Join You can support Butterfly Conservation in the vital work we do Us by becoming a member today. As a member you will receive a Butterfly Conservation in welcome pack, our exclusive magazine Butterfly three times a year, an identification chart and membership to your local Branch. Our Wales Annual Newsletter 2010 Branches run over 700 public butterfly and moth events throughout the year and you could be part of them. Painted Lady Jim Asher You can become a member online at Join by Direct Debit www.butterfly-conservation.org and receive or call us on 01929 406015. 15 months membership for the price of 12

Butterfly Conservation Wales Butterfly Conservation Head Office You can join 10 Calvert Terrace, Swansea SA1 6AR Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Butterfly Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Conservation 01792 642972 01929 400209 online at [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.butterfly-

www.butterfly-conservation.org conservation.org Russel Hobson, or call us on Head of Conservation, Wales Butterfly Conservation is a charity 01929 406015 registered in England & Wales (254937) Clare Williams, Conservation Officer and in Scotland (SCO39268) Butterfly Conservation is the UK charity taking 2010 International Year of Biodiversity - Get involved George Tordoff, Monitoring Ecologist action to save butterflies, moths and their habitats. Working with a wide range of partners, we are taking action by: What better way to celebrate the Judy Burroughs, •Advising landowners and managers on biodiversity of Wales than looking conserving and restoring important habitats. Administration Assistant •Purchasing and managing land for threatened through our 2010 Newsletter? It’s butterflies, moths and other wildlife. inspiring to see the wide diversity of Wales Branches’ Websites •Carrying out surveys, monitoring and other

essential research. individuals involved in the recording and •Lobbying government and its agencies to conservation of butterflies and moths. www.northwalesbutterflies.org.uk influence land use policy. www.southwales-butterflies.org.uk •Working partner of BC Europe It’s fantastic to see children learning and being fascinated by the diversity of moths at Ysgol San Sior or that great things can be achieved as we strive Butterfly Conservation is This newsletter has been to save a threatened butterfly such as the Marsh Fritillary at Mynydd Mawr. very grateful to the following produced thanks to a organisations in Wales that grant from Countryside All our projects in Wales require the enthusiasm of dedicated individuals. have made our work Council for Wales. But you don’t need to travel far. Just searching for caterpillars in your possible: Edited by Butterfly garden, watching the Red Admirals on a Buddleia bush or trying to identify Conservation staff. the moths that come to your windows at night, all provide an opportunity to Carmarthenshire County Council, Countryside Council for Wales, Forestry The views expressed do experience the diversity of life that surrounds us. Commission Wales, National Grid, Oakdale Trust, Vale of Glamorgan not necessarily reflect the County Borough Council and the Welsh Assembly Government . views of Butterfly 2009 may be remembered for the invasion of Painted Lady butterflies so Printed on 100% recycled paper Conservation. take the time to discover more about our butterflies and moths in 2010. 14 Historical Moth Records The Mynydd Mawr Project partnership Two major national datasets of moth records are being made available to County between Butterfly Conservation Wales and Moth Recorders and ultimately to the NMRS. An estimated 10 million moth records Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) will from the Rothamsted light-trap network have been disseminated to County Moth Recorders for validation and incorporation into their local datasets. We are very end in March 2010. grateful to Rothamsted Research and Ian Woiwod in particular for this contribution to the NMRS. The Half of all suitable or potential Marsh Additionally, over 600,000 moth records from the previous Lepidoptera Recording Mynydd Fritillary habitat in the project area is now Scheme, which ran from the late 1960’s to the early 1980’s have been protected by management agreements computerised by the Biological Record Centre (BRC). All of the information from Mawr the original recording cards sent in to the scheme has been electronically captured. with landowners. That’s 110 hectares of The dataset contains records for 863 macro-moth species with a remarkable 84% Project Rhos pasture - 60 hectares in our coverage of Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands at the 10km square Photo: D Sazer purpose-built agreements, with the rest level. Approximately 139,000 of the records in BRC dataset are from Wales and the recording coverage of Wales is estimated to be a staggering 92.5%. We have been working for receiving agri-environment, SSSI or other six years with landowners grants. These historical datasets will provide a baseline for the NMRS to enable accurate assessment of species distribution change. They will also highlight “white-holes” to near Cross Hands, encourage targeted recording of under-recorded areas. The BRC dataset is Carmarthenshire, to These fields are being summer-grazed by currently undergoing some central verification but the records will be repatriated to manage their land for cattle or ponies, to create the tussocky County Moth Recorders early in 2010. For this fantastic achievement and valuable contribution towards county datasets and the NMRS the Moths Count team would the Marsh Fritillary. habitat needed by the Marsh Fritillary like to pass on huge thanks to Dr. Mark Hill and his team at the BRC. caterpillars. We’ve installed over 1½ Deborah Sazer, kilometres of new fencing, along with new Carry on Mothing Mynydd Mawr The Moths Count project continues in 2010, although the main Heritage Lottery Project Officer gates and water troughs to enable grazing. Fund grant comes to an end in the summer. Butterfly Conservation is determined to keep the new National Moth Recording Scheme running in the long-term and is We’ve also cleared over 6 hectares of seeking alternate sources of funding. Recording continues as usual and there are scrub, bramble and ragwort, to win back the grassland that has been lost plenty of gaps to be filled in Wales. There will also be further training events during through neglect. 2010, so check the project website for details.

Whether you’re recording moths regularly or just becoming interested, there are lots This year Richard Smith and Lyn Gander have been searching for further of ways to get involved in Moths Count and the National Moth Recording Scheme in Marsh Fritillary habitat within a 10,800 hectare area around the Mynydd 2010. Happy mothing!

Mawr area, on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council (CCC). The For more information see www.mothscount.org results are currently being collated. They have found hundreds of hectares of damp grassland with the potential to support the butterfly, and Contact: Laura Wiffen on 01929 406009 or a number of previously undiscovered Marsh Fritillary colonies. [email protected].

To be kept informed of all Moths Count and NMRS The background to this survey is the targeting of Cross Hands as a centre progress, sign up to the Moths Count mailing list by contacting Laura. 2 13 Over the past year, the Moths Count project has made significant progress in raising awareness for business and residential development by the Welsh Assembly about moths and in developing the National Government and CCC. This includes a new road which is currently Moth Recording Scheme (NMRS). During 2009, planned to cut through Marsh Fritillary habitat, including part of the we ran three moth training events and five pub- lic moth events in Wales, bringing the total to 15 Special Area of Conservation (SAC). We know that the Marsh Fritillaries free training events and 17 public moth events require large blocks of connected habitat to survive in the long term. in Wales since 2007. Furthermore, the Mynydd Mawr population has been identified as one of

Mapping Moths the few Welsh populations likely to survive in the long term. Moths The NMRS database grew . More than half of substantially during 2009 as a result That is why Butterfly Conservation Wales is working closely with CCC’s Count of County Moth Recorders submitting the Welsh vice- Update their local datasets. It now contains county datasets ecologists and CCW to ensure that these developments do not harm this almost eight million moth records from have been received critical population. Sadly, our plans for a new wider landscape project 99 vice-counties across the UK. This to-date, totalling in Richard Fox progress has enabled the production around Mynydd Mawr have not received funding. There are many Surveys of provisional distribution maps for all excess of 615,000 outstanding planning proposals affecting the area, and our plans are on records! Manager larger moth species on the project hold until these issues are resolved. We will continue working to develop website www.mothscount.org. These maps will provide the first update for decades for most a long-term plan to secure the future for the Marsh Fritillary and all of the moths, and the first accessible maps ever for the c. other important wildlife that live in our Carmarthenshire Rhos pastures. 300 species of Geometridae. The maps will be regularly updated and will provide useful information and feedback to moth recorders about species’ range Fig 1. changes as well as enabling them to view their moth Large records in a wider context. Our great thanks are due to yellow all the County Moth Recorders and individual moth-ers underwing for their participation and support. There are a few remaining county datasets to come once County Moth Recorders have completed input, verification and formatting of their records.

Due to the widely recorded nature of the Large Yellow Underwing we can gain an insight from its distribution in the NMRS database into moth recording coverage in general. The absence of this moth from a 10km square probably indicates low levels of recording. It is clear from the provisional map for this species (Fig. 1), Fig 2 that moth recording is active throughout the Welsh V-Moth vice-counties for which we have data. Data collected from the Rothamsted light-trap network over the period 1968-2002 recorded a 97% decrease in the population levels of the V-moth. This population decline is mirrored by a distribution decline that is already evident on the provisional NMRS map for Wales. Marsh Fritillary Photo: D Sazer 12 3 Copper Underwing There are several advantages to feeding on our bringing moths to the school mixture The According to the literature, the Square- curriculum. The children’s enthusiasm spotted Clay is a declining species that Square- is contagious and the teacher need occurs chiefly in eastern England with not be an expert. Initially moths will be spotted just a few records from Wales and misidentified and at the start we even Scotland. made names up for some of them, but Clay after a while we found that the moths It is also an obscurely-marked moth that, were correctly identified and now we especially when worn, can easily be make a valuable contribution to the data recorded by the county recorder. confused with commoner relatives.

Now, having come across the species in 3 We have hung a moth net in the widely-separated localities in Breconshire school foyer and rear different species of moth, giving the children the over the past 3 years, I wonder whether it responsibility of feeding the really is as rare in Wales as we think, or CaptionPhoto: A Driver caterpillars. Last year we hatched the whether it is in fact overlooked. eggs of the Death’s Head Hawkmoth and reared them to maturity. Is it really rare in Wales? Children have a natural curiosity in I’d like to give advice on where to search for DarkI haven’t Green linked Fritillary the moth trapping living things.

Photo:activities of the children to any Norman Lowe it, but since the books say that the larva The look of expectation on their faces curriculum. Pure enjoyment and feeds on Common Nettle, Oxlip and Dog’s as the trap is opened and the egg arousing their interest is enough for boxes are scrutinized can only be Mercury (and possibly other foodplants) and the moth is recorded in a me but if some ESTYN inspector likened to when opening wide variety of habitats this doesn’t seem to be very helpful. wanted evidence, then simply to watch a box of chocolates them debate over the identity of a ln this image the moth Feathered Ranunculus or a Grey Chi Ellis So, if you come across a moth that seems not looks more as you’d see it with a in the trap is enough, as far as I can see; seeing Buff-tip purple enough for a Purple Clay, too dark for a the children pouring over images in Double Square-spot and with broader wings than the fieldbook and determining if the flight times match – while studying the most Triple-spotted Clays, just check that it isn’t markings on the moth’s wings. the Square-spotted Clay. It might be commoner than we think! Heartfelt thanks to Julian Thompson whose support and patience with the children is much appreciated.

4 11 We started off with one trap. That’s all you need!

Cost: about £100. In May I was fortunate to accompany Oliver A Drab Howells (Defence Estates) to the 720 hectare

Ministry of Defence Training Area at Caerwent Looper The most commonly used trap is the Heath trap which in SE Monmouthshire. The area lies primarily use rechargeable batteries and these are set in the on an outcrop of carboniferous limestone, with Early Thorn school's Butterfly garden or in various habitats in about 400 hectares of grassland including five but exciting too meadows designated as SSSIs and significant Conwy. The children get the opportunity to compare areas of woodland. Moths at different habitats and how some species have specific Ysgol habitat requirements. They are also able to monitor the Since 2004 use of the area for military training seasonal changes in both number and species caught. has increased ten fold, making access for conservation purposes much more difficult. On San Sior this occasion about 25% of the base was out of

The children have even started catching moths at home bounds but we still recorded 16 Grizzled Ian Keith Jones, and bring them into school in all manner of makeshift Skipper and 8 Dingy Skipper, in small containers. Some parents have caught the bug and numbers, at locations throughout the base.

chaperone their children to the office to learn the The highlight of the visit came when I netted a identity of a moth that flew into the bathroom. small moth flying along a hedgerow which was readily identified as Drab Looper (Minoa murinata). This was a surprise since the larvae feed on Wood Spurge We also have two ‘Robinson’ Traps (Mercury Vapour (Euphorbia amygdaloides), preferring the flowers and floral leaves, and neither Oliver nor myself had seen Wood Spurge within the base. A search ensued and lamps) which are used during school moth trapping eventually the foodplant was found on the verges of a lane alongside the evening events. During these events we make Victorian boundary fence. Four further Drab Looper individuals were also seen. concoctions that might attract moths. We commandeered the school kitchen to boil this sticky Drab Looper is a UK BAP Priority species with two main centres of occurrence in Britain, central southern England and the borders of England and south Wales. It Lobster mess! Moth is currently known from four other sites in eastern Monmouthshire, but this Recipe for discovery probably represents the most westerly colony in UK. ‘We arrived at Pensychnant with a cup Sticky Moth-Attracting Mixture of lovely sticky moth attracting 454g Tin of Black Treacle 1Kg Brown Sugar (the darker the better) Successful bid for urgent management to save the Drab Looper mixture. It smelled and if you get a bit 500ml Brown Ale. A key Welsh site for the Drab Looper, Hendre Forest in the Wye Valley, is in need on your finger you will be a of urgent management work. The moth appears to be confined to a single, small mothmagnet! We poured it on the tree area of clear fell, the suitability of which is declining due to succession. Its larval foodplant occurs on a number of rides and clear fell areas and brushed it in. And ...... got a result Volunteer help is throughout the forest. However, these areas are either with a ‘Copper Underwing’ drinking the needed to rake off cut too exposed or support too little Wood Spurge to provide vegetation and brash, mixture. We also saw a Black Rustic, suitable breeding habitat. Thanks to a grant from the disturb the ground, Orange Sallow and a Brimstone . We Wales Biodiversity Fund, micro-management of the and to continue the occupied area will be undertaken in winter 2010 to saw a Pale Tussock caterpillar feeding programme of survey maintain the population until the suitability of adjacent on the mixture as well as an earwig, and surveillance. rides can be increased and a system of coppice coupes To lend a hand woodlice and millipedes.’ created. Clare Williams, Conservation Officer contact us! 10 5 Dusky Thorn Photo: D Green My pilot scheme of co-opting companies to help with our Moth Count is slowly gaining momentum, with 2 companies plus my own on board, and although their contributions have been on a token level, at least we are under way.

The unexpected at 2009 finds included: May Highflyer, Dusky Thorn, Wrexham Golden Rod Pug, Scalloped Hazel, Ghost and Red Chestnut, with good numbers of Small Square Clydach Vale before ...... and after Industrial Spot, Smoky Wainscot and Willow Beauty.

Estate 2009 was a quiet year on the estate for Butterflies increase in the amount of violet which we hope will lead to more butterflies on the

Even allowing for a good 2008 spring, Dingy Skipper site in 2010. The Team was also worked with the South Wales Branch and the Mark Taylor and Small Heath numbers appeared to be down, Countryside Council for Wales and carried out some similar work at Hirwaun and although The Grizzled and Common Blue were here in Tonyrefail for the Marsh Fritillary. good numbers on the 2 sites which I visit on my lunch- break. Fortunately the huge area of scrub next to my KWT encourages groups to take on projects and assists them to obtain funding company is kept open by local scramblers who create a towards equipment, training and insurance etc. KWT also runs a small grant maze of “rides” and short turf areas. There were very scheme for community groups to purchase necessary equipment for such few White Letter Hairstreak on show, although to the projects. We recently supplied funding for the purchase of a chainsaw and safety

Common Blue east of the estate it appears to be doing well. equipment for the Coed Y Bwl Group (Vale of Glamorgan) who manage the Alun Valley site for the High Brown Fritillary. The estate is also rich in flora, notably the wonderful Bee Orchid and prolific cowslip. Warblers also abound notably the mysterious Grasshopper Warbler In other parts of Wales many local authorities have similar ‘Tidy Towns’ teams (2 pairs). Here’s hoping for a sunny 2010!! who can assist. KWT have project officers in every local authority - just get in touch for more information on exactly what is available in your area. All contact details can be found on www.keepwalestidy.org. One of the South Wales Branch regular

Butterfly sighting volunteers, Gareth Tonks, had an entry in his local Monmouthshire Butterfly & Moth Group Contact [email protected] reunites family Newsletter’ on the internet, about an early and I will be able to put you in touch with your local KWT project officer. a really heart- sighting of a Red Admiral. warming story! He was amazed to receive an e-mail from someone who Tidy Towns is a partnership project between KWT and all 22 Welsh was looking for him. He writes: Local Authorities, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, which aims “It was my long lost daughter who I have not seen since she was a toddler 36 to ‘Support the people of Wales to take responsibility for the quality of their years ago. Thanks to a Red Admiral that I sighted in March 08, I am now local environment”. reunited with my daughter. She loves butterflies too”.

6 9 Keep Wales Butterfly Conservation is always keen to support student Student Keep Wales Tidy has project officers based in projects. In 2009 Alice Smith undertook a study of Small researchers Pearl-bordered Fritillary. We were keen to see how the Tidy and communities across Wales who provide expert advice butterfly behaves in an open landscape after the work done in the Butterflies and support. They encourage communities to adopt previously in Clocaenog Forest. spotlight their local area and assist volunteers to undertake a range Dave Thorpe, the Gwynedd county butterfly recorder helped Russel identify a series of sites on a hillside near Llanberis. Alice of environmental improvement Believe it or not, then undertook a Mark, Release, Recapture study and Hobson projects, including; litter picks, Keep Wales mapped the quality of the habitat comparing different Head of path maintenance, improving condition assessment methods. She noted that the early Conservation disabled access, developing Tidy does a lot appearing males disbursed from the small, wet breeding patches on to the surrounding bracken slopes until the females emerged. She community gardens and habitat more than also detected the movement of a few individuals between patches. Alice is Ben Williams management. The protection of collect rubbish. currently writing up her results for her MSc. endangered species and habitat KWT Project Officer As part of its Bigil hill, location of the study: Alice Smith management fall within this Butterfly Conservation Wales maintains a Rhondda Cynon Taff ‘Tidy Towns’ list of projects suitable for undergraduate remit. project it is and post graduate students. In 2010 we are hoping to support research on the Silurian KWT can help with habitat management for butterflies. improving moth and comparing butterfly populations on Each Local Authority has different methods of delivering habitats for Tir Gofal and non Tir Gofal farms. We can offer practical help and in some cases travel Tidy Towns in their area, but here in Rhondda Cynon Taff butterflies expenses. Interested students should the local authority employ five men, fully trained in the art contact Russel Hobson. of using brushcutters, strimmers and chainsaws. They

assist in Tidy Towns projects, which can Events include butterfly conservation projects COURSE ON If you would like to learn more about the identification and A good example of their work in 2009 was BUTTERFLIES the habitat requirements of butterflies, then join this course OF VARIOUS run by Aberystwyth University. It consists of 8 sessions of 2 in Clydach Vale. The site supports a HABITATS ½ hours each and includes 7 field meetings. The course good population of Small Pearl-bordered begins on 26th June 2010 and finishes on 14th August 2010.

Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary (which For more information go to www.aber.ac.uk/sell or email both feed on Dog Violets) but was [email protected] or [email protected] Telephone 01970 621580 beginning to be overgrown by willow and bramble that was reducing the amount of BUTTERFLY We will be visiting Cors Caron National Nature Reserve in CONSERVATION Mid Wales and will consist of 2 different walks. The walks caterpillar food plant available. GUIDED WALK. begin at 10 am and 1 pm on Sunday 25th July 2010 and start

Part of ‘Save our at the Cors Caron Car Park on the B4343, 2 miles north of The Tidy Towns Team moved in to Butterflies’ week. Tregaron. Grid Ref SN 693625 remove the scrub and bramble over a Leader: Red Liford. For more details ring 01974 282672 couple of days. The result was an Dark Green Fritillary . Photo: Jim Asher 8 7