guided walk for
beginners/learners/new members.
Tuesday 7.00pm: Barbecue & Moth
trapping. Camping facilities
available for anyone who would like
to stay overnight. Bring tent,
sleeping bag, eating utensils etc.
and food and drink to share.
Wednesday 9.00am: analysis of
last night's catch in moth traps with
refreshments at 10.30am
11.00am: guided walk to see the
wildflowers, butterflies and other
wildlife. If you want to bring a
picnic, you are welcome to have
lunch on the reserve after the walk.
2.00 – 4 .00pm: guided walk to
teach basic butterfly identification
and ecology. Beginners and
learners and new members
welcome.
The reserve entrance is off the
minor road from Cattistock to the
A37 about ½ mile from the A37.
Park inside the metal gate at map
reference ST 606004.
For further information please
contact Nigel Spring on
01963.23559 or 07981.776767, or
email [email protected]
SUNDAY 19th JULY
GUIDED WALK – THE
BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH
TUESDAY 21st / WEDNESDAY
22nd JULY
Meet at 11.00am at Shermel Gate,
map reference ST 989 192. North
of Sixpenny Handley, turn onto
Dean Lane, signposted to
Deanland and Newtown and follow
until the road ends. This road is
narrow so needs to be followed with
caution.
Contact is Frank Crosier on 01722
790419.
SATURDAY 25th/SUNDAY 26th
JULY
FAMILY WALKS ON THE SOUTH
DORSET RIDGEWAY
Two days of guided walks in the
stunning south Dorset
landscape, and a chance to help
with the Big Butterfly Count. An
event organised by Butterfly
Conservation Dorset branch in
association with the South Dorset
Ridgeway Landscape Partnership,
all are welcome!
Saturday 25th Short route (2.5 - 3
miles) Bincombe Down to Sutton
Poyntz. Meet 12.00 noon at the
junction of Came Wood and Came
Down Golf Course at the eastern
end of Bincombe Down, map
reference SY687 857. The walk will
end at the Springhead pub from
where drivers will be taken back to
their cars.
Saturday 25th Longer route (4.5 - 5
miles) Bincombe Down to
Osmington Village . Meet 10.00am
at meeting point above. The walk
will end at the Sunray Inn in
STONEDOWN WOOD, SOUTH
WILTSHIRE, joint with Wiltshire
Branch
This is planned as a butterfly
identification event and is deal for
beginners. Stonedown Wood is
8
Osmington from where drivers will
be taken back to their cars.
Sunday 26th Short route (2.5 – 3
miles) Portesham Farm to Friar
Waddon via Corton Farm. Meet at
12.00 noon at Portesham Farm,
map reference SY611 861. The
walk will end opposite Friar
Waddon House from where drivers
will be taken back to the cars.
Sunday 26th Longer route (5m)
Portesham Farm to Friar Waddon
via Hardy’s Monument. Meet at
10.00am at Portesham Farm. You
will need suitable footwear and a
packed lunch with plenty to drink;
binoculars will be useful. We will be
identifying butterflies and day-flying
moths (and plenty of other wildlife
and landmarks) as we go. All walks
are expected to finish around 3.00
pm. Please contact Nigel Spring on
07981 776767 or email
[email protected] to find out
more and to book places on one or
both days.
during the 5 hours (hopefully more
than anyone else, and more than
Wiltshire!). Teams can compete on
one or both days. For details of the
rules and/to apply please email
[email protected] or phone
07981 776767.
SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST
RODWELL TRAIL - BUTTERFLY
IDENTIFICATION WALK
A walk along the old railway line
between Weymouth and Portland.
This walk is ideal for families and
those wishing to improve
identification skills. Meet at 1.00pm
at the café in Sandsfoot Castle
gardens, Old Castle Road,
Weymouth, map reference SY 675
773. Contact is Bernard Franklin on
07711 304412
SATURDAY 1st / SUNDAY 2nd
AUGUST
10.00 am - 3.00 pm.
A weekend of butterfly counting
with a small element of competition
and a large element of fun! Prizes
will be awarded too! We are looking
for Dorset teams of at least two
people who will be allocated a
10x10km square in which to survey
as many 1km squares as they can
in the time allowed, the aim being
to see as many species as possible
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The last Dorset refuge for the Silver
-spotted Skipper, Fontmell offers a
great opportunity to study this and
other downland specialities like
Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blue, and
possinly the second brood of
Adonis Blue.
Bring stout footwear and a packed
lunch if staying for the afternoon
visit to the lower slopes.
Meet 11.00am at the National Trust
gate, grid reference ST 885 187.
There is alternative parking around
the triangle at ST 888 185.
N.B. If the B3081 is still closed at
Melbury Abbas, then travel either
via Ludwell on the A30 or via
Fontmell Magna on the A350 If
travelling from Shaftesbury.
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST
GUIDED WALK – WEYMOUTH
RELIEF ROAD
See event on May 16th for details.
Contact is Adrian Neil on 01305
832937.
Contact is Lawrie de Whalley on
01258 880524.
WEDNESDAY 5th / THURSDAY 6th
AUGUST
SATURDAY 15th AUGUST
FAMILY BIOBLITZ DAY AT
ALNERS GORSE
GUIDED WALK – WIN GREEN
(ASHCOMBE BOTTOM), joint
with Wiltshire Branch
GUIDED WALK – THE
BUTTERFLIES OF LULWORTH
Wednesday 7.00 pm: barbecue and
Moth trapping. Camping facilities
available for anyone who would like
to stay overnight - bring tent,
sleeping bag, eating utensils etc.
and food and drink to share.
Thursday 9.00am: analysis of last
night's catch in moth traps with
refreshments at 10.30am.
11.00am Guided walks to see the
wildflowers, butterflies and other
wildlife.
1.00pm: bring your own picnic if
you would like to have lunch on the
reserve.
2.00 - 4.00pm: guided walk to teach
basic butterfly identification and
THE GREAT DORSET AND
WILTSHIRE BUTTERFLY
SCRAMBLE
ecology. Beginners, learners and
new members welcome.
Alners Gorse reserve entrance is
on the road from Kings Stag to
Hazelbury Bryan, beside the
Hazelbury Bryan village sign and
30mph sign. Park on the wide
straight road verge on the Kings
Stag side of the village sign, well
away from the dangerous bend.
Map reference is ST 736 100.
For further information please
contact Nigel Spring on 01963
23559 or 07981 776767, or email
[email protected].
WEDNESDAY 19th AUGUST
See July 8th for details.
SUNDAY 23rd AUGUST
Chalkhill Blue is among target
species. Bring a packed lunch and
be prepared for a long yet leisurely
walk (approx. 5 miles). The general
plan is to have lunch by the pond in
Tollard Royal. Meet at 10.00am at
Win Green car park ST 923 205.
Contact is Andrew Daw on 07778
146297.
BUTTERFLY WALK ON
BALLARD DOWN (SWANAGE),
joint with Dorset Wildlife Trust
SUNDAY 16th AUGUST
A return visit to Ballard Down to see
the second brood of the Adonis
Blue and Brown Argus which will
now be on the wing. Meet at
11.00am at Ulwell lay-by on the
Swanage to Studland road, map
reference SZ 021 809.
GUIDED WALK - FONTMELL
DOWN, joint with Devon Branch
Contact is Jon Bellamy on 01929
450182.
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THURSDAY 27th AUGUST
Wear stout footwear and bring
packed lunch. Steep in places.
Meet 11.00am at Worth Matravers
car park, map reference SY 974
776.
GUIDED WALK - OSMINGTON
(East of Weymouth)
A walk through downland and along
a country lane, where we should
find at least 15 species of butterfly.
The targets will include Adonis Blue
and Wall. There is a choice to
return to the start making a 2 hour
walk, or to have a picnic lunch if
you wish to continue to make a total
of 4½ hours walking. Children are
very welcome. Meet at 11.00am
outside Osmington church, map
reference SY 725 829.
Contact is Bernard Franklin on
07711 304412.
th
THURSDAY 10 - SATURDAY
12th SEPTEMBER
NATIONAL MOTH NIGHT
The theme of this year’s events is
‘Migration’. The following events
have been arranged in conjunction
with the occasion:
Contact is Lawrie de Whalley on
01258 880524.
FRIDAY 11th SEPTEMBER
SATURDAY 29th/SUNDAY 30th
AUGUST
UPTON HEATH MOTHS AND
BUTTERFLIES, joint with Dorset
Wildlife Trust
OAK FAIR, STOCK GAYLARD
PARK
SATURDAY 12th/SUNDAY 13th
SEPTEMBER
LATE SUMMER MOTHS AT
ALNERS GORSE
Please come and join us between
10.00am and 4.00pm if you can.
AVON HEATH COUNTRY PARK
SUNDAY 30th AUGUST
There will be a moth trap opening
at 10.30am at the Discovery
Centre.
Alners Gorse reserve entrance is
on the road from Kings Stag to
Hazelbury Bryan beside the
Hazelbury Bryan village sign and
30 mph sign. Park on the wide
straight road verge on the Kings
Stag side of the village sign, well
away from the dangerous bend.
Map reference is ST 736 100.
Contact is Bob Steedman on 01202
884671.
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Lydlinch Common
Lydlinch is part of an area crucial to
the Marsh Fritillary and
conservation work is vital to ensure
that the habitat is kept suitable for
its survival at this site. Meet at
10.00 am and park in the lay-by just
outside the village on the
Sherborne to Sturminster road,
map reference ST 736 137.
Contact is Lawrie de Whalley on
01258 880524.
or email [email protected].
SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER
A pleasant coastal walk for late
butterflies and migrating birds.
CONSERVATION WORK DAY
For further information please
contact Nigel Spring on
01963.23559 or 07981.776767,
Contact is Bridget de Whalley
[email protected] or on
01258 880524.
AHCP is off the A31, 4 miles NW of
Ferndown.
SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER
Sunday 9.00am: Inspection of last
night’s moth catch followed by
refreshments at 10.30am.
11.00am – 1.00pm guided walk to
see the butterflies and other
wildlife.
SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
GUIDED WALK - WINSPIT,
PURBECK, joint with Wiltshire
Branch
or email [email protected]
Saturday 7.30pm: moth trapping
evening and camp. Camping
facilities are available for anyone
wishing to stay overnight – bring
tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils
etc and food as required.
9.00am: Inspection of the overnight
moth trap.
11.00am: Butterfly Walk on Upton
Heath for Grayling and other
wildlife.
Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre,
Corfe Mullen, map reference SY
977 948. Contact is Andy Fale on
07970 552673.
Stock Gaylard Estate is a small
traditional country estate just over 4
miles from Sturminster Newton and
8 miles from Sherborne. This is a 2
-day fair this year to celebrate their
10th anniversary. Come and find us
on Conservation Row at this
popular festival.
For further information please
contact Nigel Spring on
01963.23559 or 07981.776767,
CONSERVATION WORK DAY AT
ALNERS GORSE
Continuing the woodland and scrub
management work to improve our
wildlife habitats. There will be a
bonfire with hot drinks and baked
potatoes for lunch.
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