Editor’s Note View from the Chair

s this year is the 20th Anniversary of Moth Night, we feature From Nigel Spring, Chair of Dorset Branch moths in our first three articles. We then turn to butterflies, Aand articles include a description of the Durlston East e welcomed 65 members to our AGM on February 23rd Transect, Part One of a series about butterfly photography, and an on a stunning spring day. As usual the date clashed with interesting research study about hibernating Small Tortoiseshells. WSix Nations Rugby, important football games and preparation work in the garden, but this year the weather was so Jane Smith, Newsletter Editor good we could have been depriving butterfly transect walkers of their first walk of the season! Several present had been counting Brimstones on their journey to the event – apparently 13 males were counted just between Poundbury and Puddletown! Already 80 CONTENTS butterflies of 7 species had been recorded on the Dorset branch website. View from the Chair 3 A great deal of work goes into the preparation of our AGM and we Finding Moths by Day 6 should particularly thank our Branch Secretary, Adrian Neil, for Day-flying Moths in Dorset 9 masterminding the organisation of his team of volunteers – and all the people who baked cakes, served teas, set up displays, welcomed Moth Night 2019 13 arrivals, operated the projector, contributed raffle prizes and sold Durlston East Transect Walk 14 tickets. We must also express our grateful thanks to all the Butterfly Photography Part 1 17 committee who give up a lot of their time for the branch – to Lyn Pullen for her work on the website; to Georgie Laing, our Treasurer, Portland Reserves Update 20 for her tireless efforts on our budgets and accounts; to Jane Smith An Autumn of Copper 22 and Lyn Pullen for all the work that goes into the production of our newsletter, a very impressive publication; and to Robin George our Purple Hairstreak Counts 23 hardworking Membership Officer. Colin Burningham and Christine 2019- A Crucial Recording Year 24 managed to get to 10 fairs, shows and other events last year with Vanishing Small Tortoiseshells 25 the sales and display stand and we are very thankful to them for their efforts. Emergency Mobile Use in Remote Location 30 Dorset Branch Who’s Who 31 Of course special thanks must go to Bill Shreeves who has been the Branch Records Officer since time immemorial: even though he is trying to relinquish some of the burden of this responsibility, he still has his finger on a multitude of pulses and remains as the person Front cover photo: Alabonia geoffrella moth by Guy Freeman

2 3 Editor’s Note View from the Chair s this year is the 20th Anniversary of Moth Night, we feature From Nigel Spring, Chair of Dorset Branch moths in our first three articles. We then turn to butterflies, Aand articles include a description of the Durlston East e welcomed 65 members to our AGM on February 23rd Transect, Part One of a series about butterfly photography, and an on a stunning spring day. As usual the date clashed with interesting research study about hibernating Small Tortoiseshells. WSix Nations Rugby, important football games and preparation work in the garden, but this year the weather was so Jane Smith, Newsletter Editor good we could have been depriving butterfly transect walkers of their first walk of the season! Several present had been counting Brimstones on their journey to the event – apparently 13 males were counted just between Poundbury and Puddletown! Already 80 CONTENTS butterflies of 7 species had been recorded on the Dorset branch website. View from the Chair 3 A great deal of work goes into the preparation of our AGM and we Finding Moths by Day 6 should particularly thank our Branch Secretary, Adrian Neil, for Day-flying Moths in Dorset 9 masterminding the organisation of his team of volunteers – and all the people who baked cakes, served teas, set up displays, welcomed Moth Night 2019 13 arrivals, operated the projector, contributed raffle prizes and sold Durlston East Transect Walk 14 tickets. We must also express our grateful thanks to all the Butterfly Photography Part 1 17 committee who give up a lot of their time for the branch – to Lyn Pullen for her work on the website; to Georgie Laing, our Treasurer, Portland Reserves Update 20 for her tireless efforts on our budgets and accounts; to Jane Smith An Autumn of Copper 22 and Lyn Pullen for all the work that goes into the production of our newsletter, a very impressive publication; and to Robin George our Purple Hairstreak Counts 23 hardworking Membership Officer. Colin Burningham and Christine 2019- A Crucial Recording Year 24 managed to get to 10 fairs, shows and other events last year with Vanishing Small Tortoiseshells 25 the sales and display stand and we are very thankful to them for their efforts. Emergency Mobile Use in Remote Location 30 Dorset Branch Who’s Who 31 Of course special thanks must go to Bill Shreeves who has been the Branch Records Officer since time immemorial: even though he is trying to relinquish some of the burden of this responsibility, he still has his finger on a multitude of pulses and remains as the person Front cover photo: Alabonia geoffrella moth by Guy Freeman

2 3 where there has been targeted management, the butterfly we all know as the ‘Common’ Blue is still making a great comeback and the explosion of Small Coppers in the autumn was widely seen.

David Brown, the National Trust Ecologist for the Purbeck Estate, was the guest speaker at our AGM. He gave a fascinating presentation about the acclaimed National Trust Cyril Diver project Duke of Burgundy. which he helped to run on the Studland Peninsula between 2013 and Photo: Adrian Read 2015, re-surveying the areas that Captain Cyril Diver had investigated and recorded in great depth in the 1930’s. Much of the that everyone turns to for his wisdom and huge depth of knowledge recording work was carried out by volunteers under the guidance of of Dorset’s butterflies. Bill has handed over the responsibility for our a team of local experts, a fantastic example of what is now called spring regional recorders’ meetings to local organisers and we hope citizen science and which could possibly act as a model for our these will evolve under the care of local members and transect branch to use as a way to recruit and motivate volunteers. walkers. We are still looking for someone in the Wimborne/ Bournemouth/Poole area to run that area meeting – this year we We are always eternally grateful to our volunteers for their huge were very fortunate that Steve Brown offered to step in at the last contribution to the branch activities, but the pool of volunteers is minute. It would be sad if it had to fold, as we have a strong dwindling. As the sources of funds to pay contractors for habitat membership in this part of Dorset. management tasks become ever fewer or perhaps vanish for ever in the present uncertain climate, Butterfly Conservation will need to The branch is tantalisingly close to recruiting its 1000th member find more effective ways to use the untapped volunteer energy in which would be a fantastic milestone to achieve in the coming year – our communities for the benefit of butterflies and moths and the and one we should celebrate. wonderful habitats we all so much enjoy.

What a strange year 2018 was! With the Beast from the East curtailing a lot of human and insect activity in the spring, then the Nigel Spring hot dry summer that followed continuing to make farmers’ lives very difficult but helping to boost numbers of many species of Post-AGM note butterflies and moths, the true consequences of the extremes of 2018 may well only become apparent when we look at the The AGM is not run to make a profit, but additions to our coffers emergence of the more vulnerable species during the coming are most welcome. season. We certainly know that 2018 was a poor year for migrants We took (rounded figures): Raffle £114; Refreshments £63; Sales like Painted Ladies, Red Admirals and Clouded Yellows, and that the £75 and Cards £22 (this was Lyn Pullen selling cards she had declining numbers of Small Tortoiseshells and Chalkhill Blues remind made) us that we still do not really understand the ecological needs of these species. There were plenty of positives to remember from A Total of £274 - THANK YOU! 2018 – the Duke of Burgundy continues to do well on the sites 4 5 where there has been targeted management, the butterfly we all know as the ‘Common’ Blue is still making a great comeback and the explosion of Small Coppers in the autumn was widely seen.

David Brown, the National Trust Ecologist for the Purbeck Estate, was the guest speaker at our AGM. He gave a fascinating presentation about the acclaimed National Trust Cyril Diver project Duke of Burgundy. which he helped to run on the Studland Peninsula between 2013 and Photo: Adrian Read 2015, re-surveying the areas that Captain Cyril Diver had investigated and recorded in great depth in the 1930’s. Much of the that everyone turns to for his wisdom and huge depth of knowledge recording work was carried out by volunteers under the guidance of of Dorset’s butterflies. Bill has handed over the responsibility for our a team of local experts, a fantastic example of what is now called spring regional recorders’ meetings to local organisers and we hope citizen science and which could possibly act as a model for our these will evolve under the care of local members and transect branch to use as a way to recruit and motivate volunteers. walkers. We are still looking for someone in the Wimborne/ Bournemouth/Poole area to run that area meeting – this year we We are always eternally grateful to our volunteers for their huge were very fortunate that Steve Brown offered to step in at the last contribution to the branch activities, but the pool of volunteers is minute. It would be sad if it had to fold, as we have a strong dwindling. As the sources of funds to pay contractors for habitat membership in this part of Dorset. management tasks become ever fewer or perhaps vanish for ever in the present uncertain climate, Butterfly Conservation will need to The branch is tantalisingly close to recruiting its 1000th member find more effective ways to use the untapped volunteer energy in which would be a fantastic milestone to achieve in the coming year – our communities for the benefit of butterflies and moths and the and one we should celebrate. wonderful habitats we all so much enjoy.

What a strange year 2018 was! With the Beast from the East curtailing a lot of human and insect activity in the spring, then the Nigel Spring hot dry summer that followed continuing to make farmers’ lives very difficult but helping to boost numbers of many species of Post-AGM note butterflies and moths, the true consequences of the extremes of 2018 may well only become apparent when we look at the The AGM is not run to make a profit, but additions to our coffers emergence of the more vulnerable species during the coming are most welcome. season. We certainly know that 2018 was a poor year for migrants We took (rounded figures): Raffle £114; Refreshments £63; Sales like Painted Ladies, Red Admirals and Clouded Yellows, and that the £75 and Cards £22 (this was Lyn Pullen selling cards she had declining numbers of Small Tortoiseshells and Chalkhill Blues remind made) us that we still do not really understand the ecological needs of these species. There were plenty of positives to remember from A Total of £274 - THANK YOU! 2018 – the Duke of Burgundy continues to do well on the sites 4 5 out by day, whereas one that flies Finding moths by Day up from a lawn and then immediately settles will be Guy Freeman writes about the pleasures of waiting until dusk falls before it looking for moths during the day. becomes properly active. Moths that ‘want’ to be active by day ight-trapping is is usually possible to distinguish include the relatively small group undoubtedly the most between these based on of strict day-flyers, such as effective way of seeing a behaviour. If a moth is nectaring L burnets, clearwings and bee good variety of moths, but, for on flowers or flying with hawkmoths. Others, like the those who lack a trap, there are purpose in search of a mate, it Silver Y, may come under either plenty of alternatives. These wants to be active, whereas if it category, but a far larger number Archer’s Dart. Photo: Guy Freeman include the use of lures (sugar or flushes from vegetation, flies a fall into the second, ‘active only pheromones), rearing larvae, short distance and then drops when necessary’, group. Indeed, fluttering their wings. The last of checking flowers by torchlight back down into cover, it has only any species could be seen flying these reasons means that and, as I will discuss here, become active in order to find a by day – a large, strictly- weather has a major influence on searching by day. A great many new resting place e.g. because it nocturnal moth such as the Buff- the likelihood of finding day- species of moth may be active has needed to escape from tip will normally rely on its flyers – all moths will be less during the day (far more than danger. Silver Ys, for example, camouflage while resting up, but active in cool conditions, that other group of specialised may fall into either category it would take to the wing if facing whereas hot sunshine can make day-flying Lepidopterans, the depending on conditions – an suitable provocation e.g. if even the strictly nocturnal butterflies!), and finding them individual visiting lavender in discovered by a predatory bird. species become restless and thus requires little more than simply bright sunshine has chosen to be more easily disturbed. Daytime going for a walk. Conveniently, In general, smaller-bodied moths searches essentially involve just good sites for butterflies will also such as the micros and walking and watching out for any be good for moths, so looking geometers are more likely to be moths that take to the wing. for the latter can add interest to flushed by day. This may largely Visits to areas of high quality any butterfly outing and offer the be down to their choice of semi-natural habitat, such as chance to see some of our most resting places, but their smaller heathland and chalk downland, beautiful species, many of which size also plays a role by making are likely to yield the best results, are unlikely to be seen by them more sensitive to while sheltered hedgerows and trapping in your garden. vibrations and allowing them to sunken lanes are also good. The take to the wing more readily more sensitive species will fly at Day-flying moths can be split than many larger moths, which the slightest provocation, such as roughly into two categories, often must first warm up their a shadow passing over or the those that ‘want’ to be active by Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth. flight muscles by rapidly vibration from a footstep, but day and those that do not, and it Photo: Guy Freeman others may be coaxed out by 6 7 out by day, whereas one that flies Finding moths by Day up from a lawn and then immediately settles will be Guy Freeman writes about the pleasures of waiting until dusk falls before it looking for moths during the day. becomes properly active. Moths that ‘want’ to be active by day ight-trapping is is usually possible to distinguish include the relatively small group undoubtedly the most between these based on of strict day-flyers, such as effective way of seeing a behaviour. If a moth is nectaring L burnets, clearwings and bee good variety of moths, but, for on flowers or flying with hawkmoths. Others, like the those who lack a trap, there are purpose in search of a mate, it Silver Y, may come under either plenty of alternatives. These wants to be active, whereas if it category, but a far larger number Archer’s Dart. Photo: Guy Freeman include the use of lures (sugar or flushes from vegetation, flies a fall into the second, ‘active only pheromones), rearing larvae, short distance and then drops when necessary’, group. Indeed, fluttering their wings. The last of checking flowers by torchlight back down into cover, it has only any species could be seen flying these reasons means that and, as I will discuss here, become active in order to find a by day – a large, strictly- weather has a major influence on searching by day. A great many new resting place e.g. because it nocturnal moth such as the Buff- the likelihood of finding day- species of moth may be active has needed to escape from tip will normally rely on its flyers – all moths will be less during the day (far more than danger. Silver Ys, for example, camouflage while resting up, but active in cool conditions, that other group of specialised may fall into either category it would take to the wing if facing whereas hot sunshine can make day-flying Lepidopterans, the depending on conditions – an suitable provocation e.g. if even the strictly nocturnal butterflies!), and finding them individual visiting lavender in discovered by a predatory bird. species become restless and thus requires little more than simply bright sunshine has chosen to be more easily disturbed. Daytime going for a walk. Conveniently, In general, smaller-bodied moths searches essentially involve just good sites for butterflies will also such as the micros and walking and watching out for any be good for moths, so looking geometers are more likely to be moths that take to the wing. for the latter can add interest to flushed by day. This may largely Visits to areas of high quality any butterfly outing and offer the be down to their choice of semi-natural habitat, such as chance to see some of our most resting places, but their smaller heathland and chalk downland, beautiful species, many of which size also plays a role by making are likely to yield the best results, are unlikely to be seen by them more sensitive to while sheltered hedgerows and trapping in your garden. vibrations and allowing them to sunken lanes are also good. The take to the wing more readily more sensitive species will fly at Day-flying moths can be split than many larger moths, which the slightest provocation, such as roughly into two categories, often must first warm up their a shadow passing over or the those that ‘want’ to be active by Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth. flight muscles by rapidly vibration from a footstep, but day and those that do not, and it Photo: Guy Freeman others may be coaxed out by 6 7 have never trapped either. In open habitats such as heathlands Day-flying Moths in Dorset and dunes, moths are often drawn to isolated solid Colin Burningham focusses on day-flying moths in structures, which offer a stable, Dorset, and how moths are monitored shaded place – it is worth a quick check of fence posts, lone stones s an organisation, other conservation and tree trunks. Small Grass Emerald. Photo: Guy Freeman Butterfly Conservation organisations. In Dorset, the exists primarily to results of the butterfly transect carefully brushing/tapping Searching for moths by day is A spearhead the challenge of walks are presented each year at vegetation with a stick. Once a something that can be done just conserving our Lepidoptera regional meetings held around moth is flushed it is likely to about anywhere by anyone and species. In this task, they are the county. In addition, articles settle again a short distance away, so, whether or not you have the achieving great success and their appear in the Branch Newsletter and it can then be approached in opportunity to run a light-trap, efforts include the conservation which give an insight into the order to determine its identity. this rewarding pastime can be an of not only our butterfly species results of conservation efforts. excellent way of furthering your but over 2500 moth species, all Moth recording is carried out in It is simple enough to spot a interest in moths. having been found in the British quite a different way, because of moth once it has taken to the Isles. Within Dorset, great efforts the numbers of species and the wing but many of our moths will If you do come across any moths are being made by volunteers nocturnal preferences of the spend the day settled during your walks, be sure to working in our management majority of our moths. Night- somewhere they are unlikely to report your sightings - use either work parties to improve the flying moths are usually be disturbed. It is generally not the Living Record software habitat of many sites around the monitored using moth traps worth putting much effort into (www.livingrecord.net) or the county for both our butterflies operated overnight (often by actively searching for moths at national Moth Recording Scheme and moths. volunteers in their gardens) with rest, but it is worth keeping it in site: www.mothrecording.org. mind as a possibility. Once you The success of our efforts on have your eye in, it is surprising The website of our sister the butterfly front are how the shape of a settled moth organisation has a lot of great monitored mainly by transect can grab your attention, and you moth information: walks that are regularly carried will often stumble across www.dorsetmothgroup.info out at a number of sites in the nocturnal species resting on county, supported by other shaded walls, windowsills and If you need help identifying what recording programmes. The under eaves etc. Some moths you have seen, post a photo to results eventually find their way, seem to crop up particularly our Facebook page (Butterfly via a county-wide recording frequently – I have seen a Conservation Dorset Branch) or scheme, to the UK Butterfly number of Red Underwings and that of ukmoths. Monitoring Scheme, run by Old Ladies at rest on walls, but Butterfly Conservation and Dusky Sallow. Photo: Colin Burningham 8 9 have never trapped either. In open habitats such as heathlands Day-flying Moths in Dorset and dunes, moths are often drawn to isolated solid Colin Burningham focusses on day-flying moths in structures, which offer a stable, Dorset, and how moths are monitored shaded place – it is worth a quick check of fence posts, lone stones s an organisation, other conservation and tree trunks. Small Grass Emerald. Photo: Guy Freeman Butterfly Conservation organisations. In Dorset, the exists primarily to results of the butterfly transect carefully brushing/tapping Searching for moths by day is A spearhead the challenge of walks are presented each year at vegetation with a stick. Once a something that can be done just conserving our Lepidoptera regional meetings held around moth is flushed it is likely to about anywhere by anyone and species. In this task, they are the county. In addition, articles settle again a short distance away, so, whether or not you have the achieving great success and their appear in the Branch Newsletter and it can then be approached in opportunity to run a light-trap, efforts include the conservation which give an insight into the order to determine its identity. this rewarding pastime can be an of not only our butterfly species results of conservation efforts. excellent way of furthering your but over 2500 moth species, all Moth recording is carried out in It is simple enough to spot a interest in moths. having been found in the British quite a different way, because of moth once it has taken to the Isles. Within Dorset, great efforts the numbers of species and the wing but many of our moths will If you do come across any moths are being made by volunteers nocturnal preferences of the spend the day settled during your walks, be sure to working in our management majority of our moths. Night- somewhere they are unlikely to report your sightings - use either work parties to improve the flying moths are usually be disturbed. It is generally not the Living Record software habitat of many sites around the monitored using moth traps worth putting much effort into (www.livingrecord.net) or the county for both our butterflies operated overnight (often by actively searching for moths at national Moth Recording Scheme and moths. volunteers in their gardens) with rest, but it is worth keeping it in site: www.mothrecording.org. mind as a possibility. Once you The success of our efforts on have your eye in, it is surprising The website of our sister the butterfly front are how the shape of a settled moth organisation has a lot of great monitored mainly by transect can grab your attention, and you moth information: walks that are regularly carried will often stumble across www.dorsetmothgroup.info out at a number of sites in the nocturnal species resting on county, supported by other shaded walls, windowsills and If you need help identifying what recording programmes. The under eaves etc. Some moths you have seen, post a photo to results eventually find their way, seem to crop up particularly our Facebook page (Butterfly via a county-wide recording frequently – I have seen a Conservation Dorset Branch) or scheme, to the UK Butterfly number of Red Underwings and that of ukmoths. Monitoring Scheme, run by Old Ladies at rest on walls, but Butterfly Conservation and Dusky Sallow. Photo: Colin Burningham 8 9 the contents being recorded the small moth, but very distinctive butterflies at Batcombe. following morning. The results [see photo on front cover]. are loaded onto a recording web On 6th June, a macro moth On 19th June, while walking site, such as Living Record, to be called a Yellow Shell was found around the Terraces Reserve in accessed by the verification while looking for Brown Argus Sherborne, we were very panel, a part of the Dorset Moth fortunate to spot a Five-spot Group. Once approved, the Burnet, form minoides and in the results are passed onto the same time frame, a more National Moth Records Scheme, conventional Five-spot Burnet, Scarlet Tiger caterpillar. via Dorset Environmental very convenient for comparison Records Centre, and are then purposes. It is very difficult to used for monitoring moth know whether the conventional numbers throughout the British specimen was Five-spot Burnet Isles. Day flying moths are or Narrow Five-spot Burnet but currently monitored on some the presence of form minoides on the site suggests the former. butterfly transect walks but Yellow Shell. Photo: Mel Bray generally can be overlooked. This article aims to show that The remaining observations day-flying moths (and a few were all seen in my garden Scarlet Tiger. Photo: Colin Burningham night-flying moths that will during the daytime. On 22nd readily fly in daytime if April, two caterpillars were Scarlet Tigers in our trap a few disturbed) can be pleasing to see found feeding on forget-me-not days later. The species appears to and be recorded while we are leaves in the garden. After some be expanding its range. counting or observing our searching through my butterflies. In addition, they are identification books, I was On 10th July, we found a Dusky an excellent introduction to the pleasantly surprised to find that Sallow in the garden. Another amazing world of moths. they were Scarlet Tiger larvae, species that flies by day and by Here are a few of these day- feeding in daylight. Seven or so night and a joy to see. Finally, on flying moths seen during our weeks later, on 17th June, we 6th August, we found a Jersey walks on Dorset sites in 2018, were fortunate to find a Scarlet Tiger resting on the Buddleia including daytime sightings in my Tiger moth resting on a Buddleia bush in bright sunshine. This is garden in Yetminster. bush in daylight and soon after another species which is watched it flying around the expanding its range. The first daytime sighting was a garden. This is a species of micro moth Alabonia geofrella further interest, since the moth These have been just a few during an organised guided walk Five-spot Burnets. Bottom is form flies both at night and in the day examples of moths that can be at Cashmoor on 24th May, a minoides. Photos: Colin Burnigham and indeed we caught two 10 11 the contents being recorded the small moth, but very distinctive butterflies at Batcombe. following morning. The results [see photo on front cover]. are loaded onto a recording web On 6th June, a macro moth On 19th June, while walking site, such as Living Record, to be called a Yellow Shell was found around the Terraces Reserve in accessed by the verification while looking for Brown Argus Sherborne, we were very panel, a part of the Dorset Moth fortunate to spot a Five-spot Group. Once approved, the Burnet, form minoides and in the results are passed onto the same time frame, a more National Moth Records Scheme, conventional Five-spot Burnet, Scarlet Tiger caterpillar. via Dorset Environmental very convenient for comparison Records Centre, and are then purposes. It is very difficult to used for monitoring moth know whether the conventional numbers throughout the British specimen was Five-spot Burnet Isles. Day flying moths are or Narrow Five-spot Burnet but currently monitored on some the presence of form minoides on the site suggests the former. butterfly transect walks but Yellow Shell. Photo: Mel Bray generally can be overlooked. This article aims to show that The remaining observations day-flying moths (and a few were all seen in my garden Scarlet Tiger. Photo: Colin Burningham night-flying moths that will during the daytime. On 22nd readily fly in daytime if April, two caterpillars were Scarlet Tigers in our trap a few disturbed) can be pleasing to see found feeding on forget-me-not days later. The species appears to and be recorded while we are leaves in the garden. After some be expanding its range. counting or observing our searching through my butterflies. In addition, they are identification books, I was On 10th July, we found a Dusky an excellent introduction to the pleasantly surprised to find that Sallow in the garden. Another amazing world of moths. they were Scarlet Tiger larvae, species that flies by day and by Here are a few of these day- feeding in daylight. Seven or so night and a joy to see. Finally, on flying moths seen during our weeks later, on 17th June, we 6th August, we found a Jersey walks on Dorset sites in 2018, were fortunate to find a Scarlet Tiger resting on the Buddleia including daytime sightings in my Tiger moth resting on a Buddleia bush in bright sunshine. This is garden in Yetminster. bush in daylight and soon after another species which is watched it flying around the expanding its range. The first daytime sighting was a garden. This is a species of micro moth Alabonia geofrella further interest, since the moth These have been just a few during an organised guided walk Five-spot Burnets. Bottom is form flies both at night and in the day examples of moths that can be at Cashmoor on 24th May, a minoides. Photos: Colin Burnigham and indeed we caught two 10 11 seen in our county. There are The Clifden Nonpareil is on the wing from late August to late plenty more species to be seen! October, so Moth Night 2019 in late September should coincide If you are tempted to take your with peak numbers and provide a great opportunity to map its interest further, please refer to current distribution in Britain. The caterpillars feed on Aspen and the Dorset Moth Group website other poplars, so woodland, parks and plantations with these trees for further encouragement or contact me. I am not an expert but a very enthusiastic learner. [email protected] Jersey Tiger. Photo: Colin Burningham Telephone 01935 873219

Moth Night 2019: 26-28 Sep Themes for the 20th anniversary of Moth Night are the Clifden Nonpareil, and migrants

he combination of its large size (11cm wingspan), stunning blue-banded hindwing, and rarity have made the Clifden TNonpareil (or Blue Underwing) a holy grail species for Clifden Nonpareil. Photo: Mark Pike generations of moth enthusiasts. ‘Nonpareil’, meaning “unrivalled” or “beyond compare” is an apt name for this impressive insect. Apart would be good places to target your trapping, although the adults from short spells with populations in Norfolk and Kent , this moth are very mobile, and many recent records have come from garden has occurred in Britain only as a scarce immigrant from Europe light-traps; it can also be attracted to sugar. It occurs widely as an since at least the 1740s. immigrant, so it is also worth searching at the coast.

However, recently there has been a dramatic change in the status of Moth Night 2019 is also on the lookout for other migrant moths. the Clifden Nonpareil, and from about 2007, the species has colonised many counties along the south coast of England continuing See the Events List on our website nearer the date for details of to spread westwards and northwards. Big increases in records in local Moth Night Events. Devon from 2017 suggest that it has now colonised the county. The first sightings in Monmouthshire in south-east Wales were made in The Dorset Branch of Butterfly Conservation is one of 32 Branches of 2018, when it also reached the Midlands. It was recorded in Dorset this UK organisation, dedicated to saving butterflies, moths and the at Alners Gorse in 2015. environment. www.butterfly-conservation.org

12 13 seen in our county. There are The Clifden Nonpareil is on the wing from late August to late plenty more species to be seen! October, so Moth Night 2019 in late September should coincide If you are tempted to take your with peak numbers and provide a great opportunity to map its interest further, please refer to current distribution in Britain. The caterpillars feed on Aspen and the Dorset Moth Group website other poplars, so woodland, parks and plantations with these trees for further encouragement or contact me. I am not an expert but a very enthusiastic learner. [email protected] Jersey Tiger. Photo: Colin Burningham Telephone 01935 873219

Moth Night 2019: 26-28 Sep Themes for the 20th anniversary of Moth Night are the Clifden Nonpareil, and migrants he combination of its large size (11cm wingspan), stunning blue-banded hindwing, and rarity have made the Clifden TNonpareil (or Blue Underwing) a holy grail species for Clifden Nonpareil. Photo: Mark Pike generations of moth enthusiasts. ‘Nonpareil’, meaning “unrivalled” or “beyond compare” is an apt name for this impressive insect. Apart would be good places to target your trapping, although the adults from short spells with populations in Norfolk and Kent , this moth are very mobile, and many recent records have come from garden has occurred in Britain only as a scarce immigrant from Europe light-traps; it can also be attracted to sugar. It occurs widely as an since at least the 1740s. immigrant, so it is also worth searching at the coast.

However, recently there has been a dramatic change in the status of Moth Night 2019 is also on the lookout for other migrant moths. the Clifden Nonpareil, and from about 2007, the species has colonised many counties along the south coast of England continuing See the Events List on our website nearer the date for details of to spread westwards and northwards. Big increases in records in local Moth Night Events. Devon from 2017 suggest that it has now colonised the county. The first sightings in Monmouthshire in south-east Wales were made in The Dorset Branch of Butterfly Conservation is one of 32 Branches of 2018, when it also reached the Midlands. It was recorded in Dorset this UK organisation, dedicated to saving butterflies, moths and the at Alners Gorse in 2015. environment. www.butterfly-conservation.org

12 13 filled meadows, and around 30 if you can spot them as they are Durlston East Transect Walk species of butterfly. In 2018 we so well camouflaged. Lulworth counted 5850 butterflies, 31 Skippers are found on the south Brian Arnold writes about the Durlston East species - I need more fingers! facing slopes - my predecessor Transect Walk, of which he is the coordinator We see all the usual common John called them grey and boring, species, plus Lulworth Skipper, but when you see a female in the urlston Country Park Sarah, to cover when we are Essex Skipper, Dingy Skipper, sunshine it has that unmistakable lies a mile south of away, but Ben, who was an Clouded Yellow, Small Copper, fan shape making it so distinctive DSwanage, and has three apprentice ranger, has moved to Small Blue, Adonis Blue, Holly and beautiful. butterfly transects (East, West, another job at Durlston and may Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Silver- and Meadows), consisting of 320 no longer be able to help us. At washed Fritillary, Wall Brown, acres of coast and countryside. the March “Butterfly Trends” Grayling and Ringlet. For 28 years John Gilbert walked meeting in Wareham I received Durlston East, his dog knew the two offers of help, so hopefully There are several hotspots route well, and John followed we will able to do the counts for where we usually see particular behind usually with his wife every week in 2019. species. Wall Browns sun Rosemary. In 2016 they moved themselves on the coastal path to Sussex, so I took over from The transect is quite varied. The stone walls at Durlston Head. September 2016. My wife Lerida geology is predominantly Adonis Blue and Small Blue like usually accompanies me. The limestone, with meadows of wild Lulworth Skipper. Photo: Brian Arnold counting is quite hard when we flowers, orchids, woodland, may see up to 800 butterflies coastal and cliff paths, and a small Durlston is a gateway to the walking around the 3.6Km sheltered quarry overlooking the Jurassic Coast World Heritage transect. For the last two years sea. Much of the coastal area has Site which runs from Exmouth in we have had two other been quarried in the past the west to Old Harry Rocks at occasional helpers, Ben and providing small sheltered areas Ballard Down. It is also ideal for butterflies. The designated as Special Area of meadows are really beautiful Conservation, Site of Special during the spring, and the coast Scientific Interest, Area of affords fantastic views, with the Wall Brown. Photo: Brian Arnold Outstanding Natural Beauty and chance of seeing dolphins; we National Nature Reserve. The saw three Bottlenose Dolphins south facing banks on the coastal offshore waters are part of the in April 2018. There is a wealth of path near Tilly Whim caves, and Marine Research Area. The park wildlife at Durlston, more than Grayling seem especially fond of offers imposing views of Jurassic 3000 species have been found. the stone wall on the approach limestone sea cliffs which sweep Bustling sea bird colonies, rare to Durlston Castle, and on the round into two bays where coast path by the castle - that is rocks were formed in the late Painted Lady. Photo: Brian Arnold orchids, migrant birds, flower 14 15 filled meadows, and around 30 if you can spot them as they are Durlston East Transect Walk species of butterfly. In 2018 we so well camouflaged. Lulworth counted 5850 butterflies, 31 Skippers are found on the south Brian Arnold writes about the Durlston East species - I need more fingers! facing slopes - my predecessor Transect Walk, of which he is the coordinator We see all the usual common John called them grey and boring, species, plus Lulworth Skipper, but when you see a female in the urlston Country Park Sarah, to cover when we are Essex Skipper, Dingy Skipper, sunshine it has that unmistakable lies a mile south of away, but Ben, who was an Clouded Yellow, Small Copper, fan shape making it so distinctive DSwanage, and has three apprentice ranger, has moved to Small Blue, Adonis Blue, Holly and beautiful. butterfly transects (East, West, another job at Durlston and may Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Silver- and Meadows), consisting of 320 no longer be able to help us. At washed Fritillary, Wall Brown, acres of coast and countryside. the March “Butterfly Trends” Grayling and Ringlet. For 28 years John Gilbert walked meeting in Wareham I received Durlston East, his dog knew the two offers of help, so hopefully There are several hotspots route well, and John followed we will able to do the counts for where we usually see particular behind usually with his wife every week in 2019. species. Wall Browns sun Rosemary. In 2016 they moved themselves on the coastal path to Sussex, so I took over from The transect is quite varied. The stone walls at Durlston Head. September 2016. My wife Lerida geology is predominantly Adonis Blue and Small Blue like usually accompanies me. The limestone, with meadows of wild Lulworth Skipper. Photo: Brian Arnold counting is quite hard when we flowers, orchids, woodland, may see up to 800 butterflies coastal and cliff paths, and a small Durlston is a gateway to the walking around the 3.6Km sheltered quarry overlooking the Jurassic Coast World Heritage transect. For the last two years sea. Much of the coastal area has Site which runs from Exmouth in we have had two other been quarried in the past the west to Old Harry Rocks at occasional helpers, Ben and providing small sheltered areas Ballard Down. It is also ideal for butterflies. The designated as Special Area of meadows are really beautiful Conservation, Site of Special during the spring, and the coast Scientific Interest, Area of affords fantastic views, with the Wall Brown. Photo: Brian Arnold Outstanding Natural Beauty and chance of seeing dolphins; we National Nature Reserve. The saw three Bottlenose Dolphins south facing banks on the coastal offshore waters are part of the in April 2018. There is a wealth of path near Tilly Whim caves, and Marine Research Area. The park wildlife at Durlston, more than Grayling seem especially fond of offers imposing views of Jurassic 3000 species have been found. the stone wall on the approach limestone sea cliffs which sweep Bustling sea bird colonies, rare to Durlston Castle, and on the round into two bays where coast path by the castle - that is rocks were formed in the late Painted Lady. Photo: Brian Arnold orchids, migrant birds, flower 14 15 Jurassic and Early Cretaceous sheltered quarry facing east periods between 150 and 135 known as Caravan Terrace, a Butterfly Photography: Part 1 Million Years ago. The sheer cliffs favourite spot for Wall Brown, around Durlston Head are Ringlet, Small Blue and Small Mark Pike gives us his personal perspective on Portland Limestone. Copper. There is currently some photographing butterflies, starting with equipment major clearing work being I developed my own method for undertaken to open up views he advent of digital counting butterflies. My from the wooded area to the photography 20 odd years predecessor used a Dictaphone east, and many holm oaks are Tago provided me with the and wrote up his counts later, being felled. This will open up the perfect springboard to realise a but I designed my own A4 sized terrace, with the attractive stone passion for butterflies by chart, and after experimentation bridge on its entrance path capturing images of them. This decided to count 3 species in my visible from near the castle had been an interest from an head, plus 3 for my wife, then put entrance, so I am fearful that an early age when I used to sit with an “X” in the box every 10, and increase in visitors may have a my mother and father watching single dashes for odd numbers negative effect on butterflies with great fascination all the Adonis Blue. Photo: Mark Pike or for less numerous species. there - only time will tell. different species that used to I had previously used a film SLR This works well in theory, but visit the classic “butterfly bush” camera but never really did a my main hobby is photography, Durlston has seen some rare (Buddleia). There was a great deal with it, at least not in and when I see something immigrant butterflies. Alas I have particularly large one right the field of butterfly interesting I just have to stop always been in the wrong place outside the lounge window. I am photography, but it had served to and photograph it - essential for to see them, but others have sure in those days (early 70’s) accustom me with the handling differentiating species such as recorded Monarchs, Swallowtails there were far more butterflies and use of such a camera. So it Common Blue and Brown Argus, and Large Tortoiseshell. It must around? This interest eventually was that in 2001 I took the or Small and Essex Skipper - be my turn, fingers crossed, that I escalated into a desire to plunge and purchased a Nikon then I frantically try to will see something unusual in photograph all 59 of the UK D100, my first digital SLR which remember or write down where 2019. Finally Durlston has a species, of which I now need just was state of the art at that time I am with the counts. Anyone castle/folly, well worth a visit. It one, the Cryptic Wood White. and something of a revelation. I passing must think I am nuts - has an exhibition area, and café have never looked back since chanting 2,5,8 - 4,7,9 etc as we overlooking the sea and and only wish digital walk. On the cliff paths everyone coastline to Peveril Point and photography had been invented else stares out to sea looking for Bournemouth. We usually finish earlier! The great advantage of birds and dolphins, but we are the transect with a cup of coffee digital is not having to try and looking away from the sea at the and yummy cake which totally keep count of the frames until grass for Blues and Skippers. undoes all the exercise we have the end of the film and then taken walking the transect. panicking as you suddenly realise By Durlston Castle is a small Silver-spotted Skipper. Photo: Mark Pike 16 17 Jurassic and Early Cretaceous sheltered quarry facing east periods between 150 and 135 known as Caravan Terrace, a Butterfly Photography: Part 1 Million Years ago. The sheer cliffs favourite spot for Wall Brown, around Durlston Head are Ringlet, Small Blue and Small Mark Pike gives us his personal perspective on Portland Limestone. Copper. There is currently some photographing butterflies, starting with equipment major clearing work being I developed my own method for undertaken to open up views he advent of digital counting butterflies. My from the wooded area to the photography 20 odd years predecessor used a Dictaphone east, and many holm oaks are Tago provided me with the and wrote up his counts later, being felled. This will open up the perfect springboard to realise a but I designed my own A4 sized terrace, with the attractive stone passion for butterflies by chart, and after experimentation bridge on its entrance path capturing images of them. This decided to count 3 species in my visible from near the castle had been an interest from an head, plus 3 for my wife, then put entrance, so I am fearful that an early age when I used to sit with an “X” in the box every 10, and increase in visitors may have a my mother and father watching single dashes for odd numbers negative effect on butterflies with great fascination all the Adonis Blue. Photo: Mark Pike or for less numerous species. there - only time will tell. different species that used to I had previously used a film SLR This works well in theory, but visit the classic “butterfly bush” camera but never really did a my main hobby is photography, Durlston has seen some rare (Buddleia). There was a great deal with it, at least not in and when I see something immigrant butterflies. Alas I have particularly large one right the field of butterfly interesting I just have to stop always been in the wrong place outside the lounge window. I am photography, but it had served to and photograph it - essential for to see them, but others have sure in those days (early 70’s) accustom me with the handling differentiating species such as recorded Monarchs, Swallowtails there were far more butterflies and use of such a camera. So it Common Blue and Brown Argus, and Large Tortoiseshell. It must around? This interest eventually was that in 2001 I took the or Small and Essex Skipper - be my turn, fingers crossed, that I escalated into a desire to plunge and purchased a Nikon then I frantically try to will see something unusual in photograph all 59 of the UK D100, my first digital SLR which remember or write down where 2019. Finally Durlston has a species, of which I now need just was state of the art at that time I am with the counts. Anyone castle/folly, well worth a visit. It one, the Cryptic Wood White. and something of a revelation. I passing must think I am nuts - has an exhibition area, and café have never looked back since chanting 2,5,8 - 4,7,9 etc as we overlooking the sea and and only wish digital walk. On the cliff paths everyone coastline to Peveril Point and photography had been invented else stares out to sea looking for Bournemouth. We usually finish earlier! The great advantage of birds and dolphins, but we are the transect with a cup of coffee digital is not having to try and looking away from the sea at the and yummy cake which totally keep count of the frames until grass for Blues and Skippers. undoes all the exercise we have the end of the film and then taken walking the transect. panicking as you suddenly realise By Durlston Castle is a small Silver-spotted Skipper. Photo: Mark Pike 16 17 sensor and produces very high- quality images. In fact, one of my tips is to use a digicam with a large enough sensor size (20mp plus) so that even if an image is taken at quite a distance (very common with butterflies) this Brown Hairstreak. Photo: Mark Pike size would allow for quite a bit of cropping at the processing you forgot to bring a new film stage and still produce a very with you! With the large number good non-pixelated image. I use Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Photo: Mark Pike of images that you are able to Photoshop Elements for all of any situation. The exception to of snacks etc., and is ideal for store on a memory card it my processing/editing and only this is when your butterfly has when I use my motorcycle. It meant that in those early years I usually crop and level up images perched high in a tree. However, also frees up both of your hands was able to practice at leisure, and adjust tone/saturation if to get a decent shot of that when photographing: nothing though with varying success. I required. must state at this point that I am would mean forking out in worse than having to keep excess of three grand on a zoom dropping your bag and picking it in no way an expert when it Of course, getting good images is lens and even then, there is no up all the time, especially if you comes to the technical side of not all about what camera you guarantee you will get your shot are on a steeply sloping hillside camera settings etc., but over have, indeed perfectly good of course! such as Fontmell Down! When the years I have reached a point images can be obtained from closer to home I very often just where I am happy with the much smaller cameras and even Tripods are another item: I need take the D7200+150mm in a minimal gear I have and the mobile phones these days, as to travel light as I drive a small bag with nothing else and settings that I use. After using a long as these devices have motorcycle, not a car. I also find leave the backpack at home. few different DSLR’s (always sensors of at least 20mp. The tripods very cumbersome and Nikon as a personal preference) other very important factor is time consuming when “on site” Whilst I appreciate that not I currently have a Nikon D7200 your lens choice if you have an meaning that many shots would everyone is of the same opinion, which has a 24 megapixel (mp) interchangeable DSLR. This is a be lost as the subject would have with some people carrying bit of a minefield and is very flown away by the time you have various lenses etc, you can much open to personal set up! A monopod may be more probably deduce the main thing preference, but the lens I use manageable though I have not for me regarding equipment is to with my D7200 is a Sigma tried one personally. You will of carry as little as possible 150mm close up that cost course need something to carry whenever I can and I find it suits around £500 and produces this gear in and I use a dedicated me and my situation perfectly. excellent results. I have had this backpack which also has room lens for at least ten years now for a bottle of drink and a couple Elephant Hawkmoth. Photo: Mark PIke and it serves me well for almost 18 19 sensor and produces very high- quality images. In fact, one of my tips is to use a digicam with a large enough sensor size (20mp plus) so that even if an image is taken at quite a distance (very common with butterflies) this Brown Hairstreak. Photo: Mark Pike size would allow for quite a bit of cropping at the processing you forgot to bring a new film stage and still produce a very with you! With the large number good non-pixelated image. I use Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Photo: Mark Pike of images that you are able to Photoshop Elements for all of any situation. The exception to of snacks etc., and is ideal for store on a memory card it my processing/editing and only this is when your butterfly has when I use my motorcycle. It meant that in those early years I usually crop and level up images perched high in a tree. However, also frees up both of your hands was able to practice at leisure, and adjust tone/saturation if to get a decent shot of that when photographing: nothing though with varying success. I required. must state at this point that I am would mean forking out in worse than having to keep excess of three grand on a zoom dropping your bag and picking it in no way an expert when it Of course, getting good images is lens and even then, there is no up all the time, especially if you comes to the technical side of not all about what camera you guarantee you will get your shot are on a steeply sloping hillside camera settings etc., but over have, indeed perfectly good of course! such as Fontmell Down! When the years I have reached a point images can be obtained from closer to home I very often just where I am happy with the much smaller cameras and even Tripods are another item: I need take the D7200+150mm in a minimal gear I have and the mobile phones these days, as to travel light as I drive a small bag with nothing else and settings that I use. After using a long as these devices have motorcycle, not a car. I also find leave the backpack at home. few different DSLR’s (always sensors of at least 20mp. The tripods very cumbersome and Nikon as a personal preference) other very important factor is time consuming when “on site” Whilst I appreciate that not I currently have a Nikon D7200 your lens choice if you have an meaning that many shots would everyone is of the same opinion, which has a 24 megapixel (mp) interchangeable DSLR. This is a be lost as the subject would have with some people carrying bit of a minefield and is very flown away by the time you have various lenses etc, you can much open to personal set up! A monopod may be more probably deduce the main thing preference, but the lens I use manageable though I have not for me regarding equipment is to with my D7200 is a Sigma tried one personally. You will of carry as little as possible 150mm close up that cost course need something to carry whenever I can and I find it suits around £500 and produces this gear in and I use a dedicated me and my situation perfectly. excellent results. I have had this backpack which also has room lens for at least ten years now for a bottle of drink and a couple Elephant Hawkmoth. Photo: Mark PIke and it serves me well for almost 18 19 One such site is Silklake Quarry day brushcutting clematis, Portland Reserves update adjacent to our Broadcroft bramble and thorn scrub with Quarry Butterfly Reserve, BC volunteers and the EuCAN Nigel Spring writes about recent developments earmarked as a wildlife Dorset Midweek Volunteers. regarding our Reserves on Portland conservation area by Betterment With 19 people present and 9 mportant developments Dorset County Ecologist. Several Properties in return for planning brushcutters, we managed to have taken place in recent representatives of the Dorset permission for the Bumpers clear an enormous area, Imonths in our efforts to Branch of Butterfly Lane development next door. including some we have not secure the future of our Conservation attended the first This was offered by the revisited for several years! reserves and other butterfly meeting in February with staff developers to Dorset Branch in Portland is an exceptionally sites on Portland. Our lease of from Dorset Wildlife Trust, the winter of 2018/19 and important site for butterflies and the land at Perryfields Reserve Dorset County Council, Natural although the branch cannot itself moths and we will continue to was terminated in late summer England and BC Head Office, lease the site, we would be very lobby Butterfly Conservation at 2018 by the owners, the with the meeting chaired by happy to be involved in the Lulworth and the Portland developers Betterment Annabel King. One exciting management if the new CIC Conservation Forum to work Properties, but we have now aspiration of the Forum is to owns the lease. out a satisfactory and secure learnt that this was perhaps a establish a Community Interest arrangement for our reserves mistake on their part and they Company linked to the Portland The lease on Broadcroft Quarry and the other sites on the island. have told us that they would like Quarries Nature Park initiative, expired several years ago while to renew the lease. While this is which could enter into leases of the negotiations being negotiated, we have been important conservation sites on over the Jurassica Green shading given informal permission to Portland from the quarrying Project were shows areas continue to carry out routine companies and developers, and grinding on (this is within the habitat management work and to organise habitat management now to go ahead Portland Nature visit the site regularly for surveys there. There are several parcels merged with Memo Park initiative and for the weekly transects. of land set aside for as the Portland Eden This is very good news! In conservation management by project on a addition, the management of the these companies as part of their different site). In the adjacent carpark has now passed Section 106 agreements linked meantime, we have to Portland Town Council. to planning permission for new continued to carry developments. As yet very little out our usual grass The next good piece of news is conservation management has and scrub cutting Broadcroft that the syndicate of taken place on them in spite of management work organisations known as the the fact that a lot of the houses under an informal Portland Conservation Forum have already been built! agreement with the Perryfields has been reincarnated and re- owners, Stone Firms. energised by Annabel King, the We recently spent a 20 21 One such site is Silklake Quarry day brushcutting clematis, Portland Reserves update adjacent to our Broadcroft bramble and thorn scrub with Quarry Butterfly Reserve, BC volunteers and the EuCAN Nigel Spring writes about recent developments earmarked as a wildlife Dorset Midweek Volunteers. regarding our Reserves on Portland conservation area by Betterment With 19 people present and 9 mportant developments Dorset County Ecologist. Several Properties in return for planning brushcutters, we managed to have taken place in recent representatives of the Dorset permission for the Bumpers clear an enormous area, Imonths in our efforts to Branch of Butterfly Lane development next door. including some we have not secure the future of our Conservation attended the first This was offered by the revisited for several years! reserves and other butterfly meeting in February with staff developers to Dorset Branch in Portland is an exceptionally sites on Portland. Our lease of from Dorset Wildlife Trust, the winter of 2018/19 and important site for butterflies and the land at Perryfields Reserve Dorset County Council, Natural although the branch cannot itself moths and we will continue to was terminated in late summer England and BC Head Office, lease the site, we would be very lobby Butterfly Conservation at 2018 by the owners, the with the meeting chaired by happy to be involved in the Lulworth and the Portland developers Betterment Annabel King. One exciting management if the new CIC Conservation Forum to work Properties, but we have now aspiration of the Forum is to owns the lease. out a satisfactory and secure learnt that this was perhaps a establish a Community Interest arrangement for our reserves mistake on their part and they Company linked to the Portland The lease on Broadcroft Quarry and the other sites on the island. have told us that they would like Quarries Nature Park initiative, expired several years ago while to renew the lease. While this is which could enter into leases of the negotiations being negotiated, we have been important conservation sites on over the Jurassica Green shading given informal permission to Portland from the quarrying Project were shows areas continue to carry out routine companies and developers, and grinding on (this is within the habitat management work and to organise habitat management now to go ahead Portland Nature visit the site regularly for surveys there. There are several parcels merged with Memo Park initiative and for the weekly transects. of land set aside for as the Portland Eden This is very good news! In conservation management by project on a addition, the management of the these companies as part of their different site). In the adjacent carpark has now passed Section 106 agreements linked meantime, we have to Portland Town Council. to planning permission for new continued to carry developments. As yet very little out our usual grass The next good piece of news is conservation management has and scrub cutting Broadcroft that the syndicate of taken place on them in spite of management work organisations known as the the fact that a lot of the houses under an informal Portland Conservation Forum have already been built! agreement with the Perryfields has been reincarnated and re- owners, Stone Firms. energised by Annabel King, the We recently spent a 20 21 I coordinate at Black Hill and An Autumn of Copper Giant Hill completed all-time highest season totals of 66 and Malcolm Wemyss reflects on the butterflies seen 84 respectively, compared to last autumn, particularly the Small Copper only one and 15 for 2017. This version is updated from the print copy, with apologies to Malcolm for the errors. The species belongs to the Family Lycaenidae of Blues, s the last month of the everywhere. People commented Coppers and Hairstreaks meteorological about the absence of typical garden Small Copper ab. caeruleo punctata comprising many brightly Aautumn ended last butterflies such as the Peacock and Photo: Malcolm Wemyss coloured and lively examples. It is adaptable to a widespread year, we could reflect on the Small Tortoiseshell, even with a Burningham lives nearby and also long hot summer of Dorset good supply of popular nectar variety of habitats and the larval reported many specimens, so we foodplants of Common and butterflies. Very many species bearing flowers. This could be due had an unofficial competition to seemed to thrive in their to the absence of larval foodplants Sheep’s Sorrel readily colonise record the most sightings – think almost any open ground. It’s a specialist habitats, such as the in wilder areas of a garden, or I came second! radiant Adonis Blue over the limited meadows and field margins delightful brightly coloured and marked species which will spiral downs and along the coast, in the wider countryside. Further exploration in and superb Silver-washed away when disturbed and soon surrounding areas found plenty return to the same perch, so Fritillary through sun-dappled One species which was very scarce of the butterflies in fields, glades of ancient oakwoods – in previous cooler and wetter years quite territorial in behaviour. allotments, meadows, woodland Let’s hope the season’s success with the welcome Common was hugely successful with large clearings and more gardens. The Blue living up to its name, numbers of a third brood on the can be repeated this year for us last two glorious weeks of all to enjoy . . . numerous and widespread wing from September into recording on the transects which October: the Small Copper. It’s a butterfly that succeeds in hot conditions and the photographs Purple Hairstreak Evenings show the upperside and underside views, feeding on Sedum spectabile eter Cooper has been carrying out public counts of Purple ‘Iceberg’ in my Yetminster garden. Hairstreaks in Motcombe Meadows for several years. These The row of beautiful blue flecks Pwill continue, but this year it is also proposed to introduce a near the outer margin of the similar session at Alners Gorse. The dates for these evenings is upperside of each hind wing entirely dependent on the expectation of suitable weather identify this example as the conditions, and based on historical records at Alners Gorse is likely aberrant form caeruleo punctata, to be in mid-July. The dates will be posted on the Branch website Small Copper so a lucky sighting. Colin (www.dorsetbutterflies.com), so if you are interested in coming Photo: Malcolm Wemyss along, please keep checking the website from early July. 22 23 I coordinate at Black Hill and An Autumn of Copper Giant Hill completed all-time highest season totals of 66 and Malcolm Wemyss reflects on the butterflies seen 84 respectively, compared to last autumn, particularly the Small Copper only one and 15 for 2017. This version is updated from the print copy, with apologies to Malcolm for the errors. The species belongs to the Family Lycaenidae of Blues, s the last month of the everywhere. People commented Coppers and Hairstreaks meteorological about the absence of typical garden Small Copper ab. caeruleo punctata comprising many brightly Aautumn ended last butterflies such as the Peacock and Photo: Malcolm Wemyss coloured and lively examples. It is adaptable to a widespread year, we could reflect on the Small Tortoiseshell, even with a Burningham lives nearby and also long hot summer of Dorset good supply of popular nectar variety of habitats and the larval reported many specimens, so we foodplants of Common and butterflies. Very many species bearing flowers. This could be due had an unofficial competition to seemed to thrive in their to the absence of larval foodplants Sheep’s Sorrel readily colonise record the most sightings – think almost any open ground. It’s a specialist habitats, such as the in wilder areas of a garden, or I came second! radiant Adonis Blue over the limited meadows and field margins delightful brightly coloured and marked species which will spiral downs and along the coast, in the wider countryside. Further exploration in and superb Silver-washed away when disturbed and soon surrounding areas found plenty return to the same perch, so Fritillary through sun-dappled One species which was very scarce of the butterflies in fields, glades of ancient oakwoods – in previous cooler and wetter years quite territorial in behaviour. allotments, meadows, woodland Let’s hope the season’s success with the welcome Common was hugely successful with large clearings and more gardens. The Blue living up to its name, numbers of a third brood on the can be repeated this year for us last two glorious weeks of all to enjoy . . . numerous and widespread wing from September into recording on the transects which October: the Small Copper. It’s a butterfly that succeeds in hot conditions and the photographs Purple Hairstreak Evenings show the upperside and underside views, feeding on Sedum spectabile eter Cooper has been carrying out public counts of Purple ‘Iceberg’ in my Yetminster garden. Hairstreaks in Motcombe Meadows for several years. These The row of beautiful blue flecks Pwill continue, but this year it is also proposed to introduce a near the outer margin of the similar session at Alners Gorse. The dates for these evenings is upperside of each hind wing entirely dependent on the expectation of suitable weather identify this example as the conditions, and based on historical records at Alners Gorse is likely aberrant form caeruleo punctata, to be in mid-July. The dates will be posted on the Branch website Small Copper so a lucky sighting. Colin (www.dorsetbutterflies.com), so if you are interested in coming Photo: Malcolm Wemyss along, please keep checking the website from early July. 22 23 2019 - a Crucial Recording Year Vanishing Small Tortoiseshells

2019 is a crucial year for Our website has a map to show Malcolm Hull of Herts & Middlesex Branch (but butterfly recording, as this is the you where the white holes are. last year of our current five-year Searching them out can take you formerly from Dorset) has written about his recording cycle. After this year, to parts of Dorset you’ve never project on hibernating Small Tortoiseshells the slate is wiped clean and we seen before, and most of this esults from the Big start all over again. County is very beautiful. Butterfly Count have highlighted a decline in the We are asking you to record all As well as empty squares, there R numbers of Small Tortoiseshell the butterflies you can, anywhere are squares where the number butterflies. This year around in the County, but especially to of species reported is very 100,000 records were collected help fill our ‘White Holes’. limited (pale pink on the map), from across the UK during the so if you can add to them, that period 20th July – 12th August. ‘White Holes’ is our term for would be great. These showed that Small kilometre squares in Dorset Tortoiseshell had fallen by 32% where no butterflies have been Please do not trespass, and if you Small Tortoiseshell. Photo: Alison since 2017 and is now only the Copland. reported in the current are walking along a road, take tenth most observed species, recording cycle, and our aim is extra care of the traffic: lanes are down from fourth in 2014. The to fill as many as possible. A few not as quiet as they used to be. decline is most acute in England and the reasons for the slump are are impossible, such as those on not clear. No such concerns were expressed about the Peacock, the army ranges: we don’t want Let’s make this five-year cycle which was the fourth most commonly spotted butterfly. you to be shot! the best recorded yet! What Might Cause This Decline? Concerns about declines in Small Tortoiseshell numbers are nothing new. In Herts & Middx, its numbers fell dramatically in the late 1990’s, remained low for a decade and only showed any sustained recovery after 2012. The species is quite susceptible to parasites and particular concern has been expressed about Sturmia bella, a non- native species whose arrival in the UK appears to have coincided with the Small Tortoiseshell’s decline.

I am lucky enough to have Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks regularly in a shed which forms part of my house. This state of dormancy is usually referred to as hibernation. My casual

24 25 2019 - a Crucial Recording Year Vanishing Small Tortoiseshells

2019 is a crucial year for Our website has a map to show Malcolm Hull of Herts & Middlesex Branch (but butterfly recording, as this is the you where the white holes are. last year of our current five-year Searching them out can take you formerly from Dorset) has written about his recording cycle. After this year, to parts of Dorset you’ve never project on hibernating Small Tortoiseshells the slate is wiped clean and we seen before, and most of this esults from the Big start all over again. County is very beautiful. Butterfly Count have highlighted a decline in the We are asking you to record all As well as empty squares, there R numbers of Small Tortoiseshell the butterflies you can, anywhere are squares where the number butterflies. This year around in the County, but especially to of species reported is very 100,000 records were collected help fill our ‘White Holes’. limited (pale pink on the map), from across the UK during the so if you can add to them, that period 20th July – 12th August. ‘White Holes’ is our term for would be great. These showed that Small kilometre squares in Dorset Tortoiseshell had fallen by 32% where no butterflies have been Please do not trespass, and if you Small Tortoiseshell. Photo: Alison since 2017 and is now only the Copland. reported in the current are walking along a road, take tenth most observed species, recording cycle, and our aim is extra care of the traffic: lanes are down from fourth in 2014. The to fill as many as possible. A few not as quiet as they used to be. decline is most acute in England and the reasons for the slump are are impossible, such as those on not clear. No such concerns were expressed about the Peacock, the army ranges: we don’t want Let’s make this five-year cycle which was the fourth most commonly spotted butterfly. you to be shot! the best recorded yet! What Might Cause This Decline? Concerns about declines in Small Tortoiseshell numbers are nothing new. In Herts & Middx, its numbers fell dramatically in the late 1990’s, remained low for a decade and only showed any sustained recovery after 2012. The species is quite susceptible to parasites and particular concern has been expressed about Sturmia bella, a non- native species whose arrival in the UK appears to have coincided with the Small Tortoiseshell’s decline.

I am lucky enough to have Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks regularly in a shed which forms part of my house. This state of dormancy is usually referred to as hibernation. My casual

24 25 observations were that a good many Small Tortoiseshells go into Regular transects have been running only since July 2016. But casual hibernation before the Big Butterfly Count has started and that observations go further back. For example my earliest complete nowadays most of both species are hibernating before the count is record, for the winter of 1995/6 shows six Small Tortoiseshells and finished. However most butterfly text books tell a different story: “In one Peacock. Although I don’t have records from each individual year, Autumn, (Small Tortoiseshells) begin to search for hibernation sites, as the overall totals of hibernators in the last six years have been well early as mid-August.” (Emmet & Heath). Butterfly behaviour can often above the average for the previous two decades. change over time, but this view is still widely held – both Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks “come in during late summer/early Hibernation Period - Entrance and Emergence Times autumn” according to the December 2018 issue of the All Aflutter E- My records from 1995 showed that the sole Peacock left Newsletter from Butterfly Conservation. hibernation on 19th March and its successor went into hibernation between 3rd and 17th September. For many years I imagined that To test this theory, I set up a transect within a part of my house, hibernation took place at the start and the end of the butterfly known as the shed or cellar. The house is located in suburban St season. Historically that may have been correct, but regular transects Albans. It’s an early 20th century brick built structure, constructed to over the last 30 months have shown that Small Tortoiseshells can restrict heat gain. The shed is on the ground floor, unheated and with start to emerge in February, depending on weather conditions. Their approximate dimensions of 3 metres by 1.5 metres. It is used purely emergence is staggered, but mostly complete by the third week of for storage, is unheated, has no electric light and little natural light April. In the early warm spring of 2017, Small Tortoiseshells began with two small “arrow slit” type windows which contain no glass. emerging in early February and had largely all flown by the first The walls are substantial and it is protected from solar gain by a first week of April, a period of 8 weeks. In 2018, spring got off to a cold floor attic area. It seems highly attractive to hibernating Small start with two snowfalls in a very cold March. This was followed by a Tortoiseshells and slightly less so to Peacocks. No other butterfly very warm April with the hottest ever UK April temperature th species have been recorded in the shed. Numbers of hibernating recorded on 20 April. Small Tortoiseshells didn’t begin to emerge th th butterflies recorded in the shed each year are quite variable. until 30 March and had all flown by 20 April, a period of just 3 weeks. Year Small Tor- Peacocks Total toiseshells 2018/9 13 3 16 2017/8 23 0 23 2016/7 35 1 36 2015/6 17 2 19 2014/5 14 6 20 Fig 1: Small Tortoiseshell emergence, Fig 2: Small Tortoiseshell hibernation by Transect Week by Transect Week 2013/4 28 1 29 The next generation of Small Tortoiseshells can start going into Average 22 2 24 hibernation as soon as late June. Going into hibernation can be Table 1: The maximum numbers of butterflies recorded hibernating in the shed in staggered over a considerable period, sometimes lasting until recent years 26 27 observations were that a good many Small Tortoiseshells go into Regular transects have been running only since July 2016. But casual hibernation before the Big Butterfly Count has started and that observations go further back. For example my earliest complete nowadays most of both species are hibernating before the count is record, for the winter of 1995/6 shows six Small Tortoiseshells and finished. However most butterfly text books tell a different story: “In one Peacock. Although I don’t have records from each individual year, Autumn, (Small Tortoiseshells) begin to search for hibernation sites, as the overall totals of hibernators in the last six years have been well early as mid-August.” (Emmet & Heath). Butterfly behaviour can often above the average for the previous two decades. change over time, but this view is still widely held – both Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks “come in during late summer/early Hibernation Period - Entrance and Emergence Times autumn” according to the December 2018 issue of the All Aflutter E- My records from 1995 showed that the sole Peacock left Newsletter from Butterfly Conservation. hibernation on 19th March and its successor went into hibernation between 3rd and 17th September. For many years I imagined that To test this theory, I set up a transect within a part of my house, hibernation took place at the start and the end of the butterfly known as the shed or cellar. The house is located in suburban St season. Historically that may have been correct, but regular transects Albans. It’s an early 20th century brick built structure, constructed to over the last 30 months have shown that Small Tortoiseshells can restrict heat gain. The shed is on the ground floor, unheated and with start to emerge in February, depending on weather conditions. Their approximate dimensions of 3 metres by 1.5 metres. It is used purely emergence is staggered, but mostly complete by the third week of for storage, is unheated, has no electric light and little natural light April. In the early warm spring of 2017, Small Tortoiseshells began with two small “arrow slit” type windows which contain no glass. emerging in early February and had largely all flown by the first The walls are substantial and it is protected from solar gain by a first week of April, a period of 8 weeks. In 2018, spring got off to a cold floor attic area. It seems highly attractive to hibernating Small start with two snowfalls in a very cold March. This was followed by a Tortoiseshells and slightly less so to Peacocks. No other butterfly very warm April with the hottest ever UK April temperature th species have been recorded in the shed. Numbers of hibernating recorded on 20 April. Small Tortoiseshells didn’t begin to emerge th th butterflies recorded in the shed each year are quite variable. until 30 March and had all flown by 20 April, a period of just 3 weeks. Year Small Tor- Peacocks Total toiseshells 2018/9 13 3 16 2017/8 23 0 23 2016/7 35 1 36 2015/6 17 2 19 2014/5 14 6 20 Fig 1: Small Tortoiseshell emergence, Fig 2: Small Tortoiseshell hibernation by Transect Week by Transect Week 2013/4 28 1 29 The next generation of Small Tortoiseshells can start going into Average 22 2 24 hibernation as soon as late June. Going into hibernation can be Table 1: The maximum numbers of butterflies recorded hibernating in the shed in staggered over a considerable period, sometimes lasting until recent years 26 27 October. Hibernation dates are highly variable. In 2017 all the Small species producing a second Tortoiseshells were hibernating by 7th July, in 2018 hibernation was generation, which it did as complete by 5th August, but in 2016 the last five did not enter recently as 2016. Total numbers of hibernation until mid October. Small Tortoiseshells hibernating in my shed over the last six years Data on Peacock behaviour is less plentiful. Lower numbers attempt are encouraging, suggesting that hibernation in the shed, they seek darker recesses than many of the the species may be prospering by Small Tortoiseshells and appear to be less successful at surviving. adjusting its flight season. Whether it is hibernating earlier Tentative conclusions are: Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars which as a way of avoiding parasites, or have been parasitised. Photo: Rob Cook. Ÿ Peacocks mostly enter as a response to climate change, hibernation during the last or as a result of an influx of week of July or the first week migrants is not known. Some sources suggest that the parasite is of August. most active during July. It attacks the Small Tortoiseshells when the Ÿ Peacock emergence dates caterpillars are at a juvenile stage, so it is possible that the first were mostly recorded brood caterpillars which are active in late April and May are between mid March and mid relatively safe, whereas second brood caterpillars active in the April. summer are more vulnerable. Restricting themselves to a single I have compared these findings brood and going into hibernation at an early stage during the with data on butterflies seen on summer, could be the Small Tortoiseshells’ response. the wing, using records from my Peacocks. Photo: Shona Refoy local branch. Space precludes One shed on its own can give an indication but certainly not the their inclusion here, but broadly similar patterns are observed. complete picture. It would be really useful if other volunteers are willing to keep records based on the UK Butterfly Monitoring Conclusions Scheme transect methodology. If anyone reading this article is Small Tortoiseshells are now routinely going into hibernation much willing to help, please do get in touch. earlier than generally acknowledged. In 2017 most local Small Tortoiseshells in my area of St Albans were hibernating well before This is a summary of the full article which is available on the Big Butterfly Count had begun. In 2018, entry into hibernation the Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation website: was largely complete by the end of the first week of the Count. Had http://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk it not been for an exceptionally cold March, the Small Tortoiseshells’ malcolmhull@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk flight period would probably have finished earlier. There has not The photos were added by Dorset Branch. been a second generation of Small Tortoiseshells of any size in the St Albans area in either 2017 or 2018. The records of just two years can hardly be said to constitute a trend. The prospect for a future Funding is getting ever tighter. Please think about remembering increase in Small Tortoiseshells on the Count will depend on the Dorset Branch in your will. 28 29 October. Hibernation dates are highly variable. In 2017 all the Small species producing a second Tortoiseshells were hibernating by 7th July, in 2018 hibernation was generation, which it did as complete by 5th August, but in 2016 the last five did not enter recently as 2016. Total numbers of hibernation until mid October. Small Tortoiseshells hibernating in my shed over the last six years Data on Peacock behaviour is less plentiful. Lower numbers attempt are encouraging, suggesting that hibernation in the shed, they seek darker recesses than many of the the species may be prospering by Small Tortoiseshells and appear to be less successful at surviving. adjusting its flight season. Whether it is hibernating earlier Tentative conclusions are: Small Tortoiseshell caterpillars which as a way of avoiding parasites, or have been parasitised. Photo: Rob Cook. Ÿ Peacocks mostly enter as a response to climate change, hibernation during the last or as a result of an influx of week of July or the first week migrants is not known. Some sources suggest that the parasite is of August. most active during July. It attacks the Small Tortoiseshells when the Ÿ Peacock emergence dates caterpillars are at a juvenile stage, so it is possible that the first were mostly recorded brood caterpillars which are active in late April and May are between mid March and mid relatively safe, whereas second brood caterpillars active in the April. summer are more vulnerable. Restricting themselves to a single I have compared these findings brood and going into hibernation at an early stage during the with data on butterflies seen on summer, could be the Small Tortoiseshells’ response. the wing, using records from my Peacocks. Photo: Shona Refoy local branch. Space precludes One shed on its own can give an indication but certainly not the their inclusion here, but broadly similar patterns are observed. complete picture. It would be really useful if other volunteers are willing to keep records based on the UK Butterfly Monitoring Conclusions Scheme transect methodology. If anyone reading this article is Small Tortoiseshells are now routinely going into hibernation much willing to help, please do get in touch. earlier than generally acknowledged. In 2017 most local Small Tortoiseshells in my area of St Albans were hibernating well before This is a summary of the full article which is available on the Big Butterfly Count had begun. In 2018, entry into hibernation the Herts & Middx Butterfly Conservation website: was largely complete by the end of the first week of the Count. Had http://www.hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk it not been for an exceptionally cold March, the Small Tortoiseshells’ malcolmhull@hertsmiddx-butterflies.org.uk flight period would probably have finished earlier. There has not The photos were added by Dorset Branch. been a second generation of Small Tortoiseshells of any size in the St Albans area in either 2017 or 2018. The records of just two years can hardly be said to constitute a trend. The prospect for a future Funding is getting ever tighter. Please think about remembering increase in Small Tortoiseshells on the Count will depend on the Dorset Branch in your will. 28 29 Emergency Mobile Phone Dorset BranchWho’s Who Use in Remote Locations President Committee Member Brian Dicker Richard Norman* This article is adapted from a longer feature written Wincanton. Sturminster Newton. 01258 472887 [email protected] by Gareth Morgan of Dorset Countryside Volunteers, Chair & Reserves Manager Nigel Spring* Committee Member t is possible that, at remote When making an emergency call Sherborne. 01963 23559 or Stephen Brown* locations, you may be in an from any location, if possible it is 07981 776767 Dorchester Iarea with weak or no preferable to use a smart phone [email protected] [email protected] network coverage from your with up to date software Meetings mobile phone provider. Should (Android 9.0 Pie or later, or IOS Secretary, Garden Records & Wider Countryside Survey Arthur Bryant you be in such an area, and need 11.3 or higher). These phones Adrian Neil* Shaftesbury. 01747 228252 to call the emergency services are equipped with location Preston, Weymouth Conservation (999 or 112), your phone would services (a requirement under 01305 832937 Richard Belding, Dorchester roam to try and find an EU Directive 2002/22/EC). When adrian.neil@madasafish.com alternative network. If you are in you dial 999/112, your phone 01305 264868 [email protected] a group with other people, find turns on mobile data, wifi and Treasurer Georgie Laing* out if anyone has a phone that GPS. This enables it to Sales Stall Weymouth. 01305 766712 Colin Burningham 01935 873219 does have network coverage, as determine cell location from the [email protected] the emergency services cannot mast being used, check for any 07849 921594 call back to a phone that is wifi signals and determine the Membership & Branch Liaison [email protected] Robin George* roaming. location if possible; and tries to * denotes Committee Member determine the GPS location. This Gillingham. 01747 824215 [email protected] If you would be interested in joining the In remote locations near the information is sent to the Committee, please contact Nigel Spring. coast, it is possible that your emergency call centre. Records phone may roam to an Bill Shreeves* Butterfly Conservation. Company limited emergency call centre in France. To give the best chance of a Shaftesbury. 01747 852587 by guarantee, registered in England All European Emergency Call good GPS location, try to call [email protected] (2206468). Registered Office: Manor Yard, Centres have multilingual from a position with a clear view East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 Website & Social Media 5QP. operators and translation of the sky in all directions. Lyn Pullen* Charity registered in England and Wales services, and can pass messages However, the operator will Winfrith Newburgh. 01305 853946 (1254937) and in Scotland (SCO 39268) to the UK centres, so give them always ask for your location as dorsetbutterfl[email protected] All material in this magazine copyright details to pass on whilst asking location services are usually Butterfly Conservation Dorset Branch. Newsletter The opinions expressed in this newsletter others to continue trying to treated as supplementary unless Jane Smith* are not necessarily those of the society or contact the UK emergency call you cannot give your location. Sherborne. 01935 814029 the Branch. centre. [email protected] 30 31 Emergency Mobile Phone Dorset BranchWho’s Who Use in Remote Locations President Committee Member Brian Dicker Richard Norman* This article is adapted from a longer feature written Wincanton. Sturminster Newton. 01258 472887 [email protected] by Gareth Morgan of Dorset Countryside Volunteers, Chair & Reserves Manager Nigel Spring* Committee Member t is possible that, at remote When making an emergency call Sherborne. 01963 23559 or Stephen Brown* locations, you may be in an from any location, if possible it is 07981 776767 Dorchester Iarea with weak or no preferable to use a smart phone [email protected] [email protected] network coverage from your with up to date software Meetings mobile phone provider. Should (Android 9.0 Pie or later, or IOS Secretary, Garden Records & Wider Countryside Survey Arthur Bryant you be in such an area, and need 11.3 or higher). These phones Adrian Neil* Shaftesbury. 01747 228252 to call the emergency services are equipped with location Preston, Weymouth Conservation (999 or 112), your phone would services (a requirement under 01305 832937 Richard Belding, Dorchester roam to try and find an EU Directive 2002/22/EC). When adrian.neil@madasafish.com alternative network. If you are in you dial 999/112, your phone 01305 264868 [email protected] a group with other people, find turns on mobile data, wifi and Treasurer Georgie Laing* out if anyone has a phone that GPS. This enables it to Sales Stall Weymouth. 01305 766712 Colin Burningham 01935 873219 does have network coverage, as determine cell location from the [email protected] the emergency services cannot mast being used, check for any 07849 921594 call back to a phone that is wifi signals and determine the Membership & Branch Liaison [email protected] Robin George* roaming. location if possible; and tries to * denotes Committee Member determine the GPS location. This Gillingham. 01747 824215 [email protected] If you would be interested in joining the In remote locations near the information is sent to the Committee, please contact Nigel Spring. coast, it is possible that your emergency call centre. Records phone may roam to an Bill Shreeves* Butterfly Conservation. Company limited emergency call centre in France. To give the best chance of a Shaftesbury. 01747 852587 by guarantee, registered in England All European Emergency Call good GPS location, try to call [email protected] (2206468). Registered Office: Manor Yard, Centres have multilingual from a position with a clear view East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 Website & Social Media 5QP. operators and translation of the sky in all directions. Lyn Pullen* Charity registered in England and Wales services, and can pass messages However, the operator will Winfrith Newburgh. 01305 853946 (1254937) and in Scotland (SCO 39268) to the UK centres, so give them always ask for your location as dorsetbutterfl[email protected] All material in this magazine copyright details to pass on whilst asking location services are usually Butterfly Conservation Dorset Branch. Newsletter The opinions expressed in this newsletter others to continue trying to treated as supplementary unless Jane Smith* are not necessarily those of the society or contact the UK emergency call you cannot give your location. Sherborne. 01935 814029 the Branch. centre. [email protected] 30 31 Mating Pale Tussock Moths. Photo: Ann Johnson