Conservation

Regional Action Plan For Anglia

(, , & )

This action plan was produced in response to the Action for project funded by WWF, EN, SNH and CCW

This regional project has been supported by

Action for Biodiversity

Cambridgeshire and Essex Branch Suffolk branch BC Norfolk branch BC Acknowledgements

The Cambridgeshire and Essex branch, Norfolk branch and Suffolk branch constitute Butterfly Conservation’s Anglia region. This regional plan has been compiled from individual branch plans which are initially drawn up from 1997-1999. As the majority of the information included in this action plan has been directly lifted from these original plans, credit for this material should go to the authors of these reports. They were John Dawson (Cambridgeshire & Essex Plan, 1997), James Mann and Tony Prichard (Suffolk Plan, 1998), and Jane Harris (Norfolk Plan, 1999). County butterfly updates have largely been provided by Iris Newbery and Dr Val Perrin (Cambridgeshire and Essex), Roland Rogers and Brian Mcllwrath (Norfolk) and Richard Stewart (Suffolk). Some of the information included in the plan has been provided by Dr Paul Waring, David Green and Mark Parsons (BC Moth Conservation Officers) with additional county moth data obtained from John Dawson (Cambridgeshire), Brian Goodey and Robin Field (Essex), Barry Dickerson (Huntingdon Moth and Butterfly Group), Michael Hall and Ken Saul (Norfolk Moth Survey) and Tony Prichard (Suffolk Moth Group). Some of the micro-moth information included in the plan was kindly provided by A. M. Emmet.

Other individuals targeted with specific requests include Graham Bailey (BC Cambs. & Essex), Ruth Edwards, Dr Chris Gibson (EN), Dr Andrew Pullin (Birmingham University), Estella Roberts (BC, Assistant Conservation Officer, Wareham), Matthew Shardlow (RSPB) and Ken Ulrich (BC Cambs. & Essex).

We thank Nick Greatorex-Davies for information on sites in the national butterfly monitoring scheme, Dr Ruth Feber (BC Threatened Fritillaries Officer) for the latest update on Heath Fritillary in the region, Dr Tom Brereton (BC Monitoring and Species Ecologist) for some information on monitoring and Charlie Rugeroni (BC) for his financial management of the project.

This work was financially supported by English Nature as a contribution to the Species Recovery Programme; their nominated officer for the project was Dr. David Sheppard.

Written by Dr J. Joy with assistance from Dr N. Bourn.

2000

Registered Office of Butterfly Conservation: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP. Registered in No. 2206468 Registered Charity No. 254937.

2 Contents

Page Number(s) 1. Introduction 1.1 Executive Summary 6-7 1.2 Background 8 1.3 General Aims 8

2. High and Medium Priority Butterflies and 2.1 Priority List for Anglia Butterflies 9 2.2 Methods used for assigning priorities in Anglia 10-13 2.3 High Priority Macro-moths in Anglia 14-16 2.4 Medium Priority Macro-moths in Anglia 17-18 2.5 Medium Priority Micro-moths in Anglia 19-21

3. Species Accounts 3.1 High Priority Butterflies 3.2a Dingy Skipper 22-23 3.1b Grizzled Skipper 24-25 3.1c Swallowtail 26-27 3.1d Black Hairstreak 28-29 3.1e Silver-studded Blue 30-31 3.1f Heath Fritillary 32-34 3.2 Medium Priority Butterflies 3.2a White-letter Hairstreak 35-36 3.2b Small Blue 37-38 3.2c Brown Argus 39-40 3.2d Chalkhill Blue 41 3.2e White Admiral 42-43 3.2f Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary 44 3.2g Dark Green Fritillary 45-46 3.2h Marbled White 47-48 3.3 Low Priority Butterflies 3.3a Green Hairstreak 49-50 3.3b Silver-washed Fritillary 51 3.3c Wall 51 3.3d Grayling 52-53 3.3e Other low priority butterflies 54 3.3f Migrant butterflies 55 3.4 Nationally Important Extinct Butterfly Species 3.4a Wood White 56 3.4b Brown Hairstreak 56 3.4c Large Copper 57 3.4d Pearl-bordered Fritillary 58 3.5 High Priority Macro-Moths Notes on Norfolk high priority moths 59 1. Reed Leopard 60

3 2. The Triangle 61 3. Ground Lackey 62 4. Tawny Wave 63-64 5. Bright Wave 65 6. Chalk Carpet 66 7. Barberry Carpet 67 8. Fletcher’s Pug 68 9. Scarce Pug 69 10. Grey Carpet 70-71 11. Barred Tooth-striped 72-73 12. Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth 74 13. Scarce Vapourer 75 14. Dotted Footman 76 15. Small Dotted Footman 77 16. Pigmy Footman 78 17. Lunar Yellow Underwing 79-80 18. Square-spotted Clay 81 19. Pale Shining Brown 82 20. Bordered Gothic 83-84 21. White-spotted Pinion 85 22. Concolorous 86 23. Fenn’s Wainscot 87 24. Fisher’s Estuarine Moth 88-89 25. White-mantled Wainscot 90 26. Rush Wainscot 91-92 27. Marbled 93-94 28. Silver Barred 95 29. Four-spotted 96 30. Buttoned Snout 97 31. Common Fan-foot 98 32. Shaded Fan-foot 99 33. Clay Fan-foot 100 34. Olive Crescent 101 3.6 Medium Priority Macro-moths 102-104

4. Key Areas and Sites in Anglia 105 Map 1 – Location of key areas and sites 4.1 Cambridgeshire 106-108 4.2 Essex 109-113 4.3 Norfolk 114-117 4.4 Suffolk 118-121

5. Survey 122

6. Monitoring 123-124

7. Management 125-126

4 8. Other Activities 126

9. Review 126

10. References 127-130

Appendix 1 - Priority Ratings for British Butterflies 131

Appendix 2 – Tetrad Records 1995-99 132

Appendix 3 – Moth Species Log Book Numbers 133-136

Appendix 4 – Definitions of the Status of British Moths 137

Appendix 5 – Maps of Key Areas 138

Appendix 6 – Key to Abbreviations 154

5 1.1 Executive Summary

This plan highlights the main conservation priorities for butterfly species and high priority moths in the Anglia region as well as identifying some of the most important habitats for . The intention is for actions and targets for high priority species to be implemented in the next five years, actions for medium priority species to be implemented in the next ten years and actions for other species to be implemented in the next ten years once targets for higher priority species have been achieved. However, as Butterfly Conservation must also be able to react to unforeseen circumstances, there may well be some actions undertaken in the next decade which were not conceived at this time.

The main conservation priorities identified for Butterfly Conservation branches in the Anglia region are as follows: a) Species Protection

• To safeguard all surviving populations of high and medium priority species. • To seek opportunities to extend breeding areas of high and medium priority species. • To encourage survey work to determine the current status of all high and medium priority species in areas where this is unknown. • To support ecological research which may assist the long term conservation of high and medium priority species • To increase the level of moth recording and knowledge of the habitat requirements of high and medium priority moths. While moths have been taken into account in the key areas and key sites section of this plan, there are only separate species accounts for the high priority macro-moths. Long term aims should be to produce species action plans for all medium priority moths identified in this plan, to include more details of sites which are important for particular moth species and to draw up similar plans for key micro-lepidoptera. b) Monitoring

• To continue to monitor butterfly transects. • To maintain contact with other organisations involved in monitoring in the Anglia region to make best use of all available information and to provide feedback and encouragement. • To increase the level of monitoring of high and medium priority species (both butterflies and moths) in key areas and sites so that any changes in abundance can quickly be identified.

6 c) Liaison

• To closely collaborate with all possible partners to ensure that actions and targets identified in this plan are implemented within the proposed timescales • To provide feedback to landowners and land managers and provide them with management recommendations which are realistic and could be maintained in the long term. • To continue to build on relationships with other conservation groups in the Anglia region and raise the profile of Butterfly Conservation through publicity and education. • To publish the results from monitoring work, management regimes and research projects so that the information can be disseminated both regionally and nationally.

7 1.2 Background

The Action for Butterflies Project and Regional Action Plans: Their role within Butterfly Conservation and the Biodiversity planning process.

Background to the Biodiversity planning process

At the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the UK Government signed the Convention on Biological Diversity which required the development of a national strategy. In early 1994, the Government produced the UK Biodiversity Action Plan which adopted a systematic approach whereby targets are used to focus conservation action. This has since ensured that there is now considerable effort going into the production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans through the Agenda 21 process. Butterfly Conservation is attempting to maximise the benefits for butterflies and moths and their habitats through the Action for Butterflies project.

The Action for Butterflies Project

The project began in 1994 and is funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF- UK) and the Country Agencies (English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales). It aims to place the conservation work of the Society within an overall framework, aiding the Society at national and local level to develop priorities for action. National Species Action Plans have already been written for the 25 most threatened butterflies. Butterfly Conservation branches are also producing Regional Action Plans for each of 14 regions in the UK to guide action at a local level.

This Regional Action Plan for the Anglia region is thus one in a series being drawn up by Butterfly Conservation branches in consultation with staff at the Conservation Office, using a standard format devised following a series of workshops held in 1995 and 1996. The plan is intended to incorporate both national and regional priorities, and to aid the conservation of species and habitats characteristic of the local area.

Regional Action Plans: The Wider Context

As well as guiding Butterfly Conservation’s own actions, our Regional Action Plans are designed to provide our conservation partners with detailed and sound conservation priorities for Lepidoptera for inclusion in, and the implementation of Local Biodiversity Action Plans. In the Anglia region this has been taken forward by the publication of this Regional Action Plan.

1.3 General Aims of the Regional Action Plan for the Anglia region

• To identify butterfly and moth species most at risk within the region • To outline the site and management requirements of these species • To identify the most important areas and sites for butterflies and moths in the region • To highlight areas where there are large gaps in local knowledge and where survey, management or monitoring should receive priority attention

8 2. High and Medium Priority Butterflies and Moths

2.1 Priority Butterfly List for the Anglia region

The list of species below has been developed from Butterfly Conservation’s British priority list using criteria discussed in Section 2.2. Butterfly Conservation’s national priority rating for these butterflies is given in Appendix 1 along with their UK BAP status. Appendix 2 lists the tetrad records from 1995-99 for each species on a county basis and thus provides an indication of their current status.

2.1.1 High priority species

Dingy Skipper Grizzled Skipper Swallowtail Black Hairstreak Silver-studded Blue Heath Fritillary

2.1.2 Medium priority species

White-letter Hairstreak Brown Argus Chalkhill Blue White Admiral Dark Green Fritillary Marbled White

2.1.3 Medium priority species probably no longer breeding in the region

Small Blue Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

9 2.2 Methods used for assigning priorities in the Anglia region

Butterfly Conservation’s national guidelines for producing Regional Action Plans (Bourn, Warren & Kirkland, 1996) suggest that a species qualifies for a higher regional than national rating if it fulfilled any one or more of the following criteria:

Criterion 1 - (rate of decline) species which have undergone ≥ 32% loss of 10km squares or ≥ 50% loss of tetrads in 25 years. Criterion 2 - (rarity) species which occupy < 0.6% of the region’s area on the basis of its 10km square records or have less than 30 colonies. Criterion 3 - the region contains ≥ 20% of the national resource of the species.

1) Criterion 1. The species which appear to be in decline in the region when 10km square records from two recording periods (1970-82 and 1995-99) are compared are listed in Table 2.

Table 2. Species which appear to be in decline in the region.

The mid points of the two recording periods (1970-82, mid point 1976; 1995-99, mid point 1997) were used to give a 21 year time period for decline estimates for Criterion 1. If these decline estimates were >27% over 21 years (which is equivalent to the ≥32% loss of 10km squares in 25 years given in Bourn, Warren & Kirkland, 1996 (assuming a linear decline over time)) then the species qualified for a higher rating in the Anglia region (***) under Criterion 1. Two species which qualified for a higher priority rating using this criterion (*) were not elevated as they are now presumed extinct as a breeding species in the region.

Species 10km square 10km square 21 year decline records 1970-82 records 1995-99 estimate (from BRC (from BC/BRC database) database) Dingy Skipper 25 14 44%*** Grizzled Skipper 25 18 28%*** Wood White 3 0 100% (*) Black Hairstreak 7 4 43%*** Small Pearl-bordered 2 1 50% (*) Fritillary

10 2) Criterion 2 – see Table 3 below.

Table 3. Rare species within the Anglia region in terms of area occupied (Criteria 2). If species occupy <0.6% of the total number of 10km squares in the Anglia region (total 206) or have less than 30 colonies then they have an increased priority rating in the Anglia region. Species which were provisionally elevated using this criterion are indicated by (*) and those actually elevated with an additional qualification indicated by (***).

Species Number of Comments 10km squares records (1995-99) Swallowtail 11*** Probably less than 30 discrete colonies present but still widespread in the Norfolk Broads (also elevated on Criterion 3 below). Black Hairstreak 4*** Present on only a few sites in Cambridgeshire with an ongoing project trying to assess its current status (1999- 2000). Small Blue 2* May possibly already be extinct as a breeding species in the region and therefore not elevated on this criteria. Its status should however, be increased if it is subsequently found to be resident at any of its former sites. Silver-studded Blue 9*** A species which is only still well established in the region in small parts of Norfolk and Suffolk where there are probably less than 30 discrete colonies. Chalkhill Blue 3*** Only now breeding in one area of Cambridgeshire where its numbers are increasing. Small Pearl-bordered 2* Not elevated on this criterion as it is Fritillary probably no longer a breeding species in the region. Dark Green Fritillary 13*** A species which is currently only well established in small parts of Norfolk but which may currently be expanding its range in the region. Its status should therefore be re-assessed in five years time. Silver-washed Fritillary 5* Not elevated on this criterion as all recent sightings are thought to represent vagrants with no breeding colonies being known. Heath Fritillary 3*** Re-established at four sites in Essex in the 1980’s/90’s.

11 Marbled White 25*** Just about qualifies under this criteria on the number of colonies. Essex is the most important county for this species in the region where it is unusual in that it is centred on sea wall grasslands.

3) Criterion 3 – see Table 4 below.

Table 4. The proportion of the British resource for species within the Anglia region (Criterion 3 in Bourn, Warren and Kirkland, 1996). If the Anglia region holds 20% or more of the total number of 10km squares for a particular species then it has an increased priority rating. Species in the Anglia region which qualified for an increased rating using this criterion are indicated by (***).

Species Number of Number of Does this apply 10km square 10km squares or to the Anglia records for the colonies needed region? Anglia region for priority (1995-99) change (> 20% of British resource) Swallowtail 11 >3 Yes*** Brown Argus 154 >140 Yes*** (*1)

*1 – A species which has expanded its range in all parts of the region in the 1990’s (as in other parts of Britain) with the number of 10km square records increasing from 30 (1970-82) to 154 (1995-99) (data from BC/BRC database).

An additional Criterion (Criterion 4) was used to raise the priority rating of one species for the following reason:

White Admiral - A species which currently appears to be expanding its range both in Britain and in Anglia (particularly in the east of the region). The number of 10km square records for this species in Anglia has increased from 14 (1970-82) to 65 (1995- 99) and it may yet be under-recorded. Its status should also be re-assessed in five years time to see if the region supports a significant proportion of the national resource.

12 4) Summary - of all butterfly species qualifying for an increased priority rating in the Anglia region on the basis of Criteria 1- 3 is given in Table 5.

Table 5. Species which qualify for a change in their British priority rating as judged by implementation of criteria (see Bourn, Warren & Kirkland, 1996).

Species Criterion Criterion Criterion Criterion Priority Rating 1 2 3 4 Change Dingy Skipper Yes Medium to High Grizzled Skipper Yes Medium to High Swallowtail Yes Yes Medium to High Black Hairstreak Yes Yes Medium to High Silver-studded Blue Yes Medium to High Brown Argus Yes Low to Medium Chalkhill Blue Yes Low to Medium White Admiral Yes Low to Medium Dark Green Fritillary Yes Low to Medium Heath Fritillary Yes Stays High Marbled White Yes Low to Medium

13 2.3 High Priority Macro-Moths in the Anglia region

Includes all species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) lists which are currently considered to be important in the region. For species log book numbers (from Bradley & Fletcher, 1979) see Appendix 3. For definitions of the national status of British moths see Appendix 4. Species accounts for these high priority moths are given in section 3.4.

Common Name Scientific Name 1. Reed Leopard Phragmataecia castaneae 2. The Triangle Heterogenea asella 3. Ground Lackey Malacosoma castrensis 4. Tawny Wave Scopula rubiginata 5. Bright Wave Idaea ochrata 6. Chalk Carpet Scotopteryx bipunctaria 7. Barberry Carpet Pareulype berberata 8. Fletcher’s Pug Eupithecia egenaria 9. Scarce Pug Eupithecia extensaria 10. Grey Carpet Lithostege griseata 11. Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata 12. Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris tityus 13. Scarce Vapourer Orgyia recens 14. Dotted Footman muscerda 15. Small Dotted Footman Pelosia obtusa 16. Pigmy Footman Eilema pygmaeola 17. Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona 18. Square-spotted Clay Xestia rhomboidea 19. Pale Shining Brown Polia bombycina 20. Bordered Gothic Heliophobus reticulata marginosa 21. White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis 22. Concolorous Chortodes extrema 23. Fenn’s Wainscot Chortodes brevilinea 24. Fisher’s Estuarine Moth Gortyna borelii 25. White-mantled Wainscot Archanara neurica 26. Rush Wainscot Archanara algae 27. Marbled Clover Heliothis viriplaca 28. Silver Barred Deltote bankiana 29. Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa 30. Buttoned Snout Hypena rostralis 31. Common Fan-foot Pechipogo strigilata 32. Shaded Fan-foot Herminia tarsicrinalis 33. Clay Fan-foot Paracolax tristalis 34. Olive Crescent Trisateles emortualis

14 Note to Table Below – If ‘Yes’ is listed this species is thought to be resident. If the status is different, this is indicated in the table. The date of last record is given in brackets where appropriate. Status confirmed by Brian Goodey (Essex), John Dawson (Cambs. & Essex BC, Moth Officer), Barry Dickerson (Huntingdon Moth and Butterfly Group, VC 31), Ken Saul (Norfolk Moth Survey) and Tony Prichard (Suffolk Moth Group).

Species Cambs. Essex Norfolk Suffolk 1. Reed Leopard Yes Yes 2. The Triangle Yes 3. Ground Lackey Yes Yes 4. Tawny Wave Yes? *1 Yes Yes 5. Bright Wave *2 Yes 6. Chalk Carpet ?*1 (1984) 7. Barberry Carpet Yes*1 8. Fletcher’s Pug Yes Yes 9. Scarce Pug (1985) Yes 10. Grey Carpet ?*2 *3 Yes Yes 11. Barred Tooth-striped (1989)+ Yes 12. Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk- Yes moth 13. Scarce Vapourer Yes Only one recent record 14. Dotted Footman Yes *4 Yes 15. Small Dotted Footman Yes 16. Pigmy Footman Yes ?*2 17. Lunar Yellow Underwing Yes Yes 18. Square-spotted Clay Yes Yes Yes 19. Pale Shining Brown (1984) Yes ?*3 20. Bordered Gothic ?*3 UC Yes Yes 21. White-spotted Pinion Yes *5 *1 22. Concolorous Yes 23. Fenn’s Wainscot Yes Yes 24. Fisher’s Estuarine Moth Yes 25. White-mantled Wainscot Yes 26. Rush Wainscot Yes 27. Marbled Clover Yes *6 Yes Yes 28. Silver Barred Yes *7 Yes*2 29. Four-spotted*** Yes*4 *8 Yes*3 30. Buttoned Snout Yes Yes Yes*4 Yes 31. Common Fan-foot Yes 32. Shaded Fan-foot Yes Yes Yes 33. Clay Fan-foot *9 34. Olive Crescent Yes

*** no resident colonies known

15 Notes on the status of some Cambridgeshire Species (update kindly provided by John Dawson) *1 – Last recorded at Fleam Dyke in 1973. *2 – Singleton recorded at in 1997. *3 - Last Cambridgeshire record on the database is 1980. *4 – 1995-97 records for one site.

Notes on the status of some Essex species (update kindly provided by Brian Goodey) *1 – Six records from five sites since 1995 suggest it may be resident. *2 – Last recorded in 1985 *3 – Vagrant at Bradwell-on-Sea in 1995 *4 – Four records from three sites since 1992. Vagrant. *5 – Four records from four sites since 1982 (2 post-1990). Status uncertain. *6 – Five records from five sites since 1992. Status uncertain but probably vagrant. *7 – Ten records from eight sites since 1985. Status likely to be vagrant/migrant. *8 – Six records from six sites since 1997. Probably vagrant. *9 – No recent records so probably extinct. Also Bordered Gothic – Four records from four sites since 1987. Two records are unsubstantiated. Status uncertain. + from Writtle College Rothamsted Trap

Notes on the status of some Norfolk species (update kindly provided by Michael Hall and Ken Saul) *1 – Singleton record in the early 1980’s. *2 - Recently recorded, probably as migrants. *3 – Recently recorded, probably as vagrants. *4 – Widespread and relatively common over much of Norfolk.

Notes on the status of some Suffolk species (update kindly provided by Tony Prichard) *1 – Still to be classed as resident at present. *2 – Has been recorded in the county but whether it is resident or not has still to be verified. *3 - Has been recorded in the county but whether it is resident or not has still to be verified.

Two species which should possibly be considered for addition to this high priority list in the future are the Marsh Moth Athetis pallustris (former colonies in Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire (and ancient Norfolk record) and considered by Paul Waring to possibly still be breeding in Suffolk) and Double Line Mythimna turca (a singleton was recorded in East Suffolk in 1992).

16 2.4 Medium Priority Macro-Moths – Notable species occurring in the Anglia region

At present these include all nationally notable (Na or Nb) macrolepidoptera which are currently known to occur in the Anglia region and have been recorded since 1980. For species log book numbers (from Bradley & Fletcher, 1979) see Appendix 3. For definitions of Na and Nb status see Appendix 4. Current status is taken from Waring, in press (JNCC). It is anticipated that the status of many of these species may change in the next few years as a result of increasing recording levels. For this reason, the status of these medium priority moths will be reviewed in five years time, when there may be sufficient data available to write an action plan for each species. The counties in which the species have recently been recorded are given in section 3.6 and the areas or sites which are known to contain these species are listed in section 4.

Species Scientific Name National Status Goat Moth Cossus cossus Nb Festoon Apoda limacodes Nb Moth apiformis Nb Current Clearwing Synanthedon tipuliformis Nb Yellow-legged Clearwing Synanthedon vespiformis Nb Orange-tailed Clearwing Synanthedon andrenaeformis Nb Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon myopaeformis Nb Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Nb Large Red-belted Clearwing Synanthedon culiciformis Nb Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Nb Small Eggar Eriogaster lanestris Nb Satin Lutestring Tetheella fluctuosa Nb Light Orange Underwing Archiearis notha Nb Mocha Cyclophora annularia Nb Lace Border Scopula ornata Na Rosy Wave Scopula emutaria Nb Purple-bordered Gold Idaea muricata Nb Oblique Striped Phibalapteryx virgata Nb Balsam Carpet Xanthorhoe biriviata Na Ruddy Carpet Catarhoe rubidata Nb Cloaked Carpet Euphyia biangulata Nb Marsh Carpet Perizoma sagittata Na Valerian Pug Eupithecia valerianata Nb Bleached Pug Eupithecia expallidata Nb Campanula Pug Eupithecia denotata Na Yarrow Pug Eupithecia millefoliata Nb Dentated Pug Anticollix sparsata Na Broom-tip Chesias rufata Nb Large Thorn Ennomos autumnaria Nb Great Beauty Hypomecis roboraria Nb Sloe Carpet Aleucis distinctata Nb Grass Wave Perconia strigillaria Nb

17 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Hemaris fuciformis Nb Plumed Prominent Ptilophora plumigera Na Small Chocolate-tip Clostera pigra Nb Orange Footman Eilema sororcula Nb Water Ermine Spilosoma urticae Nb Kent Black Arches Meganola albula Nb Coast Dart Euxoa cursoria Nb Sand Dart Agrostis ripae Nb Square-spotted Clay Xestia rhomboidea Nb Great Brocade Eurois occulta Na White Colon Sideridis albicolon Nb Northern Drab Orthosia opima Local/Nb Mathew’s Wainscot Mythimna favicolor Nb Shore Wainscot Mythimna litoralis Nb Flame Wainscot Mythimna flammea Na Wormwood Cucullia absinthii Nb Star-wort Cucullia asteris Nb Feathered Brindle Aporophyla australis Nb Pale-lemon Sallow Xanthia ocellaris Na Reed Dagger Simyra albovenosa Nb Crescent Striped Apamea oblonga Nb Lyme Grass Chortodes elymi Nb Mere Wainscot Chortodes fluxa Nb Sandhill Rustic Luperina nickerlii Na Webb’s Wainscot Archanara sparganii Nb Silky Wainscot Chilodes maritimus Nb/local Rosy Marbled Elaphria venustula Nb Cream-bordered Green Pea Earias clorana Nb Waved Black Parascotia fuliginaria Nb Marsh Oblique-barred Hypenodes humidalis Nb Dotted Fan-foot Macrochilo cribrumalis Nb

The Norfolk Moth Survey have identified an additional group of some 30 species (with discussions still underway as to exactly which species should be in the list and what there specific needs are) which are important in the county and should be included in the Norfolk Action Plan for Moths (which is currently in preparation). The following species will definitely be included in the list: Oak Lutestring (Cymatophorima diluta hartwiegi), Autumn Green Carpet (Chloroclysta miata), White-banded Carpet (Spargania luctuata), Lesser Treble-bar (Aplocera efformata), The Tissue (Triphosa dubitata), Lead-coloured Pug (Eupithecia plumbeolata), Fen Square-spot (Diarsia florida) and Dusky-lemon Sallow (Xanthia gilvago). The Norfolk Moth Survey have identified another two species (Ruddy Carpet (Catarhoe rubidata) and Stout Dart (Spaelotis ravida)) which will also be included in the Norfolk Action Plan for Moths but which will warrant a different approach to the above species.

18 2.5 Medium Priority Micro-Moths occurring in the Anglia region

This list is not all-inclusive and some species are likely to have been overlooked. All the counties where ’Yes’ is given in the table have post 1969 records and the species are thought possibly to be resident. Some of the recent regional records and their dates were kindly provided by A. M. Emmet. Michael Hall (Norfolk Moth Survey) kindly confirmed which Norfolk species should be included in the table and also provided a list of other micro-moth species of national importance which should be mentioned (see below).

Species Status Cambs Essex Norfolk Suffolk atrifrontella Na Yes Stigmella minusculella pRDB2 Yes Lampronia capitella pRDB1* Yes Yes (1997) (Cambridge) Nemophora fasciella Na* Yes Yes Yes Dahlica triquetrella pRDBK* Yes claustrella Na* Yes (Great Chesterford) Proutia betulina Na* Yes (Hempstead) plumella Na* Yes Yes (1995) Yes Whittleia retiella Na* Yes Triaxomasia caprimulgella pRDBK* Yes Yes (Dunwich (Woodwalton Forest) Fen) monachella pRDB1* Yes (2 Yes (3 records) records) Trichophaga tapetzella pRDB1* Yes Yes (1997) perlepidella Na Yes Cataplectica farreni pRDB1 Yes (Bartlow Yes Hills, 1980-1) Cosmiotes stabilella pRDB3 Yes putridella pRDB3 Yes fuscicornis pRDB1 Yes Coleophora tricolor+1 pRDB1 Yes Yes Ethmia funerella Na Yes Yes Yes Yes () Ethmia bipunctella++ pRDB2 Yes (1997) Yes (1996) Yes (Walberswick) tetragonella pRDBK Yes Monochroa conspersella pRDB1 Yes (Wicken Yes Fen) Monochroa hornigi pRDBK Yes (Grays and , 1997) Monochroa lutulentella pRDBK Yes (Wicken Yes Fen) Monochroa divisella pRDB2 Yes singula pRDBK Yes Yes () scotinella pRDBK Yes (Laindon 1975) Gelechia muscosella pRDBK Yes (Wicken Yes Fen, 1979) Gelechia hippophaella pRDB3 Yes (Holme)

19 Scrobipalpa pauperella pRDBK Yes (Chippenham Fen)

Caryocolum proximum pRDBK Yes (1991) Yes Yes (1981) Yes (Elveden, 1980) verbascella+2 pRDB1 Yes (Snettisham Quarry) zieglerella +3 pRDB3 Yes Yes (1988) Yes (common) Dystebenna stephensi pRDB3 Yes Scythris limbella pRDB3 Yes Yes margarotana+4 pRDB2 pullana pRDB3 Yes Endothenia ustulana pRDB3 Yes Eucosma pauperana pRDB3 Yes (recorded Yes (Bartlow Yes at Fleam Dyke Hills and annually and is Saffron fairly common) Walden 1996- 99) lorquiniana pRDB3 Yes (Wicken Yes Fen, common) Eucosma catoptrana pRDB3 Yes Pammene suspectana pRDB1 Yes (1975 and 1976) Cydia leguminana+5 pRDB1 Yes

Pediasia fascelinella pRDB2 Yes Yes Yes (Bradwell-on- sea, 1993) alpinella pRDB3 Yes Yes Yes Microstega pandalis Na Yes Phlyctaenia stachydalis pRDBK Yes (Berechurch Dyke, 1984) Nascia cilialis Na Yes Yes Yes Yes Melissoblaptes zelleri pRDB3 Yes Yes Yes boisduvaliella pRDB3 Yes Yes Yes (Bradwell-on- (Holme) sea)

Gymnancyla canella Na Yes Yes (2 sites Yes (Bradwell-on- in 1991) Sea, 1980-89) lineana pRDB3 Yes Yes Yes Buckleria paludum pRDB3 Yes Cnaemidophorus pRDB2 Yes Yes rhododactyla calodactyla pRDB3 Yes (Colne Yes (1989) Point, 1976)

Notes to Micro-moth Table *Status not yet published – taken from Surry & Parsons (in prep). +1 – action plan published for this species. +2 – probably extinct. +3 – now considered to be a fairly common species (A. M. Emmet, pers. comm.). +4 – no recent records but in Red Data Book as RDB2 – formerly in Essex and Suffolk. +5 – locality near now destroyed (A. M. Emmet, pers. comm.). ++ - only occurs in the region as a migrant (A. M. Emmet, pers. comm.).

20 Additional micro-moth species (kindly provided by Michael Hall, Norfolk Moth Survey) that are, or were known from Norfolk and are of national significance include: Stigmella pyri, Pseudopostega auritella, Coleophora albella (ancient record), pomerana, Scythris inspersella, degreyana, Choristoneura lafauryana, betulana (only ever recorded from Norfolk in the British Isles and has not been seen since the early 1900’s but may still exist) and Celypha doubledayana.

Prior to the 1990’s Coleophora hydrolapathella was only known from the Norfolk Broads and some Suffolk coastal marshes although it can be locally fairly common (M. Hall, pers. comm.).

21 3.1 High priority butterflies

3.1a Dingy Skipper – Erynnis tages

While this is commonly a coastal species in Britain, it can occur in other habitats such as heathland and downland, and on old industrial sites such as quarries and abandoned railway sidings. It is a butterfly of successional habitats which favours incomplete vegetation cover on sites with large areas of bare ground or rock (Gutiérrez, Thomas & León-Cortés, 1999). Although the Dingy Skipper usually utilises ’s-foot trefoil corniculatus horseshoe vetch Hippocrepis comosa can be preferred on warm downland sites. An Action Plan for this species has recently been completed (Bourn, Jeffcoate & Warren, 2000).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A local and rare species which is not abundant anywhere in the region. Cambridgeshire – Now only known from one site (Devil’s Dyke) where there is a stable colony. Essex – Recorded at two sites since 1990 (Friday Wood, and , Brentwood) but as there have now been no records since 1992 it is now presumed to be extinct. Lost from Wick in the 1960’s as a result of succession. Norfolk – Largely restricted to the Breck where it is widely but thinly distributed throughout the rides, firebreaks and open areas. Since 1988 there have been occasional unconfirmed records elsewhere in the county (e.g. at Swanton Novers NNR and ). Suffolk – Confined to five sites, two in the King’s Forest, RAF Barnham, Marmansgrave Wood and .

Threats 1. Agricultural intensification. 2. Lack of management on suitable sites e.g. invasion of scrub on old railway lines. 3. Loss of open, grazed grassy rides in conifer plantations. 4. Myxomatosis.

Survey – Cambs. & Essex BC monitor records from members and try to include a field trip to Devil’s Dyke during the flight period (usually alternating with the Chalkhill Blue flight period as this species is also present here). It is also regularly recorded at Narborough railway embankment in Norfolk.

Monitoring – It is occasionally recorded on the transect at Weeting Heath in Norfolk.

Management – This species is likely to benefit from management work being carried out on a number of sites in Norfolk including scrub clearance at Narborough railway embankment (by BC and ), the maintenance of open heathland at Weeting and ride and edge maintenance at Swanton Novers NNR (by EN). One site at King’s Forest in Suffolk has recently been scarified (with bark litter being removed and the area re-seeded) and Suffolk BC continue to liaise with the RAF at Barnham to ensure they continue to carry out appropriate management of this colony. Cambs. & Essex BC also carry out regular winter work parties at Devil’s Dyke which are

22 primarily for the Chalkhill Blue but with the requirements of the Dingy Skipper kept in mind. This work includes ensuring the continued presence of the larval foodplants (bird’s-foot trefoil and horseshoe vetch), maintaining patches of bare ground and controlling scrub invasion (but not eradicating it).

A recent study carried out in North Wales found ideal macro-habitat for this species to be high density L. corniculatus, sheltered from the wind, with light or no grazing or cutting (Gutiérrez, Thomas & León-Cortés, 1999). Previous work in southern Britain (Warren, 1993), identified only around one third of Dingy Skipper colonies to be located on entirely unmanaged sites.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Maintain current populations. Ongoing FE, EN, MoD, Wildlife Trusts, RAF, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 2. Increase the level of monitoring (by By 2010 FE, EN, County timed counts or species transects) in key Councils, Wildlife areas such as the Breck in Norfolk and Trusts, The Suffolk collate the results at least every five Naturalists’ Society, years. local volunteers 3. Seek opportunities to target Ongoing FWAG, FE, MoD, landowners with advice on beneficial Wildlife Trusts, County management and ensure that the Councils, The Suffolk management required on Breck sites is Naturalists’ Society incorporated into the Forest Management Plan and the MoD Integrated Land Management Plan. 4. Survey in areas where it may still By 2005 Local volunteers, EN, exist e.g. non-Breck sites in Norfolk Norfolk & such as Swanton Novers. Naturalists Society, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 5. Develop a better understanding of the By 2010 EN, other grant ecological requirements of this species awarding bodies and the best management practices.

23 3.1b Grizzled Skipper – Pyrgus malvae

A species which can occur in a variety of habitats including coastal grasslands, woodland edges and sheltered hillsides where the larvae feed on a range of food plants such as wild strawberry and tormentil. For detailed information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Brereton, Bourn & Warren, 1998).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A scarce and local species which is frequently only present in very low numbers. Cambridgeshire – Less than five isolated colonies remain. Two important sites are (where it exists in very low numbers and is not always recorded on the transect) and at Over where it occurs on a disused railway line. Essex – Only present in one small area in the south of the county (Langdon area) which consists of the following 4 sites: a) Willow Park - an reserve where a small colony has persisted for a number of years b) Langdon Hills Country Park - singleton first seen here in 1993 with only small numbers being seen since then despite it seeming like an ideal site c) Dunton Hills and Plotlands - an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve where this species was discovered in the early 1990’s and where it has occasionally been recorded in good numbers since then (over 40 counted by G. Bailey in 1996) and d) Great Berry, Laindon – the colony here is probably already destroyed as the vast majority of the site was built on in the late 1990’s (G. Bailey, pers. comm.). This species has also been released into one of its former sites (Little Baddow Heath) on at least two occasions (in 1994 and 1996). Although there have been some sightings of Grizzled Skipper at Little Baddow Heath since then (e.g. 2 in 1997), this site may be too small to support a viable population in the long term. Norfolk – Largely restricted to the Breck where it is established within the rides, firebreaks and open grassy habitats in the conifer plantations. It readily expands into clear-felled areas but becomes restricted to rides as the clear felled areas become overgrown. is the most important county site for this species and it also occurs at Narborough railway embankment, at Roydon cutting and some coastal sites (e.g. NNR). Suffolk – Last recorded in 1979 at Felshamhall Wood.

Threats 1. Lack of appropriate management leading to habitat deterioration e.g. scrub invasion which reduces the area of early successional vegetation. 2. Fragmentation and isolation of colonies.

Survey – None known to be specifically targeted at this species. Some recent work on the ecology and conservation of this species has concentrated on south-east England (Brereton, 1997).

Monitoring – Recorded on ITE transect at Monks Wood with Cambs. & Essex BC monitoring colonies at Over railway line, Willow Park, Dunton Hills and Little Baddow Heath. Occasionally recorded on transects at Weeting Heath and Holme Dunes NNR in Norfolk.

24 Management – In Norfolk this species is likely to benefit from management carried out at Thetford Forest (where sympathetic forest management is carried out by FE), Narborough and Roydon railway lines (where BC and Norfolk Wildlife Trust undertake scrub clearance to maintain open areas of grassland and the Breck reserves at Weeting Heath, Thompson Common and (where Norfolk Wildlife Trust maintain areas of open heathland). It generally needs sparse grassland vegetation which has a variable leaf height and is rich in key foodplants (especially cinquefoil and wild strawberry) and nectar. Management possibilities include a) light cattle grazing and b) rotational scrub clearance and c) if are present, an autumn cut, with a few patches left until the following year.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor by current Ongoing EN, Wildlife Trusts, transects. NT, County Councils 2. Increase the level of monitoring in By 2005 EN, Wildlife Trusts, key areas e.g. Langdon Hills in Essex. NT, County Councils, local volunteers 3. Collate monitoring results every five By 2005 EN, Wildlife Trusts, years. NT, County Councils, local volunteers 4. Continue to ensure appropriate Ongoing EN, Wildlife Trusts, management of existing colonies by NT, County Councils, providing feedback to landowners and local volunteers, other land managers. land owners 5. Manage Langdon and Breck sites as By 2005 EN, local volunteers, part of a network of sites. Wildlife Trusts. 6. Look for opportunities to expand By 2005 EN, Wildlife Trusts, areas of potentially suitable habitat close NT, County Councils, to areas where this species still exists to local volunteers, other increase the chances of natural land owners colonisation. 7. Ensure that the important Breck sites By 2005 EN, FE, MoD are incorporated into the Thetford Forest Management Plan and MoD Integrated Management Plan. 8. Set up monitoring schemes to assess By 2005 EN, Wildlife Trusts, the effects of grazing e.g. by deer and County Councils, local rabbits on this species in the region. volunteers. 9. Continue to monitor Little Baddow Ongoing Local volunteers Heath in Essex to determine whether the release has been successful.

25 3.1c Swallowtail – Papilio machaon britannicus

A species which used to widely occur on fenlands in southern England but is now confined to the Norfolk Broads. The British Swallowtail P.machaon britannicus differs from the continental form P.m. gorganus in a number of ways. They live in self-contained colonies and breed exclusively on milk parsley ( palustre). In contrast, continental forms roam widely through the countryside and lay their eggs on a range of Umbellifers including wild carrot (Daucus carota) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) (Emmet & Heath, 1990). For further information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Barnett & Warren, 1995a).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Confined to Norfolk where there is a large and stable population. Cambridgeshire – Extinct. Lost from Wicken Fen in the early 1950’s (possibly as a result of a reduction in habitat size combined with the partial drying out of the fen). It was re-introduced to Wicken Fen in 1975 (Dempster & Hall, 1980) but lost from the site again in 1979. Between 1988-90 the NT made considerable efforts to construct and waterproof the banks that surround the fen. This work dramatically increased the amount of milk parsley present. A second re-establishment then took place in 1994 (again involving Dr J. Dempster and Dr M. Hall of ITE) with the support of BC and EN. (Barnett & Warren, 1995a) but was unsuccessful (possibly as a result of some problems with site management). The winters of 1994-96 were very dry and there was a leak in the membrane surrounding the fen in 1995. Essex – No known records. Norfolk – Spread throughout including the Bure, Ant, Thurne and Yare Valleys. Conservation bodies in The Broads area have channelled resources into fen management in recent years in order to halt the decline in the area of open fen through scrub invasion. As a result, the Swallowtail has increased substantially in several areas and appears readily able to move and breed in restored fen. Many sites where the Swallowtail occurs are already protected by SSSI designation and management agreements and The Broads populations appears secure at present. There is now a BC reserve at Catfield Fen where management work aims at providing optimal conditions for this species. Suffolk – Recent records (19 tetrads from 1995-99) are thought to represent vagrants although milk parsley is present in several locations in the Waveney Valley and in the vicinity of Walberswick Marshes.

Threats 1. Climatic variation (affecting milk-parsley quality). 2. Problems with wetland management (e.g. fluctuations in water levels). 3. Deterioration of fen habitat and vegetation by a variety of other factors such as nutrient enrichment, saline incursion and scrub invasion.

Survey – Wicken Fen wardens used to record their own sightings and encourage visitors to do the same. No systematic survey has been implemented in The Broads.

Monitoring – Regularly recorded on a number of transects in Norfolk including Bure Marshes NNR (which has been on the butterfly monitoring scheme since 1976), Winterton Dunes NNR and mid-Yare NNR (where the RSPB have monitored 7 to 8

26 transects since 1995). The numbers and condition of milk-parsley were monitored on Wicken Fen on an annual basis from 1971 to the mid-1990’s. This data showed that there was a consistent decline in the milk-parsley numbers on the fen between 1971 and the mid 1980’s with its distribution becoming more clumped. In addition, the plants declined most on the higher, drier end of the fen (Dempster, 1995).

Management – Ideally, management work for this species should aim to maintain any existing areas of open fen and to extend this habitat by the clearance of willow scrub. High water tables should also be maintained and any fluctuations in water levels minimised. The annual cutting of sedge and reed should take into consideration the needs of milk-parsley. At Catfield Fen in Norfolk the reed and some of the sedge dominated vegetation are now harvested as commercial crops. This resulted in a local ‘marshman’ being employed to maintain the ditches and the reed beds in addition to local volunteers.

In Norfolk, areas of scrub have been cleared and areas of open fen vegetation have been increased by regular cutting on many of the managed sites. The Broads Authority and EN have also jointly developed a Fen Management strategy here which is aimed at implementing a long-term management plan for the whole of the fens and is a co-ordinated approach involving landowners and managers.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor current transects. Ongoing EN, RSPB, ITE 2. Increase the level of monitoring to By 2005 EN, local volunteers, include Catfield Fen and other key sites Broads Authority, in The Broads. RSPB 3. Collate monitoring results every five By 2005 EN, local volunteers, years. Broads Authority, RSPB 4. Increase the level of survey in the By 2005 EN, Broads Authority, Broads to determine where this species RSPB, Norfolk Wildlife is present. Trust, site managers and landowners, local volunteers 5. Develop targets for increasing the By 2005 EN, Broads Authority, range and population of this species. Norfolk Wildlife Trust, local authorities, RSPB 6. Continue to promote beneficial land Ongoing EN, RSPB, Wildlife management and integrate management Trusts, NT, ITE, Broads for the Swallowtail with that for the fen Authority habitat as a whole. 7. Continue to implement management Ongoing Broads Authority, EN, to maintain the area of open fen on the local volunteers Catfield Fen reserve.

27 3.1d Black Hairstreak – Strymonidia pruni

A species which in Britain is now restricted to the east midlands forest belt and even here, only survives in woods with a history of long coppice cycle and abundant blackthorn growing in sunny sheltered conditions (Emmet & Heath, 1990). For further information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Bourn & Warren, 1998a).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A vulnerable species which is restricted to a small number of sites in Cambridgeshire. Cambridgeshire – Only recorded on three sites in the 1990’s (Monks Wood NNR, Castor Hanglands NNR and (Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust reserve) with targeted survey work for this species in 1999 (Roberts, Bourn & Thomas, 1999) locating it at Monks Wood (where the habitat quality is good) and Brampton Wood (where the habitat quality is medium). The Monks Wood colony is the result of a re- introduction in the 1920’s (following the extinction of a large colony when the wood was clear felled during World War 1, Bourn & Warren, 1998a). Four other Cambridgeshire sites which used to support this species in 1973 (Thomas, 1974) were also included in the 1999 survey and although no Black Hairstreak were found, it was encouraging to find that three out of the four sites still supported habitat of medium quality. Two of these sites are owned by conservation organisations, one by Forest Enterprise with the fourth being privately owned (and where the habitat quality was poor). Continued survey work for this species planned for 2000 (N. Bourn, pers. comm.) will hopefully again include these Cambridgeshire sites. Essex – No known records Norfolk – No records. Suffolk – No records.

Threats 1. Large deer populations (prevent coppice and woodland regeneration) 2. Lack of appropriate management (e.g. shading out of colonies) 3. Increasing fragmentation and isolation of colonies

Survey – Detailed national study on this species in the early 1970’s (Thomas, 1974, 1975) with little ecological research or systematic survey until 1999 when a large number of its former English sites were surveyed (Roberts, Bourn & Thomas, 1999) and it was recorded on 13 of them. However, as Black Hairstreak are difficult to survey, former sites which were still found to contain good or medium quality habitat for this species in 1999, will again be re-visited in 2000 to determine if this species is present (N. Bourn, pers. comm.).

Monitoring – It is not an easy species to record by standard transect methods as it is a canopy dwelling species. It has therefore only occasionally been recorded on transects carried out on Cambridgeshire sites where it is known to be resident (Monks Wood and Castor Hanglands which are both on the national monitoring scheme (Greatorex- Davies & Pollard, 1998). Any future monitoring of this species should therefore be by timed counts which are related to specific areas (due to the highly sedentary nature of this species). This species was monitored at Brampton Wood in 1999 (by H.Hillier) with timed counts locating it at four of the five sites searched within the wood

28 (Roberts, Bourn & Thomas, 1999) and has been recorded at Monks Wood NNR every year since 1973 (by J. A. Thomas).

Management – Both Castor Hanglands NNR and Monks Wood NNR are managed sympathetically for this species with the work involving ride and glade management. At Brampton Wood some ride management work currently being undertaken by the Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust involves cutting half of the ride in late summer then raking it clear, with the trees and shrubs along the rides being coppiced (Roberts, Bourn & Thomas, 1999).

Ideal management should aim to continually create areas of blackthorn scrub by clearing a small proportion of an area (5-10%) on a long rotation (10-20 years) starting with an area adjacent to the existing colony. Blackthorn scrub is usually suitable for colonisation by the Black Hairstreak some 5 to 10 years after clearance work and can remain suitable for 50-75 years. After this time the scrub is usually shaded out by the high forest or the scrub falls down and becomes unsuitable due to lack of vitality. The increasing numbers of deer (particularly Muntjac and Fallow) has recently become a problem on some Cambridgeshire sites with the increased browsing pressure preventing blackthorn re-growth. An experimental method to overcome this deer problem has recently been developed by wardens at Castor Hanglands NNR and Monks Wood NNR who now lay blackthorn as a hedge (for further details see Bourn & Warren, 1998a).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor by timed counts Ongoing ITE, EN, and on transects. Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust, local volunteers. 2. Continue to survey former sites to Ongoing ITE, local volunteers determine if this species is present. 3. Ensure monitoring schemes are set up By 2005 ITE, EN, on any sites which are found to be Cambridgeshire occupied. Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, FE, private landowners, local volunteers. 4. Continue to liaise with land managers Ongoing ITE, EN, to ensure appropriate management for Cambridgeshire this species is continued. Wildlife Trust, local volunteers 5. Support research into conservation By 2010 ITE, EN management for this species. 6. Look for opportunities to expand the By 2005 Cambridgeshire area of potentially suitable habitat within Wildlife Trust, ITE, EN, its former Cambridgeshire range. Private land owners, Woodland Trust, FE

29 3.1e Silver-studded Blue – Plebejus argus

A species which occurs in a variety of habitats in Britain including lowland acid heathland (dry and wet), chalk grassland, sand dunes and lowland mosses where the larvae feed on a range of plants including heathers and bird’s-foot trefoil. For detailed information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Ravenscroft & Warren, 1996).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A very local species which has a restricted distribution in Norfolk and Suffolk. Cambs. – No recent records. Essex – No recent records although the chalk form of this species was present in Grays Chalk Quarry in the 1950’s and 60’s. Norfolk – Well established at Horsford in the Wensum Forest north west of Norwich where it is present on the Rifle Range (which was scheduled a county wildlife site in 1997) and within the forest ride system. In 1985, 12 females and two pairs were introduced from Horsford to (a Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve) with advice from Norfolk BC. A further 40 females and 14 males were translocated to Buxton Heath in 1986. By 1992, a strong colony was established at Buxton about 500m north of the original translocation site. In 1998, a second translocation was undertaken to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Marsham Heath. Horsford was again the donor site with 56 females,6 males and 18 pairs being transferred. Initial results from this translocation have been encouraging with 3 females and 4 males being recorded at Marsham in July 1999. Suffolk – Confined to the Sandlings Heathlands where it is dependent upon bell heather. It has recently been recorded on 17 tetrads in the Sandlings with all of these being in the following three areas: a) The Martlesham, Nacton and Purdis Heaths b) Hollesley Common and Blaxhall and c) The Westleton Area (Mann, 1999). The Westleton area is by far the largest and consists of at least seven sites with the colonies at Westleton Common and Wenhaston Black Heath originating from stock taken from Martlesham Heath in 1986 prior to the site being developed (see Mann, 1999). It is interesting to note, that no colony in the Sandlings area is more than 5km from any other known colony. One colony (at Martlesham Common) has recently been lost (in 1995) as a result of a fire. It was re-introduced to Aldringham Walks in 1998 (which is some 7km south of the Westleton area) as this site forms part of a complex of managed heathland sites which this species was thought unlikely to re- colonise naturally. This recent introduction is part of a long term collaborative project which aims to maximise the Silver-studded Blue population on the remaining heaths between Ipswich and Southwold (Ravenscroft, 1992, 1994). The colony at Aldringham Walks was ‘topped’ up in 1999 as the initial release was very late and had involved tattered specimens.

Threats 1. Habitat deterioration through lack of appropriate management (e.g. grazing). 2. Fragmentation and isolation of sites. 3. Development. 4. Uncontrolled burning.

30 Survey – Several projects to look at the status, management and recovery of this species in Suffolk have taken place in the 1990’s (Ravenscroft, 1990, 1992, 1994). To date there has been no assessment of the size or extent of Norfolk colonies. Monitoring - Annual monitoring of Marsham translocation site in Norfolk. Most of the Suffolk sites for this species receive at least an annual visit during the peak flight time when detailed counts are undertaken (R. Stewart, pers. comm.). Although most of these Suffolk counts are undertaken by BC recorders, there are at least two exceptions. At Minsmere, the counts are carried out by RSPB staff and at Martlesham, the counts are carried out by Phil Smith and the Martlesham Conservation Group.

Management – All four areas of the Sandlings in Suffolk have been subject to considerable management work. This involved a) the manual removal of gorse and bracken to allow bell heather (Erica cinerea) to prosper and b) rotational heather burning (by English Nature at their reserve at Westleton Heath). In addition to this there have been some accidental fires at Martlesham Heath and Westleton Common. More significantly, pine plantations fragmenting these sites, will have corridors cleared by FE in the near future, in an attempt to increase the chances of successful natural colonisation (N. Bourn, pers. comm.).

In Norfolk, FE undertakes some bracken control and ride management which is beneficial to heather in the Horsford area, the Smallburgh Rifle and Pistol Club have agreed to enhance and extend the habitat for the Silver-studded Blue at Horsford Rifle Range and Buxton Heath is managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust who maintain open areas of heather under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (with financial support from EN). Other nearby sites also have improved heathland management including Poors Allotment, SSSI and Holiday Park.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Increase the level of monitoring in By 2005 Local volunteers, FE, Suffolk and Norfolk so that key areas Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, are monitored by at least a timed count Sandlings Group, The or species transect. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 2. Collate monitoring results every five By 2005 As above years. 3. Further survey work to assess its By 2005 EN, Wildlife Trusts, current status on areas where it may yet The Suffolk Naturalists’ exist e.g. Heath in Suffolk. Society, local volunteers 4. Continue to monitor past translocation Ongoing Local volunteers, sites e.g. Marsham in Norfolk. Norfolk Wildlife Trust 5. Continue to look for opportunities to By 2005 EN, FE, Wildlife Trusts, extend areas of suitable habitat (e.g. RSPB, Sandlings Horsford area of Norfolk and Sandlings Group, The Suffolk area of Suffolk) to provide a network of Naturalists’ Society habitats ( see national Species Action Plan, Ravenscroft & Warren, 1996).

31 3.1f Heath Fritillary – Mellicta athalia

The Heath Fritillary can be found in three types of habitats (unimproved grasslands, sheltered heathland combes and coppice or newly-felled woodland) where it has specific requirements. Within these habitats it lives as discrete colonies in warm sheltered areas where the ground flora is sparse but where its foodplant is adequate. For further information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Barnett & Warren, 1995b). In woodland habitats the larvae feed chiefly on common cow-wheat ( pratense) but foxglove () may occasionally also be utilised (K.Ulrich, pers. comm.).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Extinct then re-established at four woodland sites in Essex in the 1980/90’s initially from a donor site in Kent (Blean Woods). Cambridgeshire – No recent records. Essex – Re-established at Hadleigh Great Wood in 1925 (believed to have died out in 1972) and again attempted in 1983. This failed because the habitat was only marginally suitable and recommendations to improve it were not implemented. It was re-established in this area again in 1997 (at Belfairs which is owned and managed by Southend Borough Council) once a suitable management regime was in place with small numbers being seen here in 1999. Re-established at in 1984. Re-established at in 1935 (believed to have died out in the 1960’s) and again in 1987 (from Thrift Wood). This species has regularly been seen at both Thrift Wood and Hockley Woods in the 1990’s and in 1999 there was an unusually large second brood at Hockley Wood (with over 80 being counted) with a small second brood also being recorded at Thrift Wood (Bailey, 1999). The Essex Wildlife Trust also established this species at a fourth site () in 1998 (with stock from Hockley and Thrift Wood) with small numbers being seen here in 1999 (Graham Bailey, pers. comm.). Norfolk – Extinct. No recent records. Suffolk – Extinct. No recent records.

Threats 1. Deterioration in habitat quality e.g. scrub re-growth. 2. Lack of appropriate management e.g. linked coppice plots.

Survey – Joint project between BC, EN and the owners of Hockley Woods ( Council or R.D.C.) from 1996-2001 to survey coppice plots for butterflies and to look at the abundance of common cow-wheat.

Monitoring – Annual adult counts since re-introduction on all occupied sites (K.Ulrich, pers. comm.). National report on monitoring and conservation progress in 1996 and 1997 (Brereton, Warren, & Roberts, 1998).

32 Management – It is essential that woodland management for common cow-wheat is carried out as early as possible in the autumn because the seed germinates very early. The first tap root is usually down by mid-November so any ground disturbance after this time would reduce plant abundance the following year (K. Ulrich, pers. comm.).

At Hockley Woods, Rochford District Council continues to liaise with EN and BC (Ken Ulrich) over the coppice management necessary to improve the habitat for this species. Management work here has also included the widening of rides (to encourage the butterfly to spread to new areas) and the planting of new hornbeam trees in the coppice plots (to ensure more dense woodland growth in the future). Rochford District Council has received financial help from EN to assist with woodland management and contractors are employed by the council to undertake the coppice work. It should be noted that this wood is the only one out of the four Essex re- introduction sites which is managed on a commercial basis. This means that any management work carried out here has to be a compromise between the necessary management for the Heath Fritillary and any commercial considerations (K. Ulrich, pers. comm.).

At Thrift Wood, two flight areas are managed for this species. Although one of these flight areas is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust and the other by Cambs. & Essex BC, both areas are managed under the supervision of Ken Ulrich (Cambs. & Essex BC). While these flight areas can both be considered as cleared glades rather than true coppice plots (and therefore are not typical management for this species), they both support good quantities of common cow-wheat and Heath Fritillary have been maintained here since 1984. Management work here includes an autumn cut (mowing or strimming), the raking up of cut material into piles on the wood edge and the occasional scalloping of the glade edges.

At Hadleigh Great Wood, Southend Borough Council are undertaking a great deal of work within the main Heath Fritillary flight area with guidance from BC, EN and the South Essex Natural History Society. An area cleared specifically for the Heath Fritillary in 1998 (funded by EN) has been mown with a forage harvester in the autumn of 1999 with other rides also being widened at this time (K.Ulrich, pers. comm.).

At Pound Wood, the management continues to be a problem with insufficient clearing (less than 0.4 acres) being created in the autumn of 1999. Also, because the flight area is part of a ‘wayleave’, certain management has to be undertaken by the Electricity Authority the timing of which is not always best suited to the Heath Fritillary requirements (K. Ulrich, pers. comm.).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to try to manage all sites Ongoing EN, Rochford District positively to maintain and enhance Council, Essex Wildlife populations. Trust, Southend Borough Council, South Essex Natural History

33 Society, local volunteers 2. Continue to monitor all existing sites Ongoing EN, Rochford District and collate results every five years. Council, Essex Wildlife Trust, Southend Borough Council, South Essex Natural History Society, local volunteers 3. Continue to target resources on Ongoing EN, Rochford District appropriate sites. Council, Essex Wildlife Trust, Southend Borough Council 4. Increase the area of suitable habitat Ongoing EN, Rochford District around existing colonies to make them Council, Essex Wildlife more secure. Trust, Southend Borough Council 5. Continue to survey the wider area to Ongoing EN, Rochford District include other sites in its former range Council, Essex Wildlife which could become suitable with Trust, Southend appropriate management and which Borough Council, local could be maintained in the long term. volunteers 6. Continue to conduct strategic re- Ongoing EN, BC Conservation establishments into suitably restored Committee, Essex habitats. Wildlife Trust etc.

34 3.2 Medium Priority Species

3.2a White-letter Hairstreak – Strymonidia w-album

A widely distributed species whose larvae feed on elm (Ulmus spp.). While the number of British colonies was severely reduced in the 1970s and early 1980s by Dutch Elm Disease (which killed off many trees known to support this species) there are now indications of a revival after this decline.

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Although it is probably still under- recorded in the region (as it may exist in green lanes and along hedgerows and field boundaries where it can breed on elm suckers), Dutch Elm Disease remains very prevalent and the butterfly must be considered as vulnerable. Cambs. – Resident. Recently recorded on two areas of Devil’s Dyke and at Brampton Wood. Essex – Probably present in most tetrads in south-east Essex where it appears to tolerate close proximity to urban areas and to heavily agricultural locations.. There are some excellent sites e.g. Hadleigh Castle Country Park, (Leigh-on-Sea), Laindon Church, Ashingdon Church and Dunton Plotlands (Essex Wildlife Trust). Hadley Country Park supports a particularly large population (with more than 200 adults recently being recorded). It is also well established at the Galleyhill and Gilwell Lane area of . Norfolk – A local species which has its stronghold in The Breck with scattered colonies elsewhere. The combination of Dutch Elm Disease and the storm of 1987 caused it to undergo a marked decline in the late 1980’s with there being some indication of a revival in its fortunes in the 1990’s. Although it was recorded in 8 tetrads in 1996 it is likely to be under-recorded in the county as wych elm is widespread in all areas apart from the peat fens (Beckett & Bull, 1999). Suffolk – Has undergone decline in recent years and is now a scarce species in the county. Some encouraging adult sightings on elm scrub and hedging. Development recently threatened one known site (Bixley Open Space).

Threats 1. Dutch Elm Disease. 2. Agricultural intensification (e.g. destruction of hedgerow elm trees). 3. Hedge maintenance (simultaneous layering of all elm suckers rather than in stages. 4. Low levels of replacement of Elm species through new planting.

Survey – Targeted searches by Cambs. & Essex BC (by G. Bailey in south Essex and by other members elsewhere) looking both at known populations and other sites where it may exist. A number of Norfolk sites identified during 1984-1988 survey for county atlas (Hall, 1991).

Monitoring – As it is a canopy dwelling species it can be difficult to monitor by standard transects (especially if the colony is small). For this reason, local volunteers or wardens should also be encouraged to try monitoring by evening transect walks (see Slater, 1990) or larval searches in May.

35 Management – It requires healthy elm trees or sucker re-growth (with healthy re- growth from elm stumps sometimes being suitable for egg-laying within a few years). At sites where Dutch Elm Disease is a particular problem it may be necessary to cut down and remove or burn the dead trees. At Woodredan in Essex, White-letter Hairstreak have been observed egg-laying on disease-resistant planted elms (Corke, 1997).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to encourage planting of Ongoing Wildlife Trusts, County wych elm in suitable areas and the Councils, Local District of diseased elm. Councils, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 2. Target survey work at a) former sites By 2010 Wildlife Trusts, County and b) other areas where it may yet be Councils, Local District present. Councils, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, local volunteers 3. Identify key areas in the region where By 2010 Wildlife Trusts, The this species is still strong and set up Suffolk Naturalists’ appropriate monitoring schemes. Society, local volunteers 4. Continue to disseminate information Ongoing Local volunteers, to land owners and land managers on Wildlife Trusts, elm management for this species. landowners, County Councils, Local District Councils, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society

36 3.2b Small Blue – Cupido minimus

A species which occupies a wide range of habitats in Britain including abandoned limestone quarries, railway and road cuttings, cliff-tops and under-cliffs and coastal dune slacks where the main larval food plant kidney vetch vulneraria occurs (see e.g. Emmet & Heath, 1990). A national action plan for this species has recently been completed (Bourn & Warren, 2000).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Possibly extinct. Cambs. – Only present on one or possibly two sites. Recorded on the Gogmagog Hills SSSI for a number of years (including unconfirmed records from the golf course in 1998 and 1999) but it has been difficult to identify the breeding area. Although new sightings in 1996 suggested that it could be breeding in a nearby old chalk quarry, there have now been no sightings here for the past two years. It was also regularly recorded on part of Devil’s Dyke (disused railway cutting at Reach) in the early 1990’s (by Tim Bennett Ex-warden at Wicken Fen) but could not be found there in 1996 (despite extensive searches by Cambs. & Essex BC) and has not been seen since then. Essex – No recent records. Norfolk – No recent records. Only a limited amount of kidney vetch in the county with Overstrand and SSSI being the site where this plant is most abundant. Suffolk – No recent records.

Threats 1. Decline in habitat quality from a lack of appropriate management (e.g. scrub encroachment). 2. Changes in land use. 3. Agricultural intensification. 4. Changes in grazing regimes.

Survey – None known to be specifically targeted at this species in the region.

Monitoring – Cambs. Sites (Devil’s Dyke and Gogmagog Hills) receive regular visits from Cambs. & Essex BC.

Management – The main requirements of this species are abundant kidney vetch together with tall grass and scrub for roosting and perching. They are commonly found on patches of scrubby disturbed ground (commonly maintained by erosion or by rabbits) where the larvae feed on the flowers heads of their foodplant. This method of feeding means that the Small Blue is very sensitive to grazing (particularly during the kidney vetch flowering period) and can be quickly lost from stock grazed grasslands (and also from abandoned grasslands). Ideal management options for this species therefore include a) some scrub and coarse grass clearance b) a light grazing regime (preferably only in the winter) and c) the maintenance of populations, In areas where kidney vetch is declining, the scraping off of some turf should also be considered.

37 Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to liaise with organisations Ongoing Cambs. Wildlife Trust, involved in the management of the local volunteers, Gogmagog Hills to ensure appropriate Gonville & Keys habitat for this species is maintained and College, EN that the site continues to be visited to look for this species. 2. Continue to survey Devil’s Dyke area Ongoing Local volunteers, to determine whether or not this species Cambs. Wildlife Trust. is still present.

38 3.2c Brown Argus – Aricia agestis

A bivoltine species which is most common on chalk and limestone downland and on coastal dunes and cliffs in southern Britain. Habitats typically consist of sheltered south-facing slopes with short to medium turf where nitrogen rich examples of its foodplant occur (Bourn & Thomas, 1993). The larvae feed on a range of plants including common rock-rose (Helianthemum chamaecistus) and common stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium). While it was considered to be a declining species in the late 1980’s (Bourn & Thomas, 1993), it markedly increased its range in the early to mid 1990’s and was seen in a variety of habitats such as woodland, farmland, road-side verges and gardens where the main larval foodplant is thought to be Geranium species (e.g. Greatorex-Davies & Pollard, 1998).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A widespread species which has expanded its range in all parts of the region in the 1990’s. Cambs. – Widespread records with a general increase in numbers since the early 1990’s. Essex – Increase in range and abundance during the 1990’s. Norfolk – This species was largely found in the west of Norfolk in the 1984-1998 survey (but not in the western fenland). Since then it has expanded its range east along the coast and through the Norwich area to . New colonies are frequently present on recently disturbed sites such as river embankments. Suffolk – During the 1980’s this species was largely confined to the . Since then it has spread over the whole county.

Threats 1. Decline in habitat quality (e.g. temporary nature of some recently colonised sites). 2. Lack of appropriate management.

Survey – None known to be specifically targeted at this species in the region.

Monitoring – Regularly recorded on a number of transects in Norfolk (e.g. Holkham, Holme Dunes and Weeting Heath).

Management – No specific management projects for this species are known in the region.

39 Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor on current Ongoing Local volunteers, transects. Wildlife Trusts, Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 2. Continue to identify likely larval Ongoing As above foodplants on recently colonised sites. 3. Continue to provide feedback to site Ongoing As above managers to make them aware of the presence of this species and its management requirements.

40 3.2d Chalkhill Blue – Lysandra coridon

A species which is nationally concentrated in the south-east of Britain and occurs SE of a line from the Severn to . It is a species of chalk and limestone grasslands which requires a short to medium turf height with the larval foodplant Horseshoe Vetch Hippocrepis comosa.

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Down to one colony in Cambs. Cambridgeshire – A strong colony exists at Devil’s Dyke where it is spread over a large area of ground.This colony has steadily increased in numbers as a result of sympathetic management work which has been carried out on the site throughout the 1990’s (it increased from 8 in 1993 to 56 in 1996 and to 609 in 1998). Lost from one other site (Fleam Dyke) as a result of scrub encroachment (note – many areas of Fleam Dyke have recently been cleared by the Cambs. Wildlife Trust). Essex – No resident colonies but occasional singleton records on the northern side of the Thames Estuary (which are possibly immigrants from north Kent where strong populations occur). Norfolk – Extinct with no recent records. Suffolk – No resident colonies.

Threats 1. Lack of management (e.g. scrub control).

Survey – None known to be specifically targeted at this species in the region.

Monitoring – Cambs. & Essex BC have monitored adult numbers and mapped occupied areas and ovipositing sites at Devil’s Dyke since 1993.

Management – Cambs. & Essex BC have annual winter work parties at Devil’s Dyke (adjacent to the racecourse at Newmarket) with the management work geared towards this species. To date this work has involved a) the cutting of sward with brush cutters followed by raking (to keep the horseshoe vetch in full vigour with a sward height of 2-6cm) b) the annual cutting of regenerating and suckers and c) tree removal (when large have shaded the dyke from the south). Although short bouts of winter grazing are also likely to be beneficial in maintaining a short/medium sward for this species, grazing cannot be implemented on parts of this site (due to the Jockey Club rules on fencing). Ongoing sheep grazing on one small part of the site has not proved to be a successful means of scrub control.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor and manage the Ongoing Jockey Club, EN colony at Devil’s Dyke in Cambs.

41 3.2e White Admiral – Ladoga camilla

A species which occurs in woods, is common in the south of England and appears to be expanding its range. The only larval food plant is honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) which must occur in relatively shady woodland.

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A species which is more common in the east of the region where it continues to expand its range. Cambs. – Only known from Brampton Wood where it occupies a large area. Essex – Rare and local and restricted to north-east Essex where it is confined to a belt of protected woodland. Only two breeding colonies known (Stour/ and Friday Wood) although recent sightings elsewhere (e.g. Galleyhill Woods) suggest that it may be expanding its range. Recorded at Friday Wood in 1995 after a long gap. Norfolk – Has continued to expand its range northwards and is now well-represented in the county. Two major strongholds are the Wensum Forest complex and the coniferous and deciduous woodland in The Breck (around Thompson Common, Hockham, Breckles and Harling). Suffolk – Recently recorded in at least 54 tetrads. Considerable expansion has taken place from the two previous strongholds of the Sandlings and north mid-Suffolk. Some isolated colonies have been found in the middle and the south of the county and one north of Lowestoft where none had been recorded for 50 years

Threats 1. Inappropriate management (e.g. removal of honeysuckle during management operations. 2. Hedgerow destruction (e.g. removal of thick hedge corridors linking woodlands).

Survey – None known to be specifically targeted at this species in the region.

Monitoring – Occasionally recorded on a small number of transects in the region (e.g. at Bevill’s Wood in Cambs., Stour Wood in Essex and Bure Marshes in Norfolk).

Management – At Stour Wood in Essex, the RSPB carry out conservation work which is sympathetic to this species. This species is also likely to benefit from general forestry operations/woodland management elsewhere as long as care is taken to ensure that honeysuckle is not removed.

42 Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor on current Ongoing EN, RSPB, County transects. Councils, Wildlife Trusts, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, local volunteers 2. Continue to inform woodland Ongoing EN, RSPB, County managers of the presence and the needs Councils, Wildlife of this species. Trusts, local volunteers, Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society

43 3.2f Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary – Boloria selene

A species which can be found in habitats which include damp, open deciduous woodlands or damp grassland. The most frequently used larval food plants are common dog violet V. riviniana in woodlands and marsh violet Viola palustris in damper locations. For detailed information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Barnett & Warren, 1995c).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Probably extinct as a breeding species. Cambs – No recent records. Essex – No recent records. Extinct since the mid 1950’s. Norfolk – Only recent records are a) Horsey Warren in 1960 where a second brood was recorded and where larvae were feeding on dog violet in dune habitats (Tim Peet pers. comm. to J.Harris) and b) Hickling NNR in 1993 where a single male was recorded (Peter West pers. comm. to Jane Harris). This species was not however, recorded during survey work (1984-1988) for the county atlas (Hall, 1991). Suffolk – Last recorded at Bentley Woods in 1959.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Survey of two Norfolk sites where By 2005 Local volunteers, EN this species has most recently been recorded to assess current status.

44 3.2g Dark Green Fritillary – Argynnis aglaja

Most frequent along the western side of Britain where it is commonly found on chalk grasslands, coastal dunes and grasslands and in bracken habitats where violets (Viola spp.) are the larval food plant.

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A very local species in the region which is only well established in Norfolk. Cambs. – Only recently recorded at Devil’s Dyke in low numbers (3 recorded in 1995 and 1 in 1996). Although hairy violet (Viola hirta) is fairly common here along the bottom and banks of the dyke, intensive searches have failed to find any larvae (probably because the potential breeding area is very spread out and covers several miles). Essex – Very occasional vagrant records. Recorded once at Roydon in 1993 and once at Dunmow Railway Line in 1995. Norfolk – A local species whose strongholds are the coastal dune habitats (from Scolt Head to Wells and Waxham to Winterton). Nevertheless it has recently been recorded elsewhere along the north coast (e.g. at Salthouse and Beeston Regis Common) and inland (e.g. North Creake). Other recent scattered records may represent previously unrecorded colonies or an expansion in its range. Suffolk – Very occasional sightings but none during recent survey (1995-99).

Threats 1. Lack of appropriate management. 2. Development.

Survey – Some unsuccessful searching for larvae at Devil’s Dyke in Cambs. Breeding confirmed at Swanton Novers Wood in Norfolk in 1997.

Monitoring – Recorded on a number of transects in Norfolk (Holkham NNR, Swanton Novers Wood, Winterton Dunes NNR) and a new one set up in 1997 at Scolt Head NNR. In addition to this new transect, specific monitoring for this species is also undertaken annually at Scolt Head.

Management – There is a non-intervention management policy for the coastal dune NNR’s in Norfolk and thus no specific management for this species. Ride and woodland maintenance are carried out at Swanton Novers Wood in Norfolk together with an eight year coppice rotation on 50 acres of the woodland.

45 Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor the regional Ongoing EN, Wildlife Trusts, strongholds of this species and other local volunteers, sites. Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society 2. Survey to determine a) its current By 2005 EN, Wildlife Trusts, status giving priority to areas where it local volunteers, has recently been recorded (e.g. coastal Norfolk & Norwich and inland areas of Norfolk) and b) the Naturalists’ Society sorts of habitats being utilised by this species. 3. Identify any management regimes By 2010 EN, ITE, FWAG, local which might be suitable for this species volunteers in the region and provide feedback to landowners.

46 3.2h Marbled White – Melanargia galathea

A species which is common in the south of England where it is frequently found on calcareous grasslands and unimproved grasslands. It can also be found on small strips of ground such as road verges or railway sidings. Fescues (Festuca spp.) are one of the main larval food plants (Emmet & Heath, 1990).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – The Essex coastal grasslands are the only stronghold for this species in the region with sporadic records elsewhere. Cambs. – Scattered occasional records (e.g. Brampton Wood in 1995, Devil’s Dyke in 1996 and Borham in 1999) although this species now appears to be on the increase in the Huntingdon area (J. Dawson, pers. comm.). Essex – Very local and restricted and unusual in that it is centred on coastal grassland habitats. A number of these are threatened. There is a very strong population on Canvey Island (especially on the western side) with smaller populations at a number of sites including Two-tree Island (English Nature and Essex Wildlife Trust), Grays Chalk Quarry (where Cambs. & Essex BC have work parties) and Hadleigh Castle Country Park (which is partly on the mainland and partly on Two-tree Island). Norfolk – Extinct. No recent records. Suffolk – Only recent record is Sudbury in 1999 where a singleton was recorded (this may be the result of an introduction).

Threats 1. Changes in land use e.g. development. 2. Lack of management leading to scrub encroachment. 3. Sea wall mowing regimes.

Survey – Members of Cambs. & Essex BC regularly survey parts of the Essex sea wall. One site which was found to support a huge Marbled White population in 1999 was an oil refinery site which was never used. This site is now very rich in both flora and fauna (particularly invertebrates) possibly as a result of the whole area being covered with sand and then abandoned (Graham Bailey, pers. comm.).

Monitoring – Only regularly recorded on one transect in Essex. This transect is at Leigh Marshes NNR (on the eastern side of Two-tree Island and was previously a rubbish dump and sewage farm) where a full transect is carried out as part of the national monitoring scheme. Annual visits to many other coastal sites are also undertaken by Cambs. & Essex BC.

Management –Discussion of the measures needed to help the Marbled White and other coastal invertebrates in Essex was the topic of two meetings in 1997 involving the Environmental Agency, EN, Essex Wildlife Trust and Cambs. & Essex BC (as general sea wall management practices tend to be very detrimental to butterfly species). Although it was hoped that the outcome of these meetings would be more sympathetic sea wall management, there is still annual mowing of large areas of the Essex sea wall where the ownership is not known (Graham Bailey, pers. comm.). Cambs. & Essex BC also have annual winter work days at Grays Chalk Quarry (Essex Wildlife Trust Reserve) where south-facing banks are strimmed and cleared to encourage this species. In general this species requires grassland sites which are managed in a way that prevents coarse grass flora becoming dominant. Cutting between October and December every other year or cutting 50% per year is one

47 option with another being some sort of autumn grazing regime. Many ideal sites for this species have been grazed by horses and cattle then left for 2-3 years (Graham Bailey, pers. comm.).

Actions and Targets

Actions BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor this species. Ongoing Local volunteers, ITE, Environmental Agency 2. Survey of other seawalls in Essex. By 2010 Local volunteers, Environmental Agency 3. Continue to liaise with Ongoing Local volunteers, organisations/individuals concerned Environmental Agency, with sea wall management. Private landowners

48 3.3 Low Priority Species

While the species included in this section are defined as of ‘low priority’ in the Anglia region this definition does not imply that they are not worth conserving. It simply means that these species are not currently undergoing significant declines and are not currently considered to be rare in Britain.

Mention is only made of species where there are specific comments to make.

3.3a Green Hairstreak - rubi

In Britain this species is found on a wide range of habitats including acid grassland, moorland, heathland, sea cliffs and woodland rides. The larvae will feed on a number of plants including gorse ( spp.), broom (Sarothamnus scoparius), rock-rose (), bird’s-foot trefoil () and bilberry () (Emmet & Heath, 1990).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A widespread species in the region which is most abundant in Norfolk and Suffolk. It appears to be utilising a range of larval foodplants and is probably still under-recorded.

Cambridgeshire – Only recently recorded on around 13 tetrads. It is resident on most of the open and moderately scrubbed areas of Devil’s Dyke where it is known to use common rock-rose and dogwood ( sanguinea) as larval foodplants in different areas of the site. It also occurs at Fleam Dyke and a singleton was recorded at Over railway line in 1996. Essex –There are three main areas of population: a) the woods and heaths south of Colchester b) the Denbury and area and c) the old quarries and gravel pits around Thameside. In Essex chalk pits it mainly feeds on dogwood whereas on sand and gravel it is associated with gorse and broom. First recorded at Little Baddow in 1992. Lost from Mill Wood Pit in 1996 as a result of development. Norfolk – Sparse widely scattered records throughout the county. Its strongholds are the rides and ‘clear fell’ areas of the coniferous plantations of The Breck and the coastal heaths of north Norfolk between Blakeney and East Runton. Although it is usually found in sites where gorse and broom are present, there are other sites where it may be utilising other larval foodplants such as rock-rose (e.g. Leziate Country Park and Narborough railway embankment). Suffolk – Recently recorded on over 100 tetrads. Still mainly confined to the Sandlings and Brecklands (where it does not appear to be reliant on gorse and broom) but with an increasing number of sightings elsewhere. It can be present in large numbers (345 recorded at Rushmere Common and Bixley Open Space in 1998).

Threats 1. Vigorous scrub control on managed sites. 2. Decline in habitat quality on unmanaged sites due to natural succession. 3. Problem of small isolated sites.

Survey – Devil’s Dyke is regularly visited by Cambs. & Essex BC. A number of Norfolk sites regularly visited by Norfolk BC.

49 Monitoring – In Cambridgeshire it has been recorded on transects at Barnack Hills and Holes and Wicken Fen. In Norfolk it is commonly recorded in low numbers on the transect at Weeting Heath and was first recorded on the transect at Holkham in 1996.

Management - None specifically targeted at this species but it probably benefits from general management work (e.g. scrub control) which is carried out on a number of sites in the region. It is important to retain some scrub (around 20%) as scrub is important for shelter and perching.

In Norfolk, it is known to be present on a number of managed sites including a) Thetford Forest (where FE sympathetically manage forest rides) b) the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves at Weeting Heath, Thompson Common and East Wretham Heath (where the trust maintain open areas of heathland) and c) Narborough and Roydon railway cuttings (where BC and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust control scrub).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to maintain and monitor Ongoing EN, local volunteers, existing populations. Wildlife Trusts, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 2. Increase the level of monitoring in By 2010 Local volunteers, FE, areas where it is still strong to at least EN, Wildlife Trusts, the level of annual timed counts. The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 3. Continue to identify sites where Ongoing Site owners, County management work may improve the Councils, Local District habitat and continue to provide feedback Councils, Wildlife to site managers. Trusts, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, FWAG

50 3.3b Silver-washed Fritillary - Argynnis paphia

A woodland species which occurs in both deciduous and coniferous woods and is most common in the west of Britain. Common dog-violet is thought to be the main larval food plant (Emmet & Heath, 1990).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Extinct as a breeding species but occasional vagrant records (five 10km square records from 1995-99, BC database).

3.3c Wall – Lasiommata megera

A species which used to be common on the lowlands of Britain but which has generally become very scarce in the mid to late 1990’s. It usually lives as small discrete colonies on dry, sparsely vegetated areas of open grassland Although it is a species whose numbers have regularly shown great fluctuations since recording began, it is very difficult to assess whether the present alarming decline throughout much of England and Wales is part of this cycle or due to some undetermined and reversible habitat change. There were some increases in the collated indices for this species on sites in the national monitoring scheme in 1998 (particularly on chalk grassland sites in south-east England and at some coastal sites, Greatorex-Davies & Roy, 1999).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Indications of a good recovery after recent declines. The number of 10km square records for this species in the region has increased from 129 (from the 1970-82 recording period) to 163 (1995-99).

Cambs. – Recently recorded on >90 tetrads (95-99). Essex – Underwent a very rapid decline in the early 1990’s which was most marked at inland sites. It is still present in the north-eastern coastal zone which is one of its strongholds. Recorded on >140 tetrads (95-99). Norfolk – Has recently increased in both range and numbers and is now widespread. Suffolk – Widespread with evidence of recovery after recent decline. Its stronghold is in the Sandlings.

51 3.3d Grayling - Hipparchia semele

A species whose habitats are typically well drained with sparse vegetation and sheltered sunny spots and include coastal hills and sand dunes, abandoned quarries and dry heaths. Its larvae feed on a range of grasses including bents, fescues (Festuca spp.) and marram grass (Emmet & Heath, 1990). It has recently declined on inland chalk and limestone areas of southern England

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – A fairly common species in Norfolk and Suffolk where it is most abundant on coastal and heathland sites.

Cambs. – No recent records (95-99). Essex – Resident but only recently known from Mill Wood Pit. As this site was threatened by development in 1996, adults, soil and larval foodplants were subsequently translocated to Grays Chalk Quarry where it is still present (with a small number of Graylings being recorded in 1999). Norfolk – The county strongholds are a) the coastal dunes of north Norfolk and the Winterton area and b) the old Breckland heaths plantations and Beeston Common. Suffolk – A widespread species which has recently been recorded on at least 180 tetrads. Although it is concentrated in the Sandlings and the Brecklands, there are indications that it is now expanding inland from its Sandlings base. There are also widespread individual sightings of this species.

Threats 1. Lack of appropriate management, such as scrub control on inland sites. 2. Development. 3. Agricultural intensification.

Survey – None known to be targeted at this species in the region.

Monitoring – Regularly recorded on a number of transects in Norfolk (Holkham, Holme Dunes and Weeting Heath).

Management - This species is likely to benefit from general management regimes such as grazing and scrub clearance which are carried out on a number of sites. In areas where rapid natural succession is likely to make the habitat unsuitable fast (re- word), scraping off the top soil layer in a rotation of patches is another option.

52 Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor on current Ongoing EN, RSPB, local transects. volunteers, Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 2. Survey to determine if this species is By 2010 The Suffolk Naturalists’ present in areas where it may be under- Society, local volunteers recorded (e.g. in Grays/Purfleet area of Suffolk. 3. Continue to monitor inland expansion Ongoing Local volunteers, of the Sandling population. Sandling Group, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society

4. Provide feedback and information to By 2010 EN, RSPB, local site managers so that suitable habitat for volunteers, Wildlife this species is maintained in the long- Trusts, Norfolk & term. Norwich Naturalists’ Society, The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 5. Continue to liaise with Essex Wildlife Ongoing Essex Wildlife Trust Trust over colony at Grays Chalk Quarry.

53 3.3e Other low priority butterfly species recently recorded in the Anglia region

Species Current Status Small Skipper W & C Essex Skipper W & C Large Skipper W & C Brimstone W & C Large White W & C Small White W & C Green-veined White W & C Orange Tip W & C Purple Hairstreak Probably widespread and UR Small Copper W & C Common Blue W & C Small Tortoiseshell W & C Peacock W & C Comma Widespread but not common Speckled Wood W & C Gatekeeper W & C Meadow Brown W & C Ringlet Only widespread in some areas Small Heath W & C

Key

W & C - Widespread and Common UR - Under-recorded

54 3.3f Migrant Species

Species Comment Pale Clouded Yellow Occasional records Clouded Yellow*1 Occasionally recorded in large numbers Long-tailed Blue Very occasional records Painted Lady Occasionally recorded in large numbers Red Admiral Occasionally recorded in large numbers Large Tortoiseshell Occasional records (see below) Camberwell Beauty*2 Occasional records Queen of Spain Fritillary Occasional records (see below)

*1 it sometimes breeds in Essex but never survives the winter (Corke, 1997). *2 but widespread records for this species in Suffolk (44 tetrads from 1995-99).

Notes on certain migrant species: a) Large Tortoiseshell – Nymphalis polychloros

Essex – Regularly recorded in south-east Essex in very low numbers. Although no colony has yet been found, it is now suspected of breeding in this area. Suffolk – Occasional records. Recently recorded on two tetrads (1995-99) which are probably migrants. b) Queen of Spain Fritillary - Argynnis lathonia

Recently recorded on 16 tetrads in Suffolk. It may well be breeding here but this has yet to be confirmed (Fox, 1999). Regular sightings of this species at some sites e.g. RSPB reserve at Minsmere (Anderson, 1999).

55 3.4 Nationally Important Extinct Species

3.4a Wood White – Leptidea sinapis

The Wood White is usually associated with woodland habitats where it breeds in open rides or clearings. The most widely used larval food plant is meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis. For detailed information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Warren & Bourn, 1998).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Extinct with the last records being in Cambs. Cambridgeshire – No recent records (95-99) but used to be present in some well known woodland localities (e.g. Monks Wood). It was recorded in three 10km squares from 1970-82 (data from BRC database).

3.4b Brown Hairstreak - Thecla betulae

A species which primarily occurs in wooded areas which have sheltered hedges or banks and where the larval food plant blackthorn Prunus spinosa is abundant. For detailed information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Bourn & Warren, 1998b).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Probably extinct. Cambridgeshire – Extinct. No recent records. Essex – A small number of sightings of this species at Epping Forest in the 1980’s and 1990’s have led to extensive searches which have all been unsuccessful. Norfolk – No recent records. Suffolk – Extinct. No recent records.

56 3.4c Large Copper – Lycaena dispar batavus

The English sub-species Lycaena dispar dispar was historically found in areas of open fen in counties such as Lincolnshire, Huntingdonshire, Suffolk and Norfolk where the larval foodplant great water dock Rumex hydrolapathum was abundant. It declined rapidly in the 1840’s and 1850’s with the last British specimen being taken from , Norfolk in 1864. The closely related Large Copper (Lycaena dispar batavus) from the has been used to try to re-establish this species in England since 1927. Although there was still a strong population of this species in the Netherlands in 1994/95 (mainly in the Weerribben National Park, see Pullin, 1997), this population declined in 1997/98 with some evidence of a small recovery in 1999 (A. Pullin, pers. comm.). For further information on this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Barnett & Warren, 1995d).

Cambridgeshire – Attempts to re-establish this species to two sites in the county have failed. Lycaena dispar batavus introduced at in 1927 and again in 1955. Although it was maintained here until the early 1990’s (through a policy of protecting larvae and supplementing the population by adult releases from cage-raised stock), it is now considered to be extinct at this site. L.dispar batavus was also introduced to Wicken Fen in 1930 but only survived until 1942 Essex – No known records. Norfolk – Extinct 1864. Nevertheless, The Broads has extensive areas of potentially suitable habitat which could be linked and is within the historical range of this species (see below). Suffolk – Extinct.

Survey – Earlier studies comparing Norfolk Broads sites with those in Weerribben National Park found that The Broads had fewer of the early successional habitats required by this species (e.g. Pullin, 1997) with the smaller patches of suitable habitat being more widely spaced (C. Nicholls, Ph.D Thesis in prep., University of Birmingham). However, as more areas of suitable habitat for this species are currently being created at a number of sites in The Broads (e.g. by the bulldozing of late successional vegetation), a further research project is now underway (by M. Jacobs at the University of Birmingham) to predict when there will be sufficient habitat in the Broads to maintain this species (A. Pullin, pers. Comm.). Monitoring – In 1987 a joint BC and EN project started to record changes in the wild population at Woodwalton Fen. Although this project initially involved adult counts, the lack of sightings resulted in counts being confined to eggs and larvae. A rapid decline was recorded from 1987 to 1989 for both eggs and larvae. From 1989 onwards numbers were more stable (although at low levels) until the summer of 1994 when none were found. The cause of the extinction may have been extensive flooding over the 1993/94 winter.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to support research into Ongoing EN, RSPB, Broads the network of sites which could be Authority,Wildlife Trust, occupied by this species in the Broads. University of Birmingham.

57 3.4d Pearl-bordered Fritillary – Boloria euphrosyne

A species which primarily occurs in dry open woodlands or in bracken/grass/scrub mosaics where the main larval food plant common dog-violet Viola riviniana grows abundantly in sunny sheltered conditions. For detailed information on the status, ecology and habitats of this species in Britain see national Species Action Plan (Barnett & Warren, 1995e).

Distribution and Status in the Anglia region – Extinct.

Cambridgeshire – Extinct. Essex – Failed attempt to re-establish this species back to Little Baddow Heath, Essex in 1990 when 25 females and 14 males were released from a donor site (Rewell Wood, Sussex). This failed attempt at re-establishment was considered to be largely due to the inadequate size of the site (4 acres) and it highlighted the difficulty of trying to re-establish small isolated populations. Although there have been occasional recent sightings of Pearl-bordered Fritillary in Baddow Woods since then (e.g. singleton in 1997), the site is now considered unsuitable for the long term survival of this species. Norfolk –Extinct. Last recorded at in 1934 and Haveringland in 1946. Suffolk – Extinct. Last recorded in the Bentley/ Wood area in 1959.

Actions and Targets – None

58 3.5 High Priority Moths – Species Accounts

Most of the information given below has been directly taken from species accounts in Waring’s 1999 draft of ‘Review of Nationally Scarce and Threatened Macro-moths of Great Britain’ (in prep, JNCC). As the following accounts only include a small part of Waring’s species accounts, readers should refer to the above review for further details and information on each species. National Action Plans and Species Statements for some of these species can also be found in “Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group report. Volume 2: Action Plans”, “UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans. Volume IV – Invertebrates” and the recently published “Volume VI – terrestrial and freshwater species and habitats”.

The scientific names and English names used follow Bradley (1998).

Notes on Norfolk High Priority Moths

Of the 20 high priority species occurring in Norfolk, the Norfolk Moth Survey has identified 12 species (Reed Leopard, Tawny Wave, Fletcher’s Pug, Scarce Pug, Grey Carpet, Dotted Footman, Pigmy Footman, Lunar Yellow Underwing, Fenn’s Wainscot, Rush Wainscot, Marbled Clover and Buttoned Snout) which are considered to be adequately understood, their distribution well known and appropriate landowners aware of (and responding to) their habitat and management requirements (Michael Hall, pers. comm.). In these 12 cases, the only proposed action for these species in Norfolk should be monitoring.

The Norfolk Moth Survey have identified a second group of high priority moths that are either occasional or sporadic visitors to light traps, which cannot be trapped with certainty on any site and whose larvae cannot easily be searched for in Norfolk. These four species are the Square-spotted Clay, Pale Shining Brown, Bordered Gothic and White-spotted Pinion. In Norfolk, it is difficult to identify potential sites for these species let alone carry any ecological work on the larval foodplants of these species or the best management practices for them (Michael Hall, pers. comm.). The Norfolk Action Plan for Moths is currently in preparation and will specifically address the needs of these Norfolk moths.

Norfolk species which currently require the actions and targets identified in this plan are therefore, Barred Tooth-striped, Scarce Vapourer, Four-spotted and Shaded Fan-foot (Michael Hall, pers. comm.).

59 1. Reed Leopard Phragmataecia castaneae (Hübner)

UK Red Data Book Category 2 (Vulnerable) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – A fenland species which is present at Chippenham Fen and Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire and occurs in the Ant Marshes, Bure Marsh systems and in the Norfolk Broads. It is also present on the BC reserve at Catfield Fen (Waring, in press).

Habitat – Larvae feed on the live stems of common reed (Phragmites australis). Although it can exist in areas where reeds grow in permanent standing water (reed swamp), it can also do well on sites where the water levels have fluctuated (e.g. at Chippenham Fen).

Threats – Water pollution in the Broads. Some of the commercial reed bed management techniques may not be beneficial to this species (e.g. summer cutting of reed beds and burning to remove weeds and reed litter).

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region although known sites are regularly visited by local moth recorders.

Management – Areas of permanently flooded reed swamp and dyke edges should be maintained with any reed bed management involving the winter cutting of reed on rotation (with a three year or longer cycle).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up a monitoring programme By 2005 EN, NT, Broads Authority, on key sites to identify any local volunteers changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with site Ongoing EN, NT, Broads Authority, managers to facilitate appropriate local volunteers management for this species 3. Survey other areas where there By 2005 Local volunteers are past records (e.g. the Thorpeness area of Suffolk) to determine if this species is present.

60 2. The Triangle Heterogenea asella (Denis & Schiffermüller)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – A very local and scarce species which is restricted to southern England. It was rediscovered in Essex in the late 1980’s at two different locations where it has been fairly regularly recorded since then. In 1996 a singleton was recorded at a third site.

Habitat – A species associated with the canopy of ancient semi-natural deciduous woodland. Larvae feed on oak (Quercus spp.) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) foliage (Waring, in press).

Threats – Felling of trees, conifer planting in mixed woods.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – Further work on the ecological requirements of this species is needed before any specific management suggestions can be made. In the absence of this knowledge, management should aim to maintain stands of mature broadleaved trees and ensure a continuity of age classes.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor Essex sites to identify By 2005 EN, local volunteers any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Survey of other potential sites in By 2005 EN, local volunteers Essex to determine if this species is present. 3. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing EN, local volunteers owners to ensure they are aware of the importance of this species and the habitats it may occupy. 4. Support ecological research into By 2010 EN, other grant awarding the habitat requirements of this bodies species and the best management practices for this species so that it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

61 3. Ground Lackey Malacosoma castrensis (Linnaeus)

Nationally Scarce – Notable A (Na) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status - Largely confined to the saltmarshes on the south-east coast of England. It occurs on a number of sites in Essex (including the Colne NNR, Blackwater NNR, St Osyth Beach, Jaywick, Nature Reserve and Old Hall Marsh Nature Reserve). In Suffolk, it occurs in the marshes around Orford Ness (NT) with the northern extent of its range being at Aldeburgh. On sites where it is found it may be locally common.

Habitat – Larvae feed on a number of saltmarsh plants including common sea lavender (Limonium vulgare) and sea wormwood (Artemisia maritima). In Britain, this species in confined to saltmarshes but this is not the case in continental (Waring, in press).

Threats – Saltmarsh reclamation and erosion.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – St Osyth Beach, Jaywick is a continuously monitored site with the records being submitted to the Essex Moth Group (who also regularly survey a number of other sites for this species). Nests and webs of Ground Lackey are fairly easy to census and could be routinely done on a number of key sites to monitor changes in populations and their distribution (Waring, in press).

Management – The habitat could be increased by working with natural events e.g. by allowing the tide to invade new land.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor Jaywick Ongoing EN, NT, local volunteers site to identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Increase the level of monitoring By 2005 EN, NT, local volunteers to cover more of the key sites for this species. 3. Continue to survey to determine Ongoing EN, NT, local volunteers if this species is present on other coastline sites, e.g. along the Suffolk coastline. 4. Continue to liaise with the Ongoing EN, NT, local volunteers managers of known sites and encourage them to maintain and extend the area of suitable habitat for this species.

62 4. Tawny Wave Scopula rubiginata (Hufnagel)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – The coastal sandhills in the Aldeburgh-Thorpeness area of Suffolk and the near the Norfolk/Suffolk border are thought to be the main breeding areas for this species in Britain (Waring, in press). However, as this species has also in recent years been regularly recorded in the Ipswich area of Suffolk, it is the belief of local recorders that this species is resident in the area and that not all these records are immigrants. There have been six recent records from five sites in Essex. These records suggest that the Tawny Wave may also be resident in Essex.

Habitat – Occurs in heathy rides and other open places within Thetford Forest and on marginal rough ground elsewhere. Larval foodplants in the wild are unknown but larvae will utilise a range of plants including knotgrass ( aviculare) and black medick (Medicago lupulina) in captivity (Waring, in press).

Threats – Agricultural intensification, development, forestry and changes in vegetation.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – Monitored annually by Norfolk Moth Group.

Management – This moth is likely to benefit from periodic soil disturbance (which prevents domination by grasses). It may also benefit from grass cutting and removal as this can reduce the soil fertility. Soil disturbance by scraping has had a positive effect on this species (as well as other Breckland moths) at the Center Parcs village at Elveden (Waring, in press).

Two current management projects which may effect this species in the Breckland area are the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by FE) and an Integrated Land Management Plan for the Stanford Training Area (STANTA) (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by the MoD). The conservation plan for the Thetford Forest area includes measures such as ride-widening, rotational felling and the maintenance of large areas of permanent open space.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor numbers at key sites by By 2005 FE, EN, MoD, local light trapping to identify any volunteers, Wildlife changes in the distribution and Trusts, Center Parcs status of this species (particularly in response to the current management plans). 2. Continue to liaise with the Ongoing FE, EN, MoD, local

63 managers of known sites to volunteers, Wildlife facilitate appropriate management Trusts, Center Parcs for this species. 3. Ensure that the management By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, FE, MoD, requirements of this species on EN, local volunteers Breck sites are incorporated into the Thetford Forest Management Plan and the MoD Integrated Land Management Plan. 4. Continue to survey giving Ongoing FE, EN, local volunteers priority to areas where it has recently been recorded (e.g. parts of Suffolk and Essex) to determine if this species is present. 5. Support ecological research into By 2010 EN, other grant awarding the habitat requirements of this bodies species so it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

64 5. Bright Wave Idaea ochrata (Prout)

UK Red Data Book Category 1 (Endangered) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A coastal species in the region in the past but there have been no recent records. The last regional records for this species were at Thorpeness (Suffolk) in 1990 and at a coastal reserve near St Osyth (Essex) in 1985. A record from Minsmere (Suffolk) in 1994 has not been confirmed. It has been the subject of an EN Species Recovery Project since 1997.

Habitat – Sandy shingle beaches and sandhills (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999). The larvae appear to feed on the flowers of a variety of sandhill plants including smooth tare (Vicia tetrasperma).

Threats – Largely unknown due to poor knowledge of the ecological requirements of this species. It is likely to be affected by tidal erosion plus the clearance or disturbance of the larval foodplant(s). It may also possibly be being affected by larger scale changes, e.g. climatic changes.

Survey – Targeted searches in Suffolk in 1993, 94 and 95 failed to locate this species. A survey for suitable habitat also took place between Thorpeness and Minsmere in 1999. No adults were seen although some habitat looked potentially suitable (Tony Prichard, pers. comm.).

Monitoring – Not applicable at present.

Management – At the start of the Species Recovery Project in 1997, both the larval foodplants and the sward characteristics favoured by this species were unknown. This ongoing project is currently identifying the breeding grounds and habitat requirements of this species in Kent, and using this information to try to identify the reasons for the loss of this species elsewhere in Britain (e.g. in Suffolk).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to survey former sites Ongoing EN, local volunteers to determine if this species is present. 2. Liaise with land owners to By 2006 Not yet known facilitate monitoring on any sites where it is found to be present. Ensure they are also aware of the habitats this species may occupy. 3. Support ecological research into Ongoing EN, other grant awarding the habitat requirements of this bodies species so it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

65 6. Chalk Carpet Scotopteryx bipunctaria (Prout)

Nationally Scarce – Notable B (Nb) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A very local species in Britain which occurs on calcareous sites in southern England and along the south coast of Wales. There are regional records from Cambridgeshire (last recorded on Fleam Dyke in 1973) and Essex (where it was last recorded in 1984).

Habitat – A species of chalk and limestone grasslands particularly in areas that are short-grazed and have bare ground e.g. cliffs, quarries and embankments. The larvae feed on a number of plants including bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and black medick (Medicago lupulina) and are nocturnal (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – None applicable at present.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – Not applicable at present.

Management – Maintain appropriate grazing levels to ensure sward does not become too rank. Bird’s-foot trefoil can be encouraged by heavy grazing one year in three on rotation (so that only a proportion of the site is heavily grazed at any one time).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Survey of former and potentially By 2005 EN, other grant awarding suitable sites to determine if this bodies species is present. 2. Contact the site managers of any By 2006 Not yet known colonies that are found to facilitate appropriate management and monitoring.

66 7. Barberry Carpet Pareulype berberata (Denis & Schiffermüller)

UK Red Data Book Category 1 (Endangered) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – As a result of searches between 1997 and 1999 this species has been confirmed to survive in a total of eight localities. Six of these localities are in Wiltshire, one in Gloucestershire and one in Dorset (Parsons, Green, Bourn & Waring, 2000). Until the early 1990’s, Suffolk had been known to support a population from the 1860’s. The cause of the loss of the Suffolk population is thought to be a fire which destroyed around 70% of the barberry on the Suffolk site in 1991. A captive breeding programme and trials to establish new colonies are underway as part of an EN Species Recovery Programme.

Habitat – A species which utilises barberry (Berberis vulgaris) growing in hedgerows. There are no records of this species breeding on barberry within woodlands or on barberry planted in urban locations.

Threats – None applicable at present.

Survey – Larval searches on Suffolk site in 1994 and 1995 were unsuccessful and there were no clear signs of feeding. Nevertheless a single adult was recorded on the site in May 1995.

Monitoring – Annual monitoring on the Suffolk site has been carried out under the guidance of Paul Waring (Tony Prichard, pers. comm.).

Management – Rotational winter pruning (to encourage vigorous barberry growth and to keep it free of competition from other hedgerow species ) coupled with regular planting of new barberry is likely to be beneficial to this species (and was carried out on the Suffolk site). Winter pruning should only be carried out after all the leaves have fallen and any grass mowing near pruned areas should be delayed until the following spring.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor the former Ongoing EN, local volunteers Suffolk site for this species. 2. Continue with captive breeding Ongoing EN, local volunteers programme. 3. Continue to survey to determine Ongoing EN, Local volunteers if this species is present at any other locations. 4. Contact the site managers of any By 2006 EN, local volunteers site where this species is found to facilitate appropriate management and monitoring.

67 8. Fletcher’s Pug (= Pauper Pug) Eupithecia egenaria (Herrich-Schäffer)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – Only known from a small number of areas in Britain. Regional areas include the Thetford area of south-west Norfolk/north Suffolk; in mid-Norfolk; and King’s Forest in Suffolk. During 1998 the presence of this moth was established at in Suffolk. It has also been reported from a few other sites in Suffolk including Lackford, Elmough and Nowton.

Habitat – A species always associated with lime trees (Tilia spp.). In Norfolk, larvae have been found on large-leaved lime (T.platyphyllos), small-leaved lime (T. cordata) and on the hybrid (T. x. europea) in plantations (Haggett, 1981).

Threats – Diseases of lime trees and felling or thinning operations.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region although known sites are regularly visited by local moth recorders.

Management – Maintain stands of mature flowering lime trees in areas where this moth has been recorded. Also encourage the planting of young limes in these areas to maintain a varied age structure.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor key sites (by light By 2005 EN, FE, Wildlife Trusts, trapping and larval searches) to local volunteers identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing EN, FE, Wildlife Trusts managers to facilitate appropriate management for this species.

68 9. Scarce Pug Eupithecia extensaria (Prout)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – A species which is confined in Britain to the east coast (mainly in the vicinity of the Wash). The main regional area for this species is the coasts of north Norfolk (including the Titchwell RSPB reserve) although it has also been recorded on a couple of sites in Essex in the past (last record being 1985).

Habitat – Larvae feed on the flowers and foliage of sea wormwood (Artemisia maritima) and are fairly easy to find (Waring, in press).

Threats – Possible changes in saltmarshes, e.g. erosion.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – The effects of changes in the sea levels and coastal defence work on this species are unknown. Foodplants growing among tall grasses are thought to be preferred as they offer more protection from potential predators and more anchorage for cocoons (Waring, in press).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up monitoring programmes By 2005 RSPB, Essex Wildlife (by larval searches) on key sites to Trust, local volunteers identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing RSPB, Essex Wildlife managers to facilitate appropriate Trust, local volunteers management for this species. 3. Survey of other potentially By 2005 Local volunteers suitable sites in the region to determine if this species is present.

69 10. Grey Carpet Lithostege griseata (Denis & Schiffermüller)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – National distribution is the Breckland district of Norfolk and Suffolk where it can be seen in good numbers in at least five localities. A vagrant was recorded at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex in 1995.

Habitat – Larval fooplant is flixweed (Descurainia sophia) which grows up from dormant seed and flourishes for 1-2 years after soil has been disturbed (Waring, in press).

Threats – Conifer planting (especially in previously open Breckland) and fragmentation of its habitats. Also possibly threats from agricultural intensification and development.

Survey – MoD land surveyed by Haggett in 1998.

Monitoring –Monitored regularly by larval search on MoD land.

Management – Scarification of part of the soil surface (50-100m strips) at Center Parcs holiday village in 1991 resulted in larger numbers of adults being recorded here in 1992 (Waring, in press). For this reason, some sort of rotational autumn scarification is recommended for this species.

Two current management projects which may effect this species in the Breckland area are the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by FE) and an Integrated Land Management Plan for the Stanford Training Area (STANTA) (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by the MoD). The conservation plan for the Thetford Forest area includes measures such as ride-widening, rotational felling and the maintenance of large areas of permanent open space.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor key sites (by daytime By 2005 EN, FE, MoD, local searches for adults) to identify any volunteers, Wildlife changes in the distribution and Trusts, Center Parcs status of this species (particularly in response to the current management plans). 2. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing EN, FE, MoD, Wildlife managers to facilitate appropriate Trusts, local volunteers, management for this species. FRCA, Center Parcs

3. Ensure that the management By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, FE, MoD,

70 requirements of this species on EN, local volunteers Breck sites are incorporated into the Thetford Forest Management Plan and the MoD Integrated Land Management Plan. 4. Survey of potentially suitable By 2005 Local volunteers, EN etc. sites to determine if this species is present. 5. Identify a network of occupied By 2005 EN, FRCA etc. and unoccupied sites which could be linked by bringing more sites under suitable management. Initiate contact with the land owners/managers of these sites to see if there are any financial incentives available to enable them to manage these sites for this species.

71 11. Barred Tooth-striped Trichopteryx polycommata (Denis & Schiffermüller)

Nationally Scarce – Notable A (Na) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – In Britain this is a widespread but local species. Its current strongholds are Sussex, the North Hampshire/Wiltshire area, the Breckland on the Norfolk/Suffolk border and south Cumbria (Waring, in press).

Habitat – Occurs in the open parts of woodland and ride edges on chalk, limestone or clay soils (with small pockets of lime). Larvae feed on wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) although ash may be an alternative foodplant (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – Agricultural intensification and inappropriate management (e.g. removal of foodplant during ride widening operations on woodland sites).

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region although known sites are regularly visited by local moth recorders.

Management – Ensure that good bushy growths of privet continue to thrive in a range of conditions. In wooded areas, the mechanical clearing of the scrub edges of rides should be avoided. In open areas of habitat, any scrub removal programmes or grazing regimes should ensure the continued existence of areas of scattered low scrub.

One current management project in the Breckland area which may effect this species is the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by FE). This conservation plan includes measures such as ride- widening, rotational felling and the maintenance of large areas of permanent open space.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Survey of potentially suitable By 2005 Local volunteers, Wildlife sites for this species by torchlight Trusts, EN, FE searches for adults (March/April) and beating for larvae in May (although beating can apparently be hard to do for this species). 2. Set up a monitoring programme By 2005 FE, EN, Wildlife Trusts, on key sites to identify any local volunteers changes in the distribution and status of this species (particularly in response to the current conservation plan).

72 3. Liaise with site managers to By 2005 FE, EN, Wildlife Trusts, facilitate appropriate management local volunteers of existing habitat as well as its expansion. 4. Ensure that the management By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, FE, EN, requirements of this species on local volunteers Breck sites are incorporated into the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan.

73 12. Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris tityus (Linnaeus)

Nationally Scarce – Notable B (Nb) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – Formerly a widespread species in the UK with recent records largely restricted to western Britain, especially south-west England from Cornwall to Wiltshire. However, a new colony was discovered in the East Anglian Breckland in 1999.

Habitat – This species has been found on a range of habitats including wet acidic grassland, chalk downland and acid bogs where devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis) is the main larval foodplant (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999). The East Anglian site consists of an open grassy calcareous sward varying between 10cm and 20cm in height, which is possibly cut once a year at the end of the summer (Parsons, Green, Bourn & Waring, 2000).

Threats – Not yet identified.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There are plans to visit the Breckland site again during 2000.

Management – The herb rich pastures occupied by this species can be maintained by light grazing (preferably by cattle), and hay cutting and removal. These operations should ideally take place during the growing season of the grasses if they are to prevent grass domination of the herbs.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor the Ongoing Local volunteers Breckland colony to identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Liaise with land manager to Ongoing Local volunteers facilitate appropriate management of this colony. 3. Survey of other potentially By 2005 Local volunteers, Wildlife suitable sites in the region (giving Trusts, EN priority to those close to the existing colony) to determine if this species is present.

74 13. Scarce Vapourer Orgyia recens (Hübner)

UK Red Data Book Category 2 (Vulnerable) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – A species which nationally is largely only known from an area near the Humber (both in southern Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire) and from north-east Norfolk where it occurs in the Ant and Bure Marshes region. A 1991 record from Minsmere in Suffolk has not been confirmed (Tony Prichard, pers. comm.).

Habitat – Recorded from hedgerows, fenland, sandhills and open woodland with a variety of plants including sallows (Salix spp.), heather ( vulgaris), oak (Quercus robur) and wild rose (Rosa spp.) being foodplants of the larvae (Waring, in press).

Threats – Local changes to its habitat (e.g. hedgerow trimming) can have a large effect as larvae are thought to have very limited powers of dispersal.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – Further work on the ecological requirements of this species is needed to determine what management techniques best suit this species (e.g. rotational hedge cutting or no cutting at all). A number of the Norfolk sites are managed as nature reserves.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Increase the level of monitoring By 2005 Broads Authority, local on key sites (e.g. by annual larvae volunteers searches) to identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing Broads Authority, local managers to ensure they are aware volunteers of the importance of this species and the habitats it may occupy. 3. Survey of potentially suitable Ongoing Broads Authority, local sites to determine if this species is volunteers present. 4. Support further research into the By 2010 EN, Broads Authority, ecological requirements of this grant awarding bodies species and the best management practices so that it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

75 14. Dotted Footman Pelosia muscerda (Hufnagel)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – A species which may possibly only be breeding in Britain in the Norfolk Broads but which has been recorded in a number of other locations (where it is sometimes considered to be a wanderer or a migrant) including sites in Essex (four recent records from three sites). In Norfolk, it occurs in the Bure and Ant Marshes, at Hickling Broad, Burgh Common and Long Gore Marsh.

Habitat – Occurs in /fen habitats where it appears to prefer wetter more open areas. Although its wild larval foodplants are not known, captive larvae have been reported to feed on algae, lichens, and on the dead leaves of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) although the latter is thought an unlikely usual host in the wild (Waring, in press).

Threats – Lowering of water levels and the clearance of shrubs or patches of carr from reedbeds.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – In the absence of detailed ecological knowledge, management should aim to retain patches of carr and scattered shrubs in areas where this species may be present.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor key sites by a By 2005 EN, Broads Authority, combination of light trapping and local volunteers larval searches to identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Survey of sites where this By 2005 EN, Broads Authority, species has recently been recorded local volunteers to determine if this species is still present.. 3. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing Broads Authority, EN, managers to ensure they are aware local volunteers of the importance of this moth and the habitats it may occupy. 4. Support ecological research into By 2010 EN, Broads Authority, the habitat requirements of this other grant awarding species so it can more easily be bodies conserved in the long term.

76 15. Small Dotted Footman Pelosia obtusa (Herrich-Schäffer)

UK Red Data Book Category 2 (Vulnerable) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – A species whose British distribution is confined to the Norfolk Broads and associated fens. It was first recorded in the Norfolk Broads in 1961 with the existence of a colony at Hickling being confirmed by a number of sightings in the 1980’s. Although it is now known from four 10km squares, the occupied sites are not large and are rather close together (Waring, in press).

Habitat – The larval foodplants of this species in the wild are unknown although it is thought to probably feed on algae growing on reed litter and other plant debris (Waring, in press). Sites where this species has been recorded include an old and undisturbed reed-bed surrounded by alder and birch carr, an open marsh with reed and sedge and a combination of scattered and dense sallow, and a reed-bed and juncus rush-dominated fen backed by mature oak (Waring, in press).

Threats – Changes in water quality and in water levels. Inappropriate management of the habitat is also a potential threat as the reed-cutting regimes which might favour this species are unknown.

Survey – Surveys regularly made by Norfolk Moth Group.

Monitoring – Regularly monitored at certain sites by Norfolk Moth Group.

Management – In the absence of detailed ecological knowledge, management should aim to maintain the potential habitats of this species.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up a monitoring programme By 2005 Broads Authority, EN, at key sites to identify any changes Norfolk Naturalists’ Trust, in the distribution and status of this local volunteers species. 2. Liaise with land managers to Ongoing Broads Authority, EN, ensure they are aware of the Norfolk Naturalists’ Trust, importance of this moth and the local volunteers habitats it may occupy. 3. Survey of other potentially By 2005 Broads Authority, EN, suitable sites in the Norfolk Broads Norfolk Naturalists’ Trust, area to determine if this species is local volunteers present. 4. Support ecological research into By 2010 EN, other grant awarding the habitat requirements of this bodies species so it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

77 16. Pigmy Footman Eilema pygmaeola pygmaeola (Doubleday)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – E. pygmaeola pygmaeola is resident on the Norfolk coast from Winterton to Waxham (including Winterton Dunes NNR) with occasional sightings elsewhere in the region (e.g. Norfolk Broads and sites in Suffolk and Essex (three recent records from two sites)) considered to be wanderers from the coast or immigrants.

Habitat – Little work has been done on the larval ecology of this species. Larval searches at Winterton have so far, been unsuccessful.

Threats – Recreational disturbance of habitats.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – In the absence of detailed ecological knowledge, management should aim to maintain the coastal habitats of this species.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up a monitoring programme By 2005 Local volunteers, EN at key sites to identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Liaise with land managers to Ongoing Local volunteers, EN ensure they are aware of the importance of this moth and the habitats it may occupy. 3. Support ecological research into By 2010 EN, other grant awarding the habitat requirements of this bodies species so it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

78 17. Lunar Yellow Underwing Noctua orbona (Hufnagel)

Nationally Scarce – Notable B (Nb) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A species which has severely declined nationally with only scattered colonies throughout much of its former range (although it now generally seems to be on the increase). While the Breckland area of Norfolk and Suffolk is the main regional stronghold for this species, it has also regularly been recorded from the Sandlings area of Suffolk in recent years (Tony Prichard, pers. comm.).

Habitat – This species is now mainly associated with open sandy, heathy or calcareous sites and open grassy areas within woodland (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999). Larvae feed on a range of fine grasses and small herbaceous plants including cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) and chickweed (Stellaria media).

Threats – The cause of the widespread decline of this species is largely unknown. Afforestation and scrub encroachment are likely to be detrimental.

Survey – Larvae known from numerous Norfolk and Suffolk sites.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region although known sites are regularly visited by local moth recorders.

Management – Further work on the ecological requirements of this species is needed to determine what management techniques best suit this species and why it has declined. Until then, the areas where it has been recorded should be conserved by preventing them from becoming too rank, encroached by scrub or shaded by trees.

One current management project in the Breckland area which may effect this species is the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by FE). This conservation plan includes measures such as ride- widening, rotational felling and the maintenance of large areas of permanent open space.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up a monitoring programme By 2005 Local volunteers, EN, FE, on key sites to identify any Wildlife Trusts changes in the distribution and status of this species (particularly in response to the current management plan). 2. Survey of other potentially By 2005 Local volunteers, EN, FE, suitable sites in Norfolk and Wildlife Trusts Suffolk to determine if this species is present.

79 3. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing Local volunteers, Wildlife managers to facilitate appropriate Trusts, EN, FE management for this species. 4. Ensure that the requirements of By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, FE, EN, this species on Breck sites are local volunteers incorporated into the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan. 5. Support ecological research By 2010 EN, FE, other grant aimed at identifying the best awarding bodies management practices for this species so that it can more easily be maintained in the long term.

80 18. Square-spotted Clay Xestia rhomboidea (Esper)

Nationally Scarce – Notable B (Nb) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A widespread but local species in Britain with the Brecklands of Norfolk and Suffolk being one of its key national strongholds (Waring, in press). It also appears to be well established in Cambridgeshire and has recently been recorded in several places (e.g. Linton Zoo and Fulbourn).

Habitat – Occurs in broadleaved and mixed woodland where the undergrowth is sparse and there are patches of bare ground. The larval foodplant in the wild is unknown but they will feed on a variety of plants including chickweed (Stellaria media) and bramble ( fructicosus) in captivity (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999). One little known way of finding this species is to search for the adult at the flowers of burdock after dark (e.g. Parsons, Green, Bourn & Waring, 2000).

Threats – These are difficult to assess as the ecological requirements of this species are unknown. Nevertheless they are likely to include the neglect of woodlands and loss of open areas with sparse undergrowth.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species.

Management – No specific recommendations can be made without further ecological research to identify the habitats of the early stages of this species. Nevertheless, the distribution of this species on known sites should be identified so that a mosaic of trees, scrub and bare ground can be maintained in these areas.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor key sites to identify any By 2005 FE, Wildlife Trusts, EN, changes in the distribution and local volunteers status of this species. 2. Survey of other potentially By 2005 FE, Wildlife Trusts, EN, suitable sites. local volunteers 3. Continue to liaise with site Ongoing FE, Wildlife Trusts, EN, managers to ensure they are aware local volunteers of the potential presence of this species and the habitats it may occupy. 4. Support ecological research By 2010 EN, FE, other grant aimed at identifying the habitat awarding bodies requirement of this species and the best management practices so that it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

81 19. Pale Shining Brown Polia bombycina (Hufnagel)

Nationally Scarce – Notable B (Nb) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – Has only been recorded from around 20 scattered sites throughout England since 1980 with only a few of these being strong colonies. These records include at least one site in Cambridgeshire (Girton - where it was recorded between 1969-1980) and one in Essex (Great Holland Pits). The last Essex record (out of four) was in 1984. The two recent records for this species in Suffolk were in the Needham Market area in the 1970’s and at Mettingham in 1997 (Tony Prichard, pers. comm.). This species has also recently been recorded in Norfolk.

Habitat – The main habitat is scrubby grassland on light calcareous soils. The larval foodplant in the wild is unknown but it has been reared in captivity on various herbaceous plants and may eat buds of low woody growth in the spring (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – The reasons for the rapid decline of this species are unknown.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – Not applicable at present.

Management – In the absence of detailed ecological knowledge, management should aim to conserve areas of scrubby grassland on sites where this species has recently been recorded.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Survey sites where it has been By 2005 Local volunteers, EN recorded in the past to determine if it is present. 2. Liaise with the land managers of By 2006 Not yet known any colonies found to ensure that they are aware of the importance of this moth and the habitats it may occupy. 3. Support ecological research By 2010 EN, other grant awarding aimed at identifying the habitat bodies requirements of this species and the best management practices.

82 20. Bordered Gothic Heliophobus reticulata marginosa (Haworth)

UK Red Data Book Category 2 (Vulnerable) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – The Brecklands of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge are the main national stronghold for this species which has either disappeared or is in sharp decline everywhere else (Waring, in press).

Habitat – Associated with open, mainly calcareous grassland sites but the larval ecology in the wild is unknown. The seedpods of Silene species, such as bladder campion (S. vulgaris), and possibly soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), as well as knotgrass (), are suggested foodplants, based on observations in captivity (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – Causes of its decline are speculative. Possibly due to climatic changes or changes in microclimate.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region although known sites are regularly visited by local moth recorders.

Management – Needs further ecological work on the early stages before specific management recommendations can be made. Until then, the open grassland sites and potential foodplants of this species should be conserved.

One current management project in the Breckland area which may effect this species is the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by FE). This conservation plan includes measures such as ride- widening, rotational felling and the maintenance of large areas of permanent open space.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up monitoring programmes By 2005 FE, EN, Wildlife Trusts, at key sites to identify any changes local volunteers in the distribution and status of this species (particularly in response to the current conservation plan). 2. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing FE, Wildlife Trusts, local managers to ensure they are aware volunteers of the importance of this moth and the habitats it may occupy. 3. Ensure that the requirements of By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, FE, EN, this species on Breck sites are local volunteers incorporated into the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan.

83 4. Survey of potentially suitable By 2005 FE, Wildlife Trusts, local sites to determine if this species is volunteers etc. present. 5. Support ecological research into By 2010 EN, other grant awarding the habitat requirements of this bodies species (particularly the early larval stages) so it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

84 21. White-spotted Pinion Cosmia diffinis (Linnaeus)

Nationally Scarce – Notable A (Na) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A species which was formally widespread in central and southern England and parts of Wales but which has recently only regularly turned up on a number of sites in the Huntingdon area of Cambridgeshire (e.g. Shepherds Close, Monks Wood (Ewingswode), Dubeley Wood and Raveley Wood). There are now however, also some recent records for this species in one other area of Cambridgeshire (1998 and 99 at Dry Drayton) with four records from four sites in Essex since 1982 (including two post-1990).

Habitat – A species whose larvae feed on the foliage of elm (Ulmus spp.) trees (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999). One of the strongholds for this species in the Huntingdon area was visited in 1999 and found to have a substantial number of live tall (10-15m) elm trees with those that were identified proving to be a hybrid between the small-leaved elm Ulmus minor minor and the wych elm Ulmus glabra (Parsons, Green, Bourn & Waring, 2000). The 1998 and 99 records from Dry Drayton in Cambridgeshire come from a farm with a line of mature elms.

Threats – Dutch Elm disease.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – Annual records from a number of woods in the Huntingdon area of Cambridgeshire during the 1990’s.

Management – Conserve stands of mature elms. Ensure the continued existence of mature elm trees on occupied sites by ensuring a range of age classes of elm is present, from young trees through to mature.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up monitoring programmes By 2005 Huntingdonshire Moth on key sites (by a combination of Group, EN, local light trapping and larval searches). volunteers 2. Survey of other elm stands in By 2005 Huntingdonshire Moth (particularly in Cambridgeshire Group, Wildlife Trusts, and Essex) to determine if this EN, local volunteers species is present. 3. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing Huntingdonshire Moth owners to facilitate appropriate Group, EN, local management for this species. volunteers 4. Support ecological research By 2010 EN, other grant awarding (particularly into the larval ecology bodies of this species) so it can be more easily conserved in the long term.

85 22. Concolorous Chortodes extrema (Hübner)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – Present on a number of sites in Cambridgeshire (including Ramsey Heights Clay Pits, Woodwalton Fen NNR, Monks Wood NNR and Castor Hanglands NNR) with occasional records elsewhere in the region probably representing migrants (e.g. singleton at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex in 1980).

Habitat – Larvae feed in stems of purple small-reed (Calamagrostis canescens) or wood small-reed (C.epigejos) present in clearings in marshy woodland and marginal fenland (Waring, in press).

Threats – Scrub encroachment and fires.

Survey - In the past, the distribution of this species has been assessed at Woodwalton Fen and at Castor Hanglands (by light trapping different parts of the site).

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – Maintain an abundance of potential larval foodplants on sites where this species is known to exist and keep these areas free of scrub encroachment (Waring, in press).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor numbers at key sites to By 2005 EN, local volunteers identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with the Ongoing EN, local volunteers managers of known sites to ensure they are aware of the importance of this moth and the habitats it may occupy. 3. Survey of former sites to By 2005 EN, Wildlife Trusts, local determine if this species is still volunteers present. 4. Support ecological research By 2010 EN, other grant awarding (particularly into the larval ecology bodies of this species) so it can be more easily conserved in the long term.

86 23. Fenn’s Wainscot Chortodes brevilinea (Fenn)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – Nationally restricted to Norfolk and Suffolk. In Norfolk, it occurs in the Ant and Bure Marshes (with a strong colony on the BC reserve at Catfield Fen), Hickling Broad, Broad, Yare River system (Surlingham Broad) and at the Strumpshaw RSPB reserve near Ranworth. In Suffolk, it occurs in the reedbeds along the Suffolk coast from about Benacre to Dunwich (including Southwold, Walberwick and RSPB reserve at Minsmere).

Habitat – A reed-bed species whose larvae feed on common reed (Phragmites australis). It is often recorded in areas where the reeds are regularly cut and is most numerous 2-3 years after cutting. It is not thought to favour areas of reed-swamp where there is standing water all summer (Waring, in press).

Threats – Burning of reed-beds, lack of appropriate reed-bed management.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region although known sites are regularly visited by local moth recorders.

Management – Rotational cutting on a 3-5 year cycle is likely to be beneficial to this species (although other areas should also remain uncut for species that prefer neglected reed-beds).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor numbers at key sites By 2005 Broads Authority, EN, (by light trapping and/or sugar Norfolk Naturalists’ Trust, baiting) to identify any changes in RSPB, local volunteers the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with the Ongoing Broads Authority, EN, managers of known sites to Norfolk Naturalists’ Trust, facilitate appropriate management RSPB, local volunteers for this species. 3. Survey of potential sites to Ongoing Broads Authority, EN, determine if this species is present. Norfolk Naturalists’ Trust, RSPB, local volunteers

87 24. Fisher’s Estuarine Moth Gortyna borelii lunata (Freyer)

UK Red Data Book Category 2 (Vulnerable) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – The sole British site for this species is the estuary in Essex where the majority of the moth and foodplant population is located within an SSSI, SPA and Ramsar site, much of it within an NNR (Essex Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999). The Essex Wildlife Trust also have a reserve in the estuary (Skipper’s Island). This moth is the subject of an ongoing EN Species Recovery Project.

Habitat – Hog’s fennel () is the only larval foodplant in Britain. The plant is locally common in the Hamford area where it grows along sea- walls, marshy areas, farm fields and on islands in the estuary.

Threats – The mowing of hog’s fennel, collectors, changes in sea levels (hog’s fennel is not saline tolerant) and scrub invasion of grassland habitats.

Survey – The Essex Lepidoptera Panel has carried out selective survey for this species for many years. The British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS) carried out a survey at the Munitions works in 1996 (where access is very limited) but recorded just one adult. In 1999, EN commissioned a complete survey of hog’s fennel and the incidence of larval attack. Work on the autecology of this species is currently being undertaken by a PhD student at Writtle College (collaborative project between EN, Writtle college, Cambs. & Essex BC and EA).

Monitoring - Both the moth and its foodplants have been regularly monitored in the area with this work including counts of the number of plants showing signs of larval damage. The main organisations involved in monitoring have been the Essex Lepidoptera Panel and EN although the Essex Wildlife Trust have also carried out some monitoring at Skipper’s Island.

Management – The Environmental Agency (EA) usually engage sub-contractors to mow the landward side of the sea walls. Concerns about the mowing of sea walls at inappropriate times led to a management experiment being set up in 1997 to assess how hog’s fennel responds to various mowing regimes. This experiment was set up on the sea wall between Beaumont and Landermere and has been a collaborative effort between EN, EA and the Essex Lepidoptera Panel which will continue at least until 2001 (and possibly for a further four years). Hopefully this experiment will give an indication of the optimum mowing frequency for the moth and its foodplant so that EA can use this information to inform their overall sea wall mowing programme (Gibson, 2000).

Ongoing research work (PhD student at Writtle College) on the population ecology and habitat requirements of Fisher’s Estuarine Moth should also hopefully shed some light on the best management practices for this species and therefore help in the implementation of a recovery plan for this species.

88 Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor the moth Ongoing Essex Lepidoptera Panel, and its foodplant at Hamford EN, Essex Wildlife Trust, Water to identify any changes in Writtle College, local the distribution and status of this volunteers species. 2. Support ecological research Ongoing EN, Writtle College, (particularly on the larval habitats Environmental Agency occupied by this species) so that it can be more easily conserved in the long term. 3. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing Environmental Agency, managers to ensure they are aware Essex Lepidoptera Panel, of the importance of this moth and Essex Wildlife Trust, appropriate management for this Writtle College, EN, species.

89 25. White-mantled Wainscot Archanara neurica (Hübner)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – Now only known in Britain from a stretch of the coastline in Suffolk where it occurs from Thorpness to Southwold (e.g. at Sizewell and in the Minsmere-Walberswick area).

Habitat – A reed-bed species whose larvae feed on common reed (Phragmites australis). It tends to be found on the edges of ditches and reed-beds (and occasionally within larger stands) but is not usually found in areas of reed-swamp or where the ground is completely dry (Haggett, 1981).

Threats – Shrinking of reed-beds and inappropriate reed-bed management (e.g. clearance and burning of reeds). Development (e.g. at Sizewell).

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – This species prefers sheltered situations in old unmanaged reed-beds where the larvae favour suppressed new shoots and there are plenty of old dead reeds for pupation. The creation of new reed-beds is likely to benefit this species.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Set up monitoring schemes on By 2005 RSPB, EN, NT, local key sites to identify any changes in volunteers the distribution and status of this species. 2. Survey of potentially suitable By 2005 RSPB, EN, NT, local sites in Suffolk to determine if this volunteers species is present. 3. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing RSPB, EN, NT, local managers to ensure they are aware volunteers of the importance of this species and the best management practices for it.

90 26. Rush Wainscot Archanara algae (Esper)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – Largely confined to four main areas in Britain which include two in the Anglia region. It is present in the Norfolk Broads and in Breckland wetlands (near Brandon) to the west of Thetford Forest on the Suffolk/Norfolk border.

Habitat - Occurs in the stands of emergent plants on the edges of the Broads, in freshwater lakes and in old water-filled gravel workings. The larvae feed first in the tips of shoots of common club-rush (Scirpus lacustris), they finish their growth in common reedmace (Typha latifolia) (Waring, in press).

Threats – Clearance of bank-side emergent vegetation and the drainage and in-filling of areas of standing water.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – Maintain large stands of emergent vegetation in areas where this species is present. Stands should be maintained on firm ground and in marshy areas at the edge of water as they are both thought to be important for this species.

Two current management projects which may effect this species in the Breckland area are the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by FE) and an Integrated Land Management Plan for the Stanford Training Area (STANTA) (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by the MoD).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor key sites (by light By 2005 Broads Authority, EN, FE, trapping and larvae searches) to MoD, Wildlife Trusts, identify any changes in the local volunteers distribution and status of this species (particularly in response to the current management plans).

2. Continue to liaise with land Ongoing Broads Authority, EN, managers to facilitate appropriate Wildlife Trusts, local management for this species. volunteers

3. Survey of other potentially By 2005 Broads Authority, EN, suitable sites in Norfolk and Wildlife Trusts, FE, local Suffolk to determine if this species volunteers

91 is present. 4. Ensure that the management By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, FE, MoD, requirements of this species on EN, local volunteers Breck sites are incorporated into the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan and the Integrated Land Management Plan.

92 27. Marbled Clover Heliothis viriplaca (Hufnagel)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – The main area for this species in Britain is the Breckland area of Norfolk and Suffolk. It also temporarily establishes colonies along the Suffolk coast and Cambridgeshire has a number of recent records (including Devil’s Dyke where it is thought to be resident). In Essex its status is still uncertain (but probably vagrant) and it has been recorded on five sites since 1992.

Habitat – Inhabits areas of open ground or ride edges where the larvae feed on the flowers and unripe seed heads of a range of plants including rest harrow ( repens), white campion (Silene alba) and purple clover (Trifolium pratense). Adults will fly in sunshine and they will also come to light (Waring, in press).

Threats - Conifer planting and the increased shadiness of rides and agricultural intensification.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region although known sites are regularly visited by local moth recorders.

Management – One current management project in the Breckland area which may effect this species is the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan (which was prepared by G. Haggett and is being implemented by FE). This conservation plan includes measures such as ride-widening, rotational felling and the maintenance of large areas of permanent open space which should all benefit this species. Good numbers of this moth were seen in King’s Forest, Suffolk (in 1992-93) after some conifer felling and in Norfolk up to 40 moths were counted in one hour in 1999 at conservation arable headlands (Haggett).

93 Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor key sites in the By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, EN, FE, Breckland district to identify any Center Parcs, local changes in the distribution and volunteers. status of this species (particularly in response to the current conservation plan). 2. Continue to survey to determine Ongoing EN, local volunteers if this species is present e.g. along the Suffolk coast and on Cambridgeshire sites. 3. Continue to provide feedback to Ongoing Wildlife Trusts, FE, EN, landowners and land managers. Center Parcs, local volunteers 4. Ensure that the management By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, FE, EN, requirements of this species on local volunteers Breck sites are incorporated into the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan.

94 28. Silver Barred Deltote bankiana (Fabricius)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – A species whose British distribution currently consists of two sites in Cambridgeshire (Wicken Fen and Chippenham Fen) and a small area of Kent. Most of the singleton records elsewhere (e.g. ten records from eight sites in Essex since 1985, at Landguard in Suffolk in 1996 and in Norfolk) are thought to represent migrants.

Habitat – Marshes, fenland and boggy places where larvae are thought to utilise a number of grasses including meadow-grass () and purple moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and may preferentially utilise those growing on the wetland margins (Waring, in press).

Threats – Possibly flooding (see below) and scrub encroachment.

Survey - Numbers of this species at Chippenham Fen were assessed in the NCC East Anglian Fens study (1988-90).

Monitoring – This species is now included on the weekly butterfly transect count at Chippenham Fen which continues to be monitored each year.

Management – More work on the habitat requirements of all stages of this species in the wild is needed before any valid suggestions can be made. As the pupa are thought to over-winter in a cocoon near the ground, they may be unable to survive prolonged winter flooding.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to monitor numbers by Ongoing EN, local volunteers, NT light trapping and on the transect at Chippenham Fen to identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with site Ongoing EN, local volunteers, NT managers to ensure they are aware of the importance of this moth and the habitats it may occupy. 3. Support ecological research into By 2010 EN, other grant awarding the habitat requirements of this bodies species so that it can be more easily conserved in the long term.

95 29. Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa (Denis & Schiffermüller)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A species for which there continue to be widespread records in Britain although many of these are singletons (so could be wanderers or migrants). In the Anglia region there are some fairly recent records from Cambridgeshire and Essex (six records from six sites since 1997) and from the Thetford/Breckland area on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.

Habitat – A species of well drained, sparsely vegetated, commonly south-facing banks where the larvae feed on the flowers, seeds and foliage of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). It has been recorded from downland, heathland, field corners, quarries and other areas of disturbed land, and on open sunny verges along railways and roads (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – Successional changes in vegetation, agricultural intensification, development and other changes in land use.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – Not applicable at present.

Management - Regular scraping of selected areas is likely to maintain suitable habitat for this species (i.e. bindweed on sparsely vegetated ground).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor any colonies that are By 2005 Wildlife Trusts, EN, local found to identify any changes in volunteers the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to survey to determine Ongoing Wildlife Trusts, EN, local if this species is present. volunteers 3. Liaise with the managers of sites Ongoing Wildlife Trusts, EN, local where it has been recorded to volunteers facilitate appropriate management for this species.

96 30. Buttoned Snout Hypena rostralis (Linnaeus)

Nationally Scarce – Notable B (Nb) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A species whose distribution is now largely restricted to south-east England. It is reasonably well distributed around Suffolk (Tony Prichard, pers. comm.) and it has also been recently recorded in Cambridgeshire (at Fulbourn from 1990-98) and Norfolk (where it is considered to be widespread and relatively common). The recent records from Essex appear to be associated with estuaries including the Stour and Blackwater.

Habitat – Larvae feed nocturnally on the foliage of hop () (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999). Larvae are found best where hop climbs to form aerial foliage which is in numerous wetlands of Norfolk.

Threats – Inappropriate tidying of sites. Building on brown field sites is also a potential threat.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – Maintain hop in areas where the species occurs (particularly in the vicinity of possible adult overwintering sites such as churches, man-made shelters on allotments etc.).

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Target urban wildlife groups, By 2005 Local volunteers, Wildlife gardeners etc. to inform them of Trusts, District Councils the need to maintain habitats for this species in areas where it is known to occur. 2. Survey to determine if the By 2005 Local volunteers species is present in June/July by examining hop plants for larvae. 3. Liaise with site managers to By 2005 Local volunteers, EN, facilitate appropriate management Wildlife Trusts for this species.

97 31. Common Fan-foot Pechipogo strigilata (Linnaeus)

Nationally Scarce – Notable A (Na) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A species which used to be present throughout most of southern England and Wales but which has now significantly declined and only survives in a small number of oak woods on heavy clay soils in the Midlands and south-central England. Recent records of this species include some woods in north- west Cambridgeshire (Huntingdon area).

Habitat – Occurs in broad-leaved woodland where larvae initially feed on fresh or wilting foliage of oak (Quercus spp.), with larger larvae feeding on withered and decaying leaves on the tree or on the ground (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – Cessation of coppicing and other forms of traditional woodland management.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – More work on the habitat requirements of this species is needed before any specific management suggestions can be made. In the absence of this knowledge, management should aim to recreate the features of rotationally coppiced woodland with the required features, including leaf-litter.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Survey potentially suitable areas By 2005 Local volunteers, EN, to determine if this species is Wildlife Trusts, FE present. 2. Provide feedback to site By 2005 Local volunteers, EN, managers to ensure they are aware Wildlife Trusts, FE of the importance of this moth and the habitats it may occupy. 3. Support ecological research By 2010 EN, other grant awarding aimed at identifying the habitat bodies requirements of this species and the best management practices so that it can more easily be conserved in the long term.

98 32. Shaded Fan-foot Herminia tarsicrinalis (Knoch)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Species of Conservation Concern

Distribution and Status – As this species was not recorded in Britain until 1965 and has only occasionally been recorded since then, it is not clear whether this species is an overlooked long term resident, or one which is in the process of colonisation (Waring, in press). It has been recorded on six 10km squares in Suffolk since 1965 (with one of its main strongholds being the Dunwich/Minsmere area), it was discovered in ancient woodland just north of Harleston in Norfolk in 1989 (at a site 20km inland) and it has been recorded in north Essex (where it is a probable resident).

Habitat – The moth is closely associated with mature bramble (Rubus fruticosus) thickets and although wild larvae have not been found, captive larvae will feed on bramble including withered leaves (Waring, in press).

Threats – Bramble clearance.

Survey – Survey work has recorded this species in woods to the south/south-west of Ipswich with further survey work planned for targeted areas (Tony Prichard, pers. comm.).

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – More ecological research on the habitat requirements of the early stages is needed before any specific recommendations can be made. In the absence of this knowledge, bramble thickets should be retained in a range of conditions.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Monitor key sites (by light By 2005 Local volunteers trapping in bramble thickets) to identify any changes in the distribution and status of this species. 2. Continue to liaise with the Ongoing Local volunteers managers of sites where it has been recorded to ensure they are aware of the importance of this moth and that bramble thickets are not removed. 3. Survey of potentially suitable Ongoing Local volunteers sites to determine if this species is present. 4. Support further research into the By 2010 EN, other grant awarding habitat requirements of this bodies. species.

99 33. Clay Fan-foot Paracolax tristalis (Fabricius)

Nationally Scarce – Notable A (Na) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – A species which has always been restricted to south-east England but which has significantly contracted its range and now only occurs very locally in a few woodlands in Kent, Surrey and Sussex (Waring, in press). There have been a number of records from Essex where it has always been considered to be very local and scarce.

Habitat – A species which is associated with small sheltered clearings and coppiced areas in woodland where larvae are thought to probably feed on the fallen leaves of oak and other broad-leaves initially, and possibly on herbaceous plants in the spring (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – Loss of traditional coppice and the planting of large blocks of conifers.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring – There is currently no specific monitoring undertaken for this species in the region.

Management – More ecological research on the habitat requirements of the early larval stages is needed before any specific management recommendations can be made. However, it may benefit from the maintenance of temporary woodland clearings.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Continue to survey sites by light Ongoing Local volunteers trapping to determine if this species is present. 2. Provide feedback to the By 2006 Local volunteers, FE managers of any sites where it is found to facilitate appropriate monitoring and conservation of potential foodplants. 3. Support ecological research By 2010 EN, other grant awarding aimed at identifying the habitat bodies requirements of this species and the best management practices.

100 34. Olive Crescent Trisateles emortualis (Denis & Schiffermüller)

UK Red Data Book Category 3 (Rare) UK Biodiversity Action Plan: Priority Species

Distribution and Status – Very few breeding colonies are known in Britain but it has been recorded on four sites in Essex since 1976.

Habitat – This species has been recorded in woodland habitats where larvae feed initially in bunches of withering leaves of oak (Quercus spp). and beech (Fagus sylvatica) still attached to boughs, and later on recently fallen leaves on the ground (UK Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999).

Threats – Not known at present.

Survey – No specific surveys have been undertaken for this species in the region.

Monitoring - Not applicable at present.

Management – Maintain trees in areas where it has been recorded. It is not currently clear how this species may be affected by natural changes in its woodland habitats.

Actions and Targets

Action BC’s Targets Possible Partners 1. Survey of potentially suitable By 2005 EN, local volunteers, sites (giving priority to areas Wildlife Trusts where it has previously been recorded) to determine if this species is present. 2. Liaise with the managers of any By 2006 EN, local volunteers sites where the species is found to facilitate appropriate monitoring and conservation of potential foodplants.

101 3.6 Medium Priority Moths Important in Anglia

Note to Table – If ‘Yes’ is listed this species is thought to be resident. If the status is different, this is indicated in the table. Status confirmed by Brian Goodey (Essex), John Dawson (Cambs. & Essex BC, Moth Officer), Barry Dickerson (Huntingdon Moth and Butterfly Group, VC 31), Ken Saul (Norfolk Moth Survey) and Tony Prichard (Suffolk Moth Group). Some additional records (indicated by ***) were taken from the ‘Biodiversity Audit For ’ (Shardlow et. al. 1999) and the National Scarce Moth Recording Network Database (NSMRB) for Cambridgeshire.

VC31 is the old vice county of Huntingdonshire which is now part of Cambridgeshire. If VC31 is given in brackets it indicates that this moth has only recently been recorded in this part of Cambridgeshire.

*1 – recorded at Dry Drayton in 1999. *2 – singleton recorded at Wicken Fen in 1998. *3 - some post 1980 records but nothing recent *4 – three recent records from two sites and one older (1975), all in north-east Essex. Status uncertain. *5 - last record 1991. *6 – has occurred as a vagrant 32 times from 13 sites since 1990. UC - Uncertain status

Species Cambs Essex Norfolk Suffolk Goat Moth (162) Yes Yes Yes Yes Festoon (173) Yes Yes Yes Hornet Moth (370) Yes Yes Yes Yes Currant Clearwing (373) Yes (VC 31) Yes Yes Yes Yellow-legged Clearwing Yes Yes Yes (374) Orange-tailed Clearwing Yes (378) Red-belted Clearwing Yes Has been (379) recorded Red-tipped Clearwing NSMRB Vagrant Yes (380) Large Red-belted Yes Clearwing (381) Six-belted Clearwing (382) Yes (VC 31) Yes UC (has been reported) Small Eggar (1633) Yes (VC 31) + Yes Yes NSMRB Satin Lutestring (1656) Vagrant (VC 31) Probable Only one vagrant recent record Light Orange Underwing Yes Yes Has been (1662) recorded (one site only)

102 Mocha (1676) Vagrant Yes Lace Border (1687) Yes Rosy Wave (1691) Yes Yes Yes Purple-bordered Gold NSMRB Yes Yes (1698) Oblique Striped (1718) Yes Vagrant Yes Yes Balsam Carpet (1721) Yes Yes Ruddy Carpet (1735) Yes Yes Vagrant Yes Cloaked Carpet (1793) Yes Marsh Carpet (1810)*** NSMRB Yes Yes Valerian Pug (1821) Vagrant Yes Yes Bleached Pug (1833) NSMRB *1 Vagrant Yes Campanula Pug (1836) Yes Yarrow Pug (1841) Yes Yes Yes Yes Dentated Pug (1863) Yes Only one record Broom-tip (1865)*** Yes Yes Yes Large Thorn (1911) Yes Yes Vagrant Yes Great Oak Beauty (1943) Yes (VC 31) Yes Sloe Carpet (1959) Yes Yes Grass Wave (1970) Yes Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Yes Yes Yes (1983) Plumed Prominent (2013) Yes Small Chocolate-tip (2017) *2 Vagrant *3 Orange Footman (2043) No recent Yes Yes Yes records (VC 31) + NSMRB Water Ermine (2062) Yes Yes Yes Kent Black Arches (2076) Vagrant Yes Yes Coast Dart (2083) UC*4 Yes Yes Sand Dart (2093) Yes Yes Yes Great Brocade (2137) Yes (VC 31)*5 Vagrant*6 Migrant Migrant White Colon (2152) Yes Yes Yes Northern Drab (2184) Yes Yes Mathew’s Wainscot (2200) Yes Yes Shore Wainscot (2201) Yes Yes Flame Wainscot (2209) Yes Vagrant Yes Yes Wormwood (2211) Yes Yes Yes Yes Star-wort (2217) Yes Yes Yes Yes Feathered Brindle (2230) Yes Yes Pale-lemon Sallow (2276) Yes Yes Occasional Yes record Reed Dagger (2290) Yes Yes Yes Yes Crescent Striped (2325) NSMRB Yes Yes Yes Lyme Grass (2348) Yes Yes Yes Mere Wainscot (2349) Yes Vagrant Yes Yes Sandhill Rustic (2354) Yes Yes

103 Webb’s Wainscot (2373) Yes Yes Yes Silky Wainscot (2391) Yes Yes Yes Yes Rosy Marbled (2396) Yes Yes Yes Cream-bordered Green Pea Yes Yes Yes Yes (2418) Waved Black (2475) Yes Yes Yes Marsh Oblique-barred Yes Yes (2485) Dotted Fan-foot (2493) Yes (VC 31) + Yes Yes Yes NSMRB

104 4. Key Areas and Sites and for Butterflies and Moths in Anglia

This section gives details of the key butterfly and moth areas in the four counties which make up the Anglia region. Key Areas are defined as those containing the highest concentrations of high and medium priority species. Key Sites which do not fall in key areas are also listed and these contain a variable number of high and medium priority species. Maps to show the approximate location of key areas and key sites are given in Appendix 5.

Details on other Locally Significant Areas or Sites which fall into one or more of the following three categories have also been included: a) They have been important Lepidoptera areas or sites in the past but have now lost key species. b) They are not considered key areas or sites at present but future survey work may well reveal significant species. c) They are areas or sites which contain good numbers of common species and/or one or two rarities and they may be monitored.

Key Area, Key Site and locally significant listings include high and medium priority butterflies and moths wherever possible.

Note: The inclusion of an area or site in these listings does not imply that they have open access. Many of the sites are privately owned or managed as nature reserves where permits are needed.

105

4.1 Key areas and sites in Cambridgeshire

Key Areas and Sites Locally Significant Sites 4.1.1a Woodlands of the East Midlands Forest Belt 4.1.2a Gogmagog Hills 4.1.1b Devil’s Dyke 4.1.2b Over dis-used Railway line 4.1.1c Remnant Cambridgeshire Fens

4.1.1a Woodlands of the East Midlands Forest Belt – Includes Brampton Wood (Cambs. Wildlife Trust reserve), Castor Hanglands (NNR) and Monks Wood (NNR) as well as a small number of other sites which may still be important for the Black Hairstreak (see Black Hairstreak species account). These forests support four regionally important butterflies with Brampton Wood being a particularly good site for moths. Transects on the national butterfly monitoring scheme have been carried out at Monks Wood and Castor Hanglands since 1974.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Grizzled Skipper?*1 High Black Hairstreak High White-letter Hairstreak Medium White Admiral*2 Medium Marbled White Medium

*1 – More than a single individual recorded on only one occasion from 1987-1997 *2 - only small numbers recorded on transects

Moth Species Recorded National Status Date of last record on database Barred Tooth-striped * Na 1985 Common Fan-foot * Na 1986 Square-spotted Clay* Nb 1981

Note: * taken from Shardlow et. al. (1999).

4.1.1b Devil’s Dyke (Newmarket) – A man-made linear earthwork made of chalk which supports herb-rich grasslands, chalk scrub and woodland and contains six regionally important species of butterfly. It is owned and managed by the Cambridgeshire County Council and the Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust. Sheep grazing was re-introduced in the early 1990’s at Ditch Farm to improve the grassland habitats and Cambs. & Essex BC have carried out many work parties here to improve the habitat for the Chalkhill Blue. These work parties have involved the close strimming of south-facing banks, scrub clearance and tree removal and have resulted in Chalkhill Blue numbers increasing every year (annual counts carried out by John Dawson increased from 8 in 1993 to 609 in 1998). Sheep grazing still continues on some of the privately owned parts of the dyke but has not been successful in preventing scrub encroachment. Small Blue have not been recorded here since the early 1990’s.

106 Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Dingy Skipper High White-letter Hairstreak Medium Small Blue? Medium Dark Green Fritillary Medium Chalkhill Blue Medium Marbled White Medium

Moth Species Recorded National Status Marbled Clover *1 RDB3 Four-spotted++*2 RDB3 Oblique Striped++*3 Nb

++ - records from National Scarce Moth Recording Database. *1 regularly recorded here (J. Dawson, pers. comm.). *2 several adults 95-97. *3 recorded here in 1981 and 91.

4.1.1c Remnant Cambridgeshire Fens – Includes Wicken Fen (which contains a variety of fen habitats including sedge fields, areas of reed, waterways, scrub and carr woodland) and is managed by NT, Woodwalton Fen NNR (which consists of fenland and carr woodland) and is managed by EN, Fowlmere Fen (which contains reed-beds and pools) and is managed by the RSPB, Chippenham Fen NNR and NNR. Attempts to re-establish Large Copper at Wicken Fen and Woodwalton Fen in the past have been unsuccessful as has the most recent attempt to re-establish the Swallowtail at Wicken Fen (in 1994). Five transects on the national butterfly monitoring scheme have been recorded on these fens since the 1970’s (Wicken Fen, Woodwalton Fen, Wood Walton Farm, Chippenham Fen and Holme Fen) and now largely record the commoner species.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating White-letter Hairstreak* Medium

*recorded on the Wood Walton Farm transect for the first time in 1996.

Moth Species Recorded National Status Date of last record on database Reed Leopard RDB2 Dotted Footman RDB3 Concolorous RDB3 Silver Barred RDB3 Marsh Carpet* Na 1989 Lunar Yellow Underwing* Na 1982 Flame Wainscot** Na White-spotted Pinion* Na 1982 Goat Moth Nb Purple-bordered Gold** Nb 1981

107 Large Thorn** Nb Orange Footman* Nb 1982 Square-spotted Clay* Nb 1986 Pale Shining Brown* Nb/local 1987 Mere Wainscot** Nb Cream-bordered Green Pea** Nb Dotted Fan-foot** Nb

Notes: * taken from Shardlow et. al. (1999). ** taken from National Scarce Moth Recording Network Database For species with no recent records the date of the last record is given

Locally important sites

4.1.2a Gogmagog Hills – An SSSI which has been an important local area for the Small Blue and which is managed by a variety of organisations/private owners. Part of the site is a golf course where a joint project between the Cambridge Conservation volunteers and the Cambridge Green-belt Project was undertaken in 1998 to clear hawthorn scrub from former chalk grassland. A couple of Small Blue larva were seen on the edge of the golf course in 1998 and a few adults were recorded here in 1998 and 1999 (although these sightings remain unconfirmed).

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Small Blue? Medium

Moth Species Recorded National Status Marbled Clover RDB3 Four Spotted* RDB3/Na

* no resident colonies of this species known

4.1.2b Over dis-used Railway Line – A site which is still owned by the British Railways Board and has been designated as a nature reserve by the Cambs. Wildlife Trust. Any management work here is carried out by local volunteers (BC work parties). It is the last Cambridgeshire site for Grizzled Skipper.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Grizzled Skipper High

108 4.2 Key areas and sites for Butterflies and Moths in Essex

Key Areas and Sites Locally Significant Areas and Sites 4.2.1a Essex Sea Wall/Coastal Grasslands 4.2.2a Friday Wood 4.2.1b Epping Forest 4.2.2b Danbury Ridge 4.2.1c Heath Fritillary Woodlands (including 4.2.2c Grays Chalk Quarry Hockley Wood, Thift Wood & Hadleigh Wood) 4.2.1d Stour and Copperas Woods 4.2.1e Langdon Hills Area

4.2.1a Essex Sea Wall/Coastal Grasslands - a low-lying area consisting of mud-flats, salt-marshes and shingle ridges with narrow strips of uncultivated land adjacent to the sea wall being bounded by drainage dykes and reed-beds. The areas of enclosed salt-marsh were historically used as pasture although many of these former pastures have now been converted into arable land. Some of the premier sites include a) Benfleet Downs (an area of varied habitats including marsh, dry herb-rich grassland, hawthorn scrub and reed swamp and is particularly well known for its micro-moths), b) Fingringhoe Wick (an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve of 125 acres which consists of heathland, bramble and gorse thickets, wetlands and secondary woodlands), c) Hamford Water SSSI (sheltered area of salt-marsh partly managed by EN as an NNR and the sole British site for Fisher’s Estuarine Moth) d) (area of salt-marsh, shingle and sand ridges which is owned and managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust) and (partly managed by EN and MoD) e) Walton Naze (area of cliff formations and secondary scrub) and f) Islands such as Canvey Island (which supports a large Marbled White population). It is a particularly important area for the Marbled White butterfly (and also the Brown Argus) and supports a very good assemblage of notable moths. One of the main problems with the sea wall grasslands is the annual cutting regimes being carried out on a number of sites. There is little doubt that managed retreat in this area will have the potential to create considerable benefits for wildlife including Lepidoptera.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Grizzled Skipper? High White-letter Hairstreak? Medium Brown Argus Medium Marbled White Medium

Moth Species Recorded National Status Fisher’s Estuarine Moth RDB2 Ground Lackey RDB3 Sandhill Rustic Na Mathew’s Wainscot Na Six-belted Clearwing Nb Oblique Striped Nb (Vagrant in Essex) Sloe Carpet Nb Broad-bordered Bee Hawk Nb (Uncertain Essex Status) Water Ermine Nb Kent Black Arches Nb (Vagrant in Essex) Sand Dart Nb

109 White Colon Nb Northern Drab Nb Flame Wainscot Na (Vagrant in Essex) Wormwood Nb Star-wort Nb Feathered Brindle Nb Reed Dagger Nb Crescent Striped Nb Silky Wainscot Nb/local Cream-bordered Green Pea Nb Dotted Fan-foot Nb

4.2.1b Epping Forest – An area of ancient woodland which used to be grazed wood-pasture and still has many forest glades containing pollarded trees and areas of grassy heath. At one time it was part of the larger Waltham Forest which stretched over much of Essex. Some 2400ha. of the Forest now has free access and it is owned and managed by the Corporation of London (along with the Epping Forest Conservators). One of the best wooded areas is Great Monk Wood. It used to be a well known site for Brown Hairstreak and is now a particularly good site for .

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating White-letter Hairstreak Medium White Admiral* Medium

*occasional sightings (especially in Galleyhill Woods) but no known breeding colony.

Moth Species Recorded National Status Yellow-legged Clearwing Nb Great Oak Beauty Nb Orange Footman Nb Rosy Marbled Nb Waved Black Nb Buttoned Snout Nb

4.2.1c Heath Fritillary Woodlands (including Hockley Wood, Thift Wood & Hadleigh Wood) – These are all sites where the Heath Fritillary has been successfully re-established. Hockley Wood has a five year management plan being implemented by Rochford District Council. Thrift Wood is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust and Cambs. & Essex BC and Hadleigh Wood is owned and managed by Southend Borough Council. All these sites are being actively managed for the Heath Fritillary with this work usually involving coppicing and ride widening. At Thrift Wood the management is slightly different and consists of maintaining cleared glades (by mowing and strimming). Monitoring of adult Heath Fritillary numbers is continuing on all sites with common cow-wheat abundance also being recorded in some of the managed areas (Graham Bailey, pers. comm.). One other site

110 to possibly be included in this area is Pound Wood (an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve where Heath Fritillary were introduced in 1998).

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Heath Fritillary High

4.2.1d Stour and Copperas Woods – (note not included in key coastal area even though they are on the coast as woodland is key habitat here)These are both SSSI woodlands in the north-east of the county which together cover an area of around 170 acres. As they are adjacent to the River Stour, other nearby habitats include salt-marsh, reed-beds and mud flats. Copperas Wood has been an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve since 1980 with Stour Wood and adjacent habitats currently being managed by the RSPB. The woods have an extensive chestnut coppice which is cut rotationally. There are historical records for 31 species of butterfly (including five fritillary species which have all been lost) and 320 macro-moths (Emmet, Pyman & Corke, 1985). Stour Wood is monitored by a transect which is on the national monitoring scheme.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating White-letter Hairstreak? Medium White Admiral Medium

Moth Species Recorded National Status Triangle RDB3 Tawny Wave RDB3 Silver Barred RDB3 Shaded Fan-foot RDB3 Olive Crescent RDB3 Clay Fan-foot Na Ruddy Carpet Nb Cloaked Carpet Nb Coast Dart Nb

4.2.1e Langdon Hills Area – An important area for the Grizzled Skipper who still exist here as a metapopulation on four sites. Part of the habitat occupied by this species was originally created by bulldozing and now consists of scrub and grassland. Part of the area is also cut for hay. The Essex Wildlife Trust manages a large part of this area (with two important reserves being Dunton Hills and Plotlands and Willow Park).

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Grizzled Skipper High White-letter Hairstreak Medium Marbled White* Medium

*Occasionally recorded here

111 4.2.2 Locally important areas and sites in Essex

4.2.2a Friday Wood (TL92 Colchester) – An SSSI whose status is partially based on its Lepidoptera with 808 species being recorded here since 1985. There are historical records for Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper. The White Admiral colony here may be the result of a recent introduction (first sighted in 1995) and Green Hairstreak are abundant here.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating White-letter Hairstreak Medium White Admiral Medium Green Hairstreak Low

Moth Species Recorded National Status Goat Moth Nb Festoon Nb Hornet Moth Nb Light Orange Underwing Nb Yarrow Pug Nb Sloe Carpet Nb Small Chocolate-tip Nb (Vagrant in Essex) Orange Footman Nb Kent Black Arches Nb (Vagrant in Essex) Dotted Fan-foot Nb

4.2.2b Danbury Ridge – An area of woodlands, heathlands and commons in the vicinity of Danbury, Little Baddow and Woodham Water. It contains a number of Essex Wildlife Trust reserves including which supports a wide variety of habitats including heathland, woodland, blackthorn thickets and wetlands. Moths have been well recorded in this areas and it is the county stronghold of the Rosy Marbled moth. It also includes a site (Little Baddow Heath) where Grizzled Skipper have been re-established.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Grizzled Skipper High Green Hairstreak Low

Moth Species Recorded National Status Rosy Marbled Nb

4.2.2c Grays Chalk Quarry – (on Thames-side) A former quarry site which covers an area of around 37 acres and is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust (?) It consists of areas of scrub, a variety of trees and more open areas where patches of bare chalk supports a rich flora. While it is not a particularly unusual site for

112 butterflies (although the chalk downland form of the Silver-studded Blue occurred here until the 1960’s), it is a notable site for moths (as it is also close to other quarry areas and to areas of salt-marsh and freshwater-marsh) with a large variety of moths being recorded here in the early 1980’s (Emmet, Pyman & Corke, 1985). Grayling were introduced here from Mill Wood Pit in 1996.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Grayling Low

Moth Species Recorded National Status Orange-tailed Clearwing Nb Chalk Carpet Nb (Vagrant in Essex)

113 4.3 Key areas and Sites for butterflies in Norfolk

Key Areas and Sites Locally Significant Areas and Sites 4.3.1a The Broads Flood Plain Fens 4.3.2a 4.3.1b North-east Coastal Strip 4.3.2b Narborough Railway Embankment 4.3.1c The Norfolk Brecklands 4.3.2c Chalk Grassland of North-west Norfolk 4.3.1d Western Escarpment 4.3.1e Holt-Cromer Ridge 4.3.1f Wensun-Bure Region 4.3.1g North Norfolk Coast

4.3.1a The Broads flood plain fens - Contain permanently, regularly or seasonally submerged habitats. They are located mostly in the upper valleys of the Rivers Yare, Bure, Ant, Thurne and their tributaries. Maintenance of the species-rich herbaceous fens is dependent upon management of the vegetation for fen crops or other means of scrub control. Key sites include Catfield Fen (now a BC reserve), Hickling Broad NNR (monitored by a transect), Bure Marshes NNR (monitored by a transect) and Strumpshaw Fen (RSPB site where the Swallowtail has been monitored by transects since 1995).

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Swallowtail High White Admiral Medium

Moth Species Recorded National Status Reed Leopard RDB2 Scarce Vapourer RDB2 Dotted Footman RDB3 Fenn’s Wainscot RDB3 Rush Wainscot RDB3

4.3.1b North-east coastal strip – low-lying area of coastline between Eccles- on-Sea and Winterton-on-Sea. It includes 550ha. of lime-deficient dune system and includes habitats such as mobile dunes, wet dune slacks, dune grasslands, heaths and birch scrub. A key site in this area is Winterton Dunes (NNR) where butterfly numbers are monitored on a transect.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Dark Green Fritillary Medium Grayling Low

Moth Species Recorded National Status Pigmy Footman RDB3

4.3.1c The Norfolk Breck – particularly important habitats for Lepidoptera in the Brecklands include sparse chalk grass-heath, heathland and disturbed ground. The

114 two main areas of interest are the afforested land of Thetford Forest (with the rides, breaks and areas of clear-fell being particularly important) and the Stanford Training Area (which includes a large amount of Breckland habitat). Management plans are now being implemented in these two main areas (the Thetford Forest Conservation Plan by FE and the Stanford Integrated Land Management plan by MoD and involving a management committee). The Norfolk Wildlife Trust, EN and Norfolk County council also maintain the extent of open habitat on a number of sites by grazing or scrub clearance (e.g. on Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves at Weeting Heath and East Wretham Heath).

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Dingy Skipper High Grizzled Skipper High White-letter Hairstreak Medium White Admiral Medium Green Hairstreak Low Grayling Low

Moth Species Recorded National Status Tawny Wave RDB3 Fletcher’s Pug RDB3 Grey Carpet RDB3 Marbled Clover RDB3

4.3.1d Western Escarpment – A distinct terrace running from Ken Hill to Roydon. It used to support heathland but is now largely agricultural with extensive plantations in the Sandringham area. Some heaths with mire systems still remain (e.g. SSSI) and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust have several reserves here (e.g. Roydon Common and ). It is an important area for the Grizzled Skipper.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Dingy Skipper High Grizzled Skipper High Dark Green Fritillary Medium Green Hairstreak Low

4.3.1e Holt-Cromer Ridge – a ridge of sands and gravels which support several extensive heathland blocks. There are also many small pockets of heathland with extensive conifer plantations and secondary deciduous woodland. Fragments of ancient semi-natural woodland remain and some coppicing work takes place. Important sites include Holt Lowes Country Park, Beeston Regis Common (managed by a local committee), Swanton Novers NNR (monitored by a transect), Wood (Norfolk Wildlife Trust), Salthouse Heath, Kelling Heath and .

115 Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Dingy Skipper High Grizzled Skipper High White Admiral Medium Dark Green Fritillary Medium Green Hairstreak Low

4.3.1f Wensum-Bure region – An area of low-lying river valleys with steep sides and grassland on the valley floors. It used to support extensive heathlands but now only remnants remain such as Wensum Forest and (which is managed by Norwich City Council). The Norfolk Wildlife Trust manage a number of the other heathland sites in this area ( Buxton Heath, Marsham Heath and Cawston Heath) and carry out annual monitoring of the Silver-studded Blue on at least two of them (Buxton Heath and Marsham Heath).

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Silver-studded Blue High White Admiral Medium Green Hairstreak Low

4.3.1g North Norfolk Coast – the area behind the shore line between Old Hunstanton and Weybourne. It contains a complex of habitats including saltmarsh, sand dune, grazing marsh, reedbed and lagoon with important sites including Holme Dunes (Norfolk Wildlife Trust), Holkham and Scolt Head (both EN managed) and Beeston (local committee management). The soft cliff habitats between Weybourne and Happisburgh are particularly good for common species of butterfly and the cliffs between Overstrand and Mundesley (both SSSI’s) are a good area of unimproved grassland. Two out of the three butterfly transects operating in this area (Holme Dunes, Holkham and Scolt Head) are on the national monitoring scheme.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Grizzled Skipper High Dark Green Fritillary Medium Grayling Low

Moth Species Recorded National Status Scarce Pug RDB3

4.3.2 Locally important areas and sites

4.3.2a South Norfolk – A generally flat plateau where arable farming dominates. Nevertheless, a high density of hedges, isolated trees and woods remain, there is a large variety of woody shrubs and coppicing has been implemented on several semi-

116 natural woodland SSSI’s. Elm is common in the hedges and regular coppicing has encouraged new growth.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating White-letter Hairstreak Medium

4.3.2b Narborough Railway Embankment – a 6ha. area on a section of disused railway line. It was constructed of locally extracted chalk rubble and is now one of the richest areas of chalk grassland in Norfolk. It is jointly managed by BC and Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Dingy Skipper High Grizzled Skipper High Green Hairstreak Low Grayling Low

4.3.2c Chalk Grassland of North-west Norfolk – A large area of chalk landscape which is predominantly arable but which has remnants (~20ha.) of chalk grassland on a) ancient earthworks (), b) on more recent man-made sites (Wells Chalk Pit, ) and c) where it naturally occurs (East Walton and Adcock’s Common, and Cockthorpe). A number of roadside verges also support chalk grassland. No high or medium priority butterfly species currently occur in this Natural Area but the chalk grasslands are valuable habitat for low priority butterflies.

117 4.4 Key Areas and Sites for butterflies and moths in Suffolk

Key Areas and Sites Locally Significant Areas and Sites 4.4.1a Suffolk Coast and Heaths 4.4.2a Northfield Wood 4.4.1b Brecklands 4.4.2b Tangham 4.4.2c 4.4.2d Other woodlands

4.4.1a Suffolk Coast and Heaths - this area stretches along the coast from Great Yarmouth in the north to in the south. It consists of sand and shingle beaches, salt marshes, coastal fens, reedbeds and grazing marshes. Large areas of the coastal fens and reedbeds are either owned by conservation agencies or owned privately but managed as reserves. Notable areas of fen along the coast include Darsham Marsh (managed by ), Minsmere (RSPB), North Warren and Aldringham Walks (RSPB), Benacre and Walberswick (private ownership but managed as an NNR). Butterfly transects currently take place at North Warren, Minsmere and Walberswick with the Walberswick transect being the only Suffolk site on the national butterfly monitoring scheme (BMS) (and recorded for this scheme since 1976). Minsmere is the best recorded Suffolk site for butterflies with 33 species recently being recorded here (North Warren recording 32) and its coastal situation ensuring a good number of migrants. Recent migrant records of note include the Queen of Spain Fritillary, Swallowtail and Camberwell Beauty with only the Queen of Spain Fritillary possibly breeding here (Anderson, 1999; Fox, 1999). The BMS transect at Walberswick records a good assemblage of the common butterfly species. The area between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness is particularly important for moths.

The Sandling Heaths also fall within this area and are owned/managed by a variety of private individuals and organisations including the NT (at Dunwich) and the RSPB (at Minsmere and North Warren). These heathlands are very significant for the Silver-studded Blue butterfly and contain all the remaining Suffolk colonies. The long term aims of the ongoing Sandlings Project are to link up the remaining fragmented heathland patches by both recreating areas of heathland and expanding the size of existing heathland patches.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Silver-studded Blue High White-letter Hairstreak Medium Brown Argus Medium White admiral Medium Green Hairstreak Low Wall Low Grayling Low

Moth Species Recorded National Status Bright Wave RDB1 Ground Lackey RDB3 Tawny Wave RDB3

118 Pigmy Footman RDB3 Fenn’s Wainscot RDB3 White-mantled Wainscot RDB3 Marbled Clover RDB3 Shaded Fan-foot RDB3 Goat Moth Nb Webb’s Wainscot Nb

4.4.1b Brecklands – In the north-west of the county and stretch from just north of to the Norfolk border. This habitat was created by the over- cultivation of land which started around 5000 years ago with the subsequent breakdown in soil structure leading to the formation of extensive inland sand dunes. While some of this habitat has since been lost (e.g. at Lakenheath in the 1940’s) extensive remnants of this inland dune system remain at Cavenham, Icklingham, Elveden, Barnham and Thetford. During the 1920’s some 20,000ha. of the heather and grassland heaths were planted with conifers to form Thetford Forest. Other areas were lost to scrub (due to the decline in grazing and the loss of rabbits to myxomatosis) while other areas were lost to agriculture. The remaining areas are now being increasingly sympathetically managed (e.g. wide rides maintained in the extensive King’s Forest by FE) and support a good assemblage of moths. Other important sites in this area include Barnham Cross Common (well recorded area with open public access), RAF Barnham (area with restricted access) and Cavenham Heath NNR. Some 29 species of butterfly have recently been recorded here and it is the only area in the county which still supports the Dingy Skipper. Silver-studded Blues were last recorded here in the 1940’s.

Butterfly Species Recorded* Regional Priority Rating Dingy Skipper High Brown Argus Medium Green Hairstreak* Low Wall Low Grayling* Low

*county stronghold for these species

Moth Species Recorded National Status Tawny Wave RDB3 Fletcher’s Pug RDB3 Grey Carpet RDB3 Marbled Clover RDB3 Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk Na Bordered Gothic Na

119 Locally important sites in Suffolk

4.4.2a Northfield Wood – A Woodland Trust site with free access. It is an area of mixed woodland with conifers and deciduous trees, wide rides and some coppice activity. A regular butterfly transect operates here and has recently recorded 27 species. A singleton Large Tortoiseshell was also recorded here during survey work for the Millennium atlas.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating White-letter Hairstreak Medium Brown Argus Medium White Admiral Medium Grayling Low Wall Low

4.4.2b Tangham – A FE mixed woodland site supporting a good variety of habitats (e.g. woodland, scrub, heathland, stream and pools) which is now sympathetically managed for its Lepidoptera interest. Queen of Spain Fritillary and Camberwell Beauty have recently been recorded here.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Brown Argus Medium White Admiral Medium Grayling Low Wall Low

4.4.2c Bradfield Woods NNR (near Bury St Edmunds) – A 64ha. fragment of ancient woodland which has a mosaic of clearings and is very rich in flowering plants. It is managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust who carry out some coppicing work. Some 26 species of butterfly have recently been recorded here including Brimstone and Purple Hairstreak.

Butterfly Species Recorded Regional Priority Rating Brown Argus Medium White Admiral* Medium Grayling Low Wall Low

*White Admiral are occasionally recorded but are not thought to be breeding.

120 4.4.2d Other potentially important Woodland sites in Suffolk which have been recently considered as possible re-introduction sites for the Pearl-bordered Fritillary are:

Woodlands at Barking Tye (close to Needham Market in mid-Suffolk) – a string of small ancient woodland sites which are fairly close to each other, support a good ground flora and where there is now some regular coppice activity. Important woods in this area include Ditch Wood (privately owned), (part privately owned part Suffolk Wildlife Trust) and Priestley Wood (Woodland Trust site). Campanula Pug are present in this area. Wolves Wood (near Hadleigh in mid-Suffolk) – a 92 acre wood managed by the RSPB who are carrying out coppicing work. It is the only Suffolk site for the Light Orange Underwing.

121 5. Survey

The four counties in the region have been particularly active from 1995-1999 targeting species, habitats and areas to acquire records to be included in BC’s national Millennium Atlas. This will be published in the Year 2000 and will be the most comprehensive atlas ever produced on British butterflies. a) In Cambs. – Targeted searches for specific species and on specific sites with one paper detailing the highlights of the county butterfly survey from 1985-1992 (Bennett & Perrin, 1994). b) In Essex – Has been well surveyed. The most recent publications include the Larger Moths and Butterflies of Essex (Emmet, Pyman & Corke, 1985), the Lepidoptera of North-east Essex (Goodey & Firmin, 1992) and the Butterflies of Essex (Corke, 1997). c) In Norfolk – Intensive recording effort from 1984-88 to produce the county atlas (Hall, 1991) with this also including some records from 1989. d) In Suffolk – County atlas produced in 1986 (Mendel & Piotrowski, 1986) after good coverage was achieved by the Suffolk Butterfly Survey (1983-85). There has continued to be considerable recording effort in the county since then with distribution maps now being regularly produced (by Richard Stewart). All of the county’s 1088 2km. tetrads were covered to at least 5 species during the Millennium survey (R. Stewart, pers. comm.).

122 6. Monitoring

6.1 Butterfly Monitoring a) Transects on the National monitoring scheme – Information kindly provided by Nick Greatorex-Davies of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (see Greatorex-Davies & Pollard, 1998) and given in the table below. As this table shows, although the scheme currently includes sites from all four counties, Suffolk and Essex are the most poorly represented. It is also interesting to note that the majority of transects on this scheme in the region are being carried out by EN. There are currently plans to add the following two sites to this scheme: a) Writtle College Farm in Essex (2 transects) and b) the RSPB Farm at Knapwell in Cambridgeshire (Robin Field, pers. comm.).

Site Name (habitat) County Ownership Barnack Hills & Holes Cambs. EN Bevill’s Wood Cambs. FE Castor Hanglands Cambs. EN Chippenham Fen Cambs. EN Holme Fen Cambs. EN Monks Wood Cambs. EN Wicken Fen Cambs. NT Wood Walton Farm Cambs. Private Woodwalton Fen Cambs. EN Leigh Marshes Essex EN St Osyth Essex Essex County Council Stour Wood Essex RSPB Bure Marshes Norfolk EN Hickling Broad Norfolk EN Holkham Norfolk EN Holme Dunes Norfolk Norfolk Wildlife Trust Weeting Heath Norfolk Norfolk Wildlife Trust Walberswick Suffolk EN

b) Other Transects

At least 12 other transects are currently being recorded in Anglia. At present all the sites known to be monitored in this way are in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex and are being carried out on a variety of sites with a variety of landowners (see below).

Site Name (habitat) County Owner/Manager Writtle College Farm (2 transects) Essex Writtle college Winterton Dunes NNR Norfolk EN Ludham Marshes NNR Norfolk EN Scolt Head NNR Norfolk EN Swanton Novers Wood NNR Norfolk EN

123 Strumpshaw Fen*1 Norfolk RSPB Minsmere Suffolk RSPB North Warren Suffolk RSPB Northfield Wood*2 Suffolk Woodland Trust Combs Water Meadows*2 Suffolk Privately owned Languard Bird Observatory*3 Suffolk Suffolk Wildlife Trust

*1 Swallowtail monitored on transects since 1995 *2 transects walked every two weeks *3 transect walks of varying frequency

Additional Notes: In Essex, the Heath Fritillary colonies are monitored by annual adult counts and Grizzled Skipper numbers are regularly counted at Willow Park, Dunton Hills and Little Baddow Heath. In Cambridgeshire, the Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust have undertaken some monitoring of the Black Hairstreak at Brampton Wood and the numbers of Chalkhill Blue at Devil’s Dyke have been recorded by adult counts since 1993.

6.2 Moth Monitoring

In addition to the light trapping regularly carried out at a number of sites in the region (including sites in the Rothamsted Survey (RIS), Woiwod & Harrington, 1994), a number of moths are more specifically monitored (e.g. Ground Lackey and Fisher’s Estuarine Moth).

There is no doubt that BC’s ‘Action for Threatened Moths Project’ has greatly increased the amount of survey and monitoring work carried out on moth species in Britain in the past couple of years. It is hoped that the current level of moth monitoring in Anglia will be both maintained and expanded upon in the future. One possible way of achieving this is continued collaboration between BC and the British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS). The BENHS Conservation Working Group has recently proposed that volunteers from the societies membership become involved in monitoring key sites for various BAP moth species. The Working Group has also proposed that it should take the lead in investigating the requirements of the Brighton Wainscot and the Barred Tooth-striped (Parsons, Green, Bourn & Waring, 2000).

124 7. Management

Cambs. & Essex BC – Carry out regular winter work days at a number of sites which are particularly important for their Lepidoptera (e.g. Devil’s Dyke, Over Railway Cutting, Dunmow Railway Cutting, Grays Chalk Quarry). They also maintain contact with other organisations who are involved in site management (e.g. EN, Wildlife Trusts, Writtle Agricultural College (who manage a wildlife garden)) or who can provide manpower to help with management tasks (e.g. Camping and Caravaning Club). Cambs. and Essex BC also continue to play a role in the Gogmagog Hills area where a collaborative project was set up (involving Cambridgeshire Conservation Volunteers and the Cambridge Green-belt Project) in 1998 to clear scrub from former chalk grassland. The branch will also try to influence development plans for the Thames Chase Community Forest which will be the largest area of conservation land in Essex and is being designated south of Brentwood. Norfolk Branch - Manages BC reserve at Catfield Fen through partnerships with the Broads Authority and English Nature (by BTCV and BC work parties) and ensures that vegetation management here takes into account new findings on habitat requirements for fen butterflies. In the wider Broads fens, Norfolk BC continues to support initiatives to a) maintain and increase areas of open fen and b) ensure suitable water level management and flood protection. The branch jointly manages Narborough railway embankment with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (with regular work parties undertaking scrub control) and have advised EN on the management of railway cuttings at Knapton and Felmingham (during the preparation of management plans for Weavers Way). The branch also supports actions by other conservation organisations to increase the extent and quality of other important Lepidoptera habitats in the county such as heaths, coastal dune systems, chalk grasslands, disused railway lines and road-side verges. A number of organisations are actively encouraging woodland management in the county. Coppice rotations are gradually being re-introduced within woods which comprise the Swanton Novers NNR, some pasture woodlands in north-central Norfolk are Norfolk Wildlife Trust Reserves or in the Woodland Grant Scheme, the Anglia Woodnet project is revitalising management of some small woods, coppicing is being carried out within some SSSI woodlands in south Norfolk and in The Breck area and Norwich City Council is improving the management of some of its urban fringe woodlands. Two other current management projects are The Thetford Forest Management Plan (which is being implemented by FE) and an Integrated Land Management Plan for the Stanford Training Area (STANTA) (Which is being implemented by the MoD). The branch continues to maintain contact with all these organisations involved in woodland management and gives advice when it is requested. Suffolk Branch – Play an active role in the management of the Sandlings by liasing with the Sandlings Group whose objectives include a) conserving all the remaining areas of Sandlings heathland b) To encourage the reversion of land back to heathland c) to promote study on the ecology of the area and d) to maintain this area as a public resource (Mann, 1998). The core members of the Sandlings Group are EN, FRCA, FE, NT, RSPB, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk County Council, Greenways Countryside Project, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths Project and Suffolk Coastal District Council. A feasibility study looking at the possible restoration of locally extinct butterfly fauna was commissioned by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust (and supported by EN and the Geoffrey Burton Trust) in 1997 (Ravenscroft, 1997) although it has not

125 yet had any practical outcomes despite pressure from Suffolk BC. The Branch have also advised several site owners on management for the Dingy Skipper (e.g. FE at King’s Forest and the RAF at Barnham), they give advice to other landowners as requested and they work closely with FWAG.

8. Other activities

Cambs. & Essex BC – Produce newsletter three times a year and run regular field trips. They are also sometimes involved in day-long promotions e.g. display on gardening for butterflies at the Anglian Flower and Garden Show in 1998 and combine with other organisations (e.g. Wildlife Trusts) over national projects such as the Millennium atlas recording. The branch also continue to be involved with Writtle College and encourage garden centres to display membership leaflets. Norfolk Branch – Raise the profile of BC in the county by producing a newsletter, exhibiting annually at the Royal Norfolk show, holding an annual Swallowtail day at Catfield Fen, holding flag days and distributing leaflets, organising field trips to sites within and outside the county, lecturing to other organisations, contacting media about special events and butterfly species, making presentations to funding bodies, continuing its involvement with other conservation bodies, broadcasting on local radio about butterfly-related topics and try to recruit more members and increase the number of active members. Suffolk Branch – Newsletter (The Suffolk Argus) produced three times a year. Annual presence at the Suffolk Show (since 1993) with various day long promotions taking place (e.g. gardening for wildlife or for butterflies) in partnership with other organisations (e.g. Notcutts Garden Centre). The branch also regularly has stands at a number of other events (e.g. Suffolk Naturalists’ Society Conference, FWAG Conference and Alder Carr Farm open day) The Suffolk branch also regularly provide speakers for local talks, give interviews to Radio Suffolk, write articles for the local press and play a role in the butterfly garden at Alexandra Park.

9. Review

Ideally this plan should be reviewed annually. This review should take the form of a short annual progress report which should comment on the implementation of the main aims. There should also be a more thorough review every five years when the priority ratings of butterflies and moths should be re-assessed and the plan updated.

126 10. References

Anderson, C. 1999. The Queen of Spain Fritillary at Minsmere RSPB nature reserve. The Suffolk Argus, 16, 18.

Bailey, G. 1999. Second helpings for the Heath Fritillary (Mellicta athalia). Cambridgeshire and Essex Branch Newsletter, 33, 10-16.

Barnett, L. K. & Warren, M. S. 1995a. Species action plan The Swallowtail Papilio machaon. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Barnett, L. K. & Warren, M. S. 1995b. Species action plan Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Barnett, L. K. & Warren, M. S. 1995c. Species action plan Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria euphrosyne. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Barnett, L. K. & Warren, M. S. 1995d. Species action plan Large Copper Lycaena dispar. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Barnett, L. K. & Warren, M. S. 1995e. Species action plan Pearl-bordered Fritillary Boloria selene. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Beckett, G & Bull, A. 1999. A Flora of Norfolk. Gillian Beckett.

Bennett, T. & Perrin, V. 1994. The butterflies of Cambridgeshire: highlights of a county survey (1985-1992). Nature in Cambridgeshire, 36, 3-17.

Bourn, N. A. D. & Thomas, J. A. 1993. The ecology and conservation of the brown argus butterfly Aricia agestis in Britain. Biological Conservation, 63, 67-74.

Bourn, N. A. D., Warren, M. S. & Kirkland, P. 1996. Action for Butterflies. Butterfly Conservation’s guidelines for producing Regional Action Plans. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Bourn, N. A. D & Warren, M. S. 1998a. Species action plan Black Hairstreak Satyrium pruni. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Bourn, N. A. D & Warren, M. S. 1998b. Species action plan Brown Hairstreak Thecla betulae. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Bourn, N. A. D., Jeffcoate, G. & Warren, M. S. 2000. Species action plan Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Bourn, N. A. D. & Warren, M. S. 2000. Species action plan Small Blue Cupido minimus. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Bradley, J. D. 1998. Checklist of Lepidoptera Recorded From the British Isles. Bradley, Fordingbridge.

127 Bradley, J. D. & Fletcher, D. S. 1979. A Recorder’s Log Book or Label List of British Butterflies and Moths. Harley Books.

Brereton, T., Bourn, N. A. D & Warren, M. S. 1998. Species action plan Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Brereton, T. M. 1997. Ecology and conservation of the butterfly Pyrgus malvae (Grizzled Skipper) in south-east England. Ph.D. Thesis, University of London.

Brereton, T., Warren, M. S. & Roberts, E. 1998. Action for the Heath Fritillary status, monitoring and conservation progress 1996 & 1997. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Corke, D. 1997. The Butterflies of Essex. Lopinga Books, Wimbish.

Dawson, J. 1997. Butterfly Conservation: Cambridgeshire and Essex Branch Counties Action Plan.

Dempster, J. P. 1995. The ecology and conservation of Papilio machaon in Britain. In: Ecology and Conservation of Butterflies. Ed. By A. S. Pullin. Chapman & Hall.

Dempster, J. P. & Hall, M. L. 1980. An attempt at re-establishing the Swallowtail butterfly at Wicken Fen. Ecological , 5, 327-334.

Emmet, A. M. & Heath, J. 1990. The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Volume 7, Part 1. The Butterflies. Harley Books, Great Horkesley.

Emmet, A. M., Pyman, G. A. & Corke, D. 1985. The Larger Moths and Butterflies of Essex. The Essex Field Club.

Fox, R. 1999. A new resident butterfly species? Butterfly Conservation News, 71, 28.

Gibson, C. 2000. Fisher’s Estuarine Moth – Species Recovery Project. Progress 99. English Nature, Colchester.

Goodey, B & Firmin, J. 1992. Lepidoptera of North East Essex. Colchester Natural History Society.

Greatorex-Davies, J. N. & Pollard, E. 1998. The butterfly monitoring scheme report to recorders 1997. ITE, Monks Wood.

Greatorex-Davies, J. N. & Roy, D. B. 1999. The butterfly monitoring scheme report to recorders 1998. ITE, Monks Wood.

Gutiérrez, D., Thomas, C. D. & León-Cortés, J. L. 1999. Dispersal, distribution, patch network and metapopulation dynamics of the dingy skipper butterfly (Erynnis tages). Oecologia, 121, 506-517.

Haggett, G. M. 1981. Larvae of the British Lepidoptera not figured by Buckler. British Entomological & Natural History Society, London.

128 Hall, M. R. 1991. An Atlas of Norfolk Butterflies 1984-1988. British Butterfly Conservation Society, Norfolk Branch.

Harris, J. 1999. Norfolk Action Plan. Butterfly Conservation, Norfolk Branch.

Mann, J. 1998. The Sandlings Group. The Suffolk Argus, 15, 5-6.

Mann, J. 1999. Silver-studded Blues in Suffolk: Past, present and future. The Suffolk Argus, 18, 5-8.

Mann, J. & Prichard, T. 1998. Suffolk Action Plan. The Suffolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation.

Mendel, H. & Piotrowski, S. H. 1986. The Butterflies of Suffolk. An Atlas and History. Suffolk Naturalists Society, Ipswich.

Parsons, M., Green, D., Bourn, N. & Waring, P. 2000. Lepidoptera Conservation Bulletin incorporating The National Moth Conservation Project. Number 1. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Pullin, A.S. 1997. Habitat requirements of Lycaena dispar batavus and implications for re-establishment in England. Journal of Insect Conservation, 1, 177-185.

Ravenscroft, N. O. M. 1990. The ecology and conservation of the Silver-studded Blue butterfly (Plebejus argus L.) on the Sandlings of East Anglia, England. Biological Conservation, 53, 21-36.

Ravenscroft, N. O. M. 1992. The fortunes of the Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus (L.) (Lepidoptera: ) at artificial sites on the Sandlings, Suffolk. Entomologist’s Gazette, 43, 157-161.

Ravenscroft, N. O. M. 1994. Silver-studded Blue butterfly: status, management and recovery 1994. Unpublished report to English Nature (East Region).

Ravenscroft, N. O. M. 1997. Restoring a locally extinct butterfly fauna. A feasibility study in Suffolk. Unpublished report to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, English Nature and the Geoffrey Burton Charitable Trust.

Ravenscroft, N.O.M. & Warren, M.S. 1996. Species action plan Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Roberts, R.E., Bourn, N.A.D. & Thomas, J.A. 1999. Site Dossier 1999 Black Hairstreak Satyrium pruni. Unpublished confidential report to Butterfly Conservation and the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. Wareham, Dorest.

Shardlow, M., Lucking, R., Ferreira, A., Risby, A., Parmenter, J. and Sharpe, J. 1999. Biodiversity Audit for East Anglia. RSPB.

129 Shirt, D. B. 1987. (Ed.) British Red Data Books 2: Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough.

Slater, M.J. 1990. A Purple Hairstreak walk. BC West Midlands Branch Newsletter, 24, 14-15.

Surry, R. J. & Parsons, M. S. (in prep.). A review of the scarce and threatened incurvariid, prodoxid, adelid, heliozelid, psychid, tineid and ochsenheimeriid moths of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.

Thomas, J. A. 1974. Conservation Report, The Black Hairstreak. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology.

Thomas, J. A. 1975. The Black Hairstreak, conservation report. Unpublished report to the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology and Nature Conservancy Council.

Waring, P. 1994. National Moth Conservation Project: News Bulletin 5. Butterfly Conservation. Dunstable.

Waring, P. 1999. National Moth Conservation Project. News Bulletin 10. Butterfly Conservation, Dedham.

Waring, P. in press. Review of Nationally Scarce and Threatened Macromoths of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Warren, M. S. 1993. A review of butterfly conservation in central southern Britain: II. Site management and habitat selection by key species. Biological Conservation, 64, 37-49.

Warren, M. S., Barnett, L.K., Gibbons, D.W. & Avery, M. L. 1997. Assessing national conservation priorities: An improved red list of British butterflies. Biological Conservation, 82, 317-328.

Warren, M. S. & Bourn, N.A.D. 1998. Species action plan Wood White Leptidea sinapis. Butterfly Conservation, Wareham.

Woiwod, I & Harrington, R. 1994. Flying in the Face of change: The Rothamsted Insect Survey. In Long-term Experiments in Agricultural and Ecological Sciences. Edited by R. A. Leigh and A. E. Johnston. CAB International.

130 Appendix 1 - Priority Ratings for Regional Butterflies

In 1994 the Government produced the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. They subsequently established a Biodiversity Steering Group which produced a detailed report in 1995 where butterflies were placed in short, middle or long Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) lists. These lists were later revised to ‘Species of Conservation Concern’ (to include all species which met the ‘long’ list criteria) and ‘Priority Species’ (to include species which qualified under the ’short’ and ‘middle’ list criteria). While Butterfly Conservation’s British priorities were largely based on these BAP lists, the full rationale of criteria used by Butterfly Conservation to compile the British priority list given below is provided by Warren et al (1997).

Regional Species Regional National UK BAP status Priority Priority Rating Rating Dingy Skipper High Medium Grizzled Skipper High Medium Swallowtail High Medium Species of Conservation Concern White-letter Hairstreak Medium Medium Black Hairstreak High Medium Species of Conservation Concern Large Copper High High Priority Species Small Blue Medium Medium Species of Conservation Concern Silver-studded Blue High Medium Priority Species Brown Argus Medium Low Chalkhill Blue Medium Low White Admiral Medium Low Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Medium Medium Species of Conservation Concern Dark Green Fritillary Medium Low Heath Fritillary High High Priority Species Marbled White Medium Low

131 Appendix 2 – Table 1 (Tetrad Summary Sheet)

This provides an indication of the current status of all butterfly species on a county basis. Only in Norfolk and Suffolk were figures obtained directly from computer database. The others involved repeated manual counts from tetrad distribution maps so are only approximate figures for the commoner species.

Species Cambs. Essex Norfolk Suffolk Small Skipper (1526) >180 >400 339 642 Essex Skipper (1527) >220 >450 196 720 Silver-spotted Skipper (1529) Large Skipper (1531)) >140 >400 323 651 Dingy Skipper (1532) 5 0 13 5 Grizzled Skipper (1534) 10 9 11 0 Swallowtail (1539) 43 19 Wood White (1541) Clouded Yellow (1545) 16 >95 80 147 Brimstone (1546) >200 >200 376 480 Large White (1549) >330 >500 458 921 Small White (1550) >390 >600 602 959 Green-veined White (1551) >430 >600 494 978 Orange Tip (1553) >240 >400 450 863 Green Hairstreak (1555) 13 30 79 148 Brown Hairstreak (1556) Purple Hairstreak (1557) 28 >180 80 219 White-letter Hairstreak (1558) 27 81 26 40 Black Hairstreak (1559) 6 Small Copper (1561) 82 >330 354 546 Small Blue (1569) 1 1 Silver-studded Blue (1571) 7 17 Brown Argus (1572) 84 >280 129 321 Common Blue (1574) >190 >450 366 643 Chalkhill Blue (1575) 4 Adonis Blue (1576) Holly Blue (1580) >200 >400 358 711 Duke of Burgundy (1582) White Admiral (1584) 14 8 73 54 Purple Emperor (1585) Red Admiral (1590) >200 >500 534 817 Painted Lady (1591) >140 >300 373 575 Small Tortoiseshell 1593) >390 >650 709 986 Large Tortoiseshell (1594) 1 2 Peacock (1597) >360 >600 620 927 Comma (1598) >130 >440 338 620 Small Pearl-bordered Frit. (1600) Pearl-bordered Fritillary (1601) Dark Green Fritillary (1607) 2 3 15 0 Silver-washed Fritillary (1608) 2 1 1 1 Heath Fritillary (1613) 4 Speckled Wood (1614) >150 >390 355 459 Wall (1615) >90 >140 273 354 Marbled White (1620) 12 43 1 0 Grayling (1621) 0 8 68 182 Gatekeeper (1625) >350 >490 479 946 Meadow Brown (1626) >398 >600 623 1010 Ringlet (1629) >140 >180 370 675 Small Heath (1627) >130 >340 173 363

132 Appendix 3 – Moth Species Log Book Numbers

Taken from Bradley & Fletcher (1979) and Bradley (1998). High Priority Macro-Moths

Common Name Log Book Number 1. Reed Leopard 160 2. The Triangle 174 3. Ground Lackey 1635 4. Tawny Wave 1688 5. Bright Wave 1696 6. Chalk Carpet 1731 7. Barberry Carpet 1785 8. Fletcher’s Pug 1824 9. Scarce Pug 1847 10. Grey Carpet 1871 11. Barred Tooth-striped 1880 12. Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth 1982 13. Scarce Vapourer 2025 14. Dotted Footman 2041 15. Small Dotted Footman 2042 16. Pigmy Footman 2046 17. Lunar Yellow Underwing 2108 18. Square-spotted Clay 2131 19. Pale Shining Brown 2148 20. Bordered Gothic 2153 21. White-spotted Pinion 2317 22. Concolorous 2347 23. Fenn’s Wainscot 2351 24. Fisher’s Estuarine Moth 2365 25. White-mantled Wainscot 2372 26. Rush Wainscot 2374 27. Marbled Clover 2401 28. Silver Barred 2413 29. Four-spotted 2465 30. Buttoned Snout 2480 31. Common Fan-foot 2488 32. Shaded Fan-foot 2491 33. Clay Fan-foot 2494 34. Olive Crescent 2495

Medium Priority Macro-Moths

Species Log Book Number Goat Moth 162 Festoon 173 Hornet Moth 370

133 Current Clearwing 373 Yellow-legged Clearwing 374 Orange-tailed Clearwing 378 Red-belted Clearwing 379 Red-tipped Clearwing 380 Large Red-belted Clearwing 381 Six-belted Clearwing 382 Small Eggar 1633 Satin Lutestring 1656 Light Orange Underwing 1662 Mocha 1676 Lace Border 1687 Rosy Wave 1691 Purple-bordered Gold 1698 Oblique Striped 1718 Balsam Carpet 1721 Ruddy Carpet 1735 Cloaked Carpet 1793 Marsh Carpet 1810 Valerian Pug 1821 Bleached Pug 1833 Campanula Pug 1836 Yarrow Pug 1841 Dentated Pug 1863 Broom-tip 1865 Large Thorn 1911 Great Oak Beauty 1943 Sloe Carpet 1959 Grass Wave 1970 Broad-bordered Bee Hawk 1983 Plumed Prominent 2013 Small Chocolate-tip 2017 Orange Footman 2043 Water Ermine 2062 Kent Black Arches 2076 Coast Dart 2083 Sand Dart 2093 Square-spotted Clay 2131 Great Brocade 2137 White Colon 2152 Northern Drab 2184 Mathew’s Wainscot 2200 Shore Wainscot 2201 Flame Wainscot 2209 Wormwood 2211 Star-wort 2217 Feathered Brindle 2230

134 Pale-lemon Sallow 2276 Reed Dagger 2290 Crescent Striped 2325 Lyme Grass 2348 Mere Wainscot 2349 Sandhill Rustic 2354 Webb’s Wainscot 2373 Silky Wainscot 2391 Rosy Marbled 2396 Cream-bordered Green Pea 2418 Waved Black 2475 Marsh Oblique-barred 2485 Dotted Fan-foot 2493

Medium Priority Micro-moths

Species Log book Number Ectoedemia atrifrontella 41 Stigmella minusculella 91 Lampronia capitella 133 Nemophora fasciella 144 Dahlica triquetrella 176 183 Proutia betulina 188 189 Whittleia retiella 190 Triaxomasia caprimulgella 226 Monopis monachella 232 Trichophaga tapetzella 234 Digitivalva perlepidella 471 Cataplectica farreni 479 Cosmiotes stabilella 633 Agonopterix putridella 693 Coleophora fuscicornis 520 Coleophora tricolor 529 Ethmia funerella 719 Ethmia bipunctella 720 Monochroa tetragonella 738 Monochroa conspersella 739 Monochroa hornigi 740 Monochroa lutulentella 742 Monochroa divisella 745 Neofriseria singula 799 Gelechia scotinella 801 Gelechia muscosella 803 Gelechia hippophaella 805 Scrobipalpa pauperella 814

135 Caryocolum proximum 831 Nothris verbascella 838 Cosmopterix zieglerella 894 Dystebenna stephensi 907 Scythris limbella 918 Aethes margarotana 943 Acleris lorquiniana 1058 Endothenia pullana 1100 Endothenia ustulana 1101 Eucosma catoptrana 1191 Eucosma pauperana 1198 Pammene suspectana 1230 Cydia leguminana 1264 fascelinella 1322 Platytes alpinella 1325 Microstega pandalis 1373 Phlyctaenia stachydalis 1384 Nascia cilialis 1387 Melissoblaptes zelleri 1429 Pima boisduvaliella 1453 Gymnancyla canella 1464 1468 Buckleria paludum 1493 Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla 1496 Platyptilia calodactyla 1500

136 Appendix 4 - Definitions of the status of British Moths a) Red Data Book (RDB) - there are three categories which are based on the degree of threat. The definitions below are taken from Shirt (1987).

RDB1 - Endangered. Definition - Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating. Criteria - Species which are known as only a single population within one 10km square of the National Grid.

RDB2 - Vulnerable. Definition - Taxa believed likely to move into the Endangered category in the near future if the causal factors continue operating. Criteria - Species which are a) declining throughout their range b) in vulnerable habitats and c) whose populations are low.

RDB3 - Rare. Definition - Taxa with small populations that are not at present endangered or Vulnerable, but are at risk. Criteria - Species which exist in only fifteen or fewer 10km squares. b) Definitions for Notable macro-moths - taken from Waring, 1994 and Waring, in press.

Nationally Scarce Grade A (Notable A, Na) - Very restricted national distribution. Species recorded from 16-30 of the 10km squares in Britain since 1980.

Nationally Scarce Grade B (Notable B, Nb) - Restricted national distribution. Species recorded from 31-100 of the 10km squares in Britain since 1980.

Note - species can be abundant where they occur and yet have a very restricted national distribution.

137 Appendix 5 – Maps of Key Areas

Maps reproduced from Ordnance Survey maps with the permission of the Controller of her Majesty’s Stationary Office.

A solid line is used to give a rough indication of the area involved.

Maps given in the order the areas were described in section 4.

Note: The purpose of these maps is to enable key areas and sites to be more easily located. As the boundaries are only intended to give a rough guide to the extent of land involved, there may well be areas of land outside these boundaries which contain significant Lepidoptera and therefore should be included in any conservation plan.

138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 Appendix 6 – Key to Abbreviations

BC Butterfly Conservation BENHS British Entomological and Natural History Society CCW Countryside Council for Wales CoCo Countryside Commission EN English Nature FA Forest Authority FE Forest Enterprise FRCA Farming and Rural Conservation Agency FWAG Farming Wildlife Advisory Group ITE Institute of Terrestrial Ecology JCCBI Joint Committee for the Conservation of British JNCC Joint Nature Conservation Committee MAFF Ministry of Fisheries and Food MoD Ministry of Defence RIS Rothamsted Insect Survey SNH Scottish Natural Heritage SNS Suffolk Naturalists’ Society WWF World Wide Fund for Nature

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