Butterfly and Moth Events in Dorset No

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Butterfly Conservation Dorset Branch Butterfly and Moth Events in Dorset No. 90 April 2019 to September 2019 BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION DORSET BRANCH

Butterfly Conservation is an organisation dedicated to saving wild butterflies and moths and their habitats. Dorset has a very active branch of the Society which, as well as carrying out conservation work, organises guided walks and survey days. • Everybody is welcome at all events, except the few marked ‘members only’. • Most events are free - if there is a charge it will be mentioned in the listing, unless it is an event put together by another organisation in which case we may not have received the relevant information. • Butterflies will not fly unless it is fairly warm and sunny, so if the weather makes you dubious you are welcome to phone the contact listed for each walk. • Reduce the risk of being bitten by ticks: avoid exposed skin by wearing long trousers tucked into socks and long sleeves, avoid long and overhanging vegetation, keep to footpaths and consider using insect repellent. Check skin and clothing when in the field and again on return home. • Some of the walks are on private land which is not open to the public at times other than those stated. • Conservation work days start at 10.00am unless stated, and are suitable for all the family except the very young. Children should be accompanied. Please wear stout footwear and protective gloves, and bring a packed lunch. You are advised to ensure your tetanus injections are up to date. ………………………………………………………………………………

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England (2206468) Registered Office: Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5QP Charity registered in England & Wales (254937) and in Scotland (SCO39268) Tel: 01929 400209 Fax 01929 400210 Email: [email protected] www.butterfly-conservation.org SUNDAY 28 APRIL species that thrives on this site and POT PLANT PREP PARTY which has been the target of a lot of Lyn Pullen in Winfrith Newburgh our recent management efforts. sells plants in aid of Butterfly There will be a choice of two walks Conservation from her driveway at either 10.30 am or 2.00 pm, both over the summer months, giving us starting from the Village Hall car a very useful source of income. She park and finishing in St Mary's needs some help with getting the Church for refreshments approx 2 pot plants which have been sitting hours later. The charge for the walk over the winter weeded, possibly re and tea will go towards St Mary's -potted and generally tidied up. A church funds and the other Festival little bit of gardening knowledge charities. For further information go would be helpful, but there will also to: http://cernegiantfestival.uk/. be jobs like cleaning up labels and Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 pots for re-use. 776767 or email Tea and cake will be supplied and [email protected] you will be welcome to look round the garden, though there are no SUNDAY 12 MAY guarantees as to the state it will be GUIDED WALK – CHASE in! WOODS Please let Lyn know if you are Spring butterflies and wild flowers planning to help, in case the weather are our targets on this walk. Expert is bad and the event has to be re- help will be on hand for the plant scheduled. identification which should include Cobblers Cottage, Winfrith some ancient woodland specialities. Newburgh. 2.00pm - 5.00pm. Bring lunch. Contact Lyn for details of how to Meet 11.00 am inside the gate to find her if you need them. Email: Greatstone Coppice on the north [email protected]. Tel: side of the B3081 about one mile 01305 853946 west of Sixpenny Handley, map reference ST 978 173. SATURDAY 4 MAY Contact is Arthur Bryant on 01747 CERNE DOWNS - Landscape, 228252 or 07711 404190 on the flowers and butterflies day. Guided walks along the Cerne Downs at Cerne Abbas. This should be a perfect time to see the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly, a WEDNESDAY 22 MAY SATURDAY 25 MAY GUIDED WALK – THE WORKSHOP ON BUTTERFLIES OF IDENTIFYING, SURVEYING LULWORTH & RECORDING This is the first of a series of walks BUTTERFLIES AND DAY- that are being hosted by The FLYING MOTHS Heritage Centre at Lulworth Cove In Dorset we run more than 60 throughout the summer. These transect walks for 26 weeks a year. will be led by either a Ranger or a That is more than 1500 walks, each representative of BC. The walks requiring a skilled walker to record will involve a climb onto Bindon all the butterflies seen. We also Hill which will be steep in places. take part in the national Wider The events are free to BC Countryside Recording Scheme, members but pre-booking is garden recording and casual advisable as numbers may be recording. This means that we are limited. Charges apply in the large always looking for more recorders, car park next to The Centre, map and to help you get started, we reference SY 822 801. offer a free workshop for beginners Target species are Adonis Blue, and those who would like to Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, improve their skills in order to take Small Blue and Small Copper.. part in recording. On later walks, Lulworth Skipper, Cerne Abbas Village Hall, 9.30 am Dark Green Fritillary and Chalkhill to 4.00 pm. Weather permitting, Blue will be among the target the workshop will consist of an species. indoor session including learning The start time is 11.00 am and it is from specimens, photos and expected that the walk will last presentations, followed by an about 2 hours after which you may outdoor field visit to nearby wish to stay on the hill with lunch butterfly-rich Giant Hill where we or visit The Heritage Centre. hope there will be plenty of For further details and booking, opportunity to put your ID skills ring The Heritage Centre on 01929 into practice. Please note that the 400155. hill, like many butterfly sites, is very steep in places and you will need sturdy footwear. Numbers are limited, so to book a place, please contact Robin George on [email protected] SUNDAY 26 MAY BUTTERFLY WALK ON WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE BALLARD DOWN GUIDED WALK - THE (SWANAGE) BUTTERFLIES OF A walk along the lower slopes of LULWORTH Ballard Down to enjoy this chalk For the second of our visits see downland site with its stunning May 22 for full details. views and the spring butterflies. Target species on this walk will Target species are Green include Adonis Blue, Lulworth Hairstreak, Wall, Dingy Skipper and Skipper, Small Blue and Wall. the first broods of Adonis Blue and Brown Argus. Meet 11.00 am at THURSDAY 6 JUNE Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to GUIDED WALK – WINSPIT Studland road, map reference SZ VALLEY 022 809. This walk will follow the route of Contact is Lorraine Munns on the Winspit Valley Butterfly 07973 853628. Transect with an additional diversion down to Winspit Cove MONDAY 27 MAY for the lunch stop. The route is GUIDED WALK - LYDLINCH moderately steep in places and may COMMON be slippery after rain so wear stout This is a key site for the Marsh footwear. Bring lunch. Fritillary and our winter work Meet 11.00 am at Worth Matravers programme here is designed to car park, map reference SY 974 maintain the habitat for this 776. species. With luck, there will also Contact is David Lonsdale on be nightingales singing. 01202 743609. Meet 2.00 pm in the lay-by outside the village on the north side of the SUNDAY 9 JUNE A357 near the turning to GUIDED WALK – ALNERS Sherborne, map reference ST 737 GORSE BUTTERFLY 137, nearest postcode DT10 2JD. RESERVE Contact is Colin Burningham on Guided walk to enjoy the 01935 873219 or 07849 921594. butterflies and other wildlife and to hear the Nightingales if they are still singing. Meet in the hut in the wood at 2.00 pm or arrive at 1.00 pm if you would like to have a picnic lunch there. Alners Gorse reserve entrance is WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE on the road from Kings Stag to GUIDED WALK - THE Hazelbury Bryan beside the BUTTERFLIES OF Hazelbury Bryan village sign and 30 LULWORTH mph sign. Park on the wide straight For the third of our visits see May road verge on the Kings Stag side 22 for full details. of the village sign, well away from Target species include Wall, the dangerous bend. Map reference Lulworth Skipper and Adonis Blue. is ST 736 100. For further information, contact SATURDAY 22 JUNE Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or MOTH TRAPPING IN email [email protected] MILLENNIUM WOOD, GILLINGHAM SATURDAY 15 JUNE Organised by the Gillingham Action GUIDED WALK – MARTIN for Nature Group DOWN The light traps will be put out in Joint with Wiltshire Branch the wood the previous evening and Martin Down NNR is worth a visit the catch analysed 9.30 – 10.45 am at any time during the butterfly on the Saturday morning. A good season. Our targets on this, St opportunity to get to know your Swithun’s Day, will be early- moths! It is hoped that this will be summer species like Small Blue, a family event, all welcome! There Marsh Fritillary and Dark Green will be refreshments and bacon Fritillary. Martin Down is also sandwiches available. renowned for its orchids. Car Parking at ‘Little Gems We meet at 11.00 am at the car Nursery’ 21 Brickfields Estate, park, map reference SU 058 192, at Gillingham SP8 4LT. Approach off the top of Sillens Lane which runs New Road onto Brickfields from the triangular green in Martin Industrial Estate, past South West village. Bring lunch if you want to Packaging, go between Stiles Metal stay for the afternoon but there is Craft and Brickfields Car Sales to an option to return to the car park Little Gems. Walk through the for those who want to leave early. gates to Tinknell Fuels depot and Contact is Andrew Daw on 07778 the wood is round the back. 146297 Coming by train to Gillingham Station - exit station on South side opposite the ticket office side. At top of footpath - turn right past database of information about the Little Gems to Tinknell Fuels and site. Millennium Wood - 200 metre Accommodation will be in tents walk. next to the farm buildings at Wyke Contact is Bob Messer, email Farm or in B&B’s nearby. Day [email protected] or visitors also welcome. Booking is phone 01747 821269. essential for this weekend. Contact In the event of bad weather, this is Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or event will be held on the Sunday email [email protected] morning. SATURDAY 29 JUNE FRIDAY 28 – SUNDAY 30 GUIDED WALK – JUNE BLANDFORD FOREST BIOBLITZ WEEKEND – This will be an exploration of field CHEDINGTON WOODS (nw margins as well as mature and Dorset) coppiced woodland. Silver-washed This is a joint venture between the Fritillary will be among the regular Dorset branch of BC and EuCAN summer species to be seen here. Community Interest Company. Meet at 1.00 pm at the picnic area We are looking for a team of on Okeford Hill, grid reference ST experts and trainees, both 812 094, amateurs and professionals, to take Contact is Richard Norman on part in a weekend of surveying and 01258 472887. recording a wide range of animals and plants in this under-recorded SUNDAY 30 JUNE area of Dorset. This will include GUIDED WALK – moth trapping, bird ringing, bat CHEDINGTON WOODS detecting, butterfly counts and AND WHITEVINE FARM surveys of wildflowers and lower SSSI plants. A comprehensive survey of Chedington Woods is an area of this land was carried out between hardwood and softwood 2006 and 2010 with the first plantations with some coppice weekend event last year. The woodland and with many species- owners and the forester rich wet flushes, on landslips west responsible for Chedington Woods of Halstock. Whitevine Farm are very keen to continue this on a adjacent to the woods to the north regular basis to establish a public contains extensive hay meadows renowned for their botanical 07711 304412 diversity. This walk, part of the WEDNESDAY 3 JULY survey weekend (see separate GUIDED WALK - THE entry), will provide an opportunity BUTTERFLIES OF to explore the fauna and flora on LULWORTH these two sites and is part of a For the fourth of our visits see weekend of biological surveying May 22 for full details. instigated by the landowner and Target species on this walk will the forester to add to the records include Marbled White, Lulworth for the area. Skipper and Dark Green Fritillary. Meet at the farm buildings at Wyke Farm at map reference ST 500 070 SATURDAY 6 JULY at 1.30 pm for a 1.45 start .Tea will DEADMOOR COMMON – be available at the end of the walk THE HUNT FOR THE (approx 4.30 pm). ELUSIVE PURPLE EMPEROR Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 Deadmoor Common is one of the 776767 or email last remaining tracts of what was [email protected] once a wonderful species-rich Please email or phone in advance habitat that extended over the to book a place. Blackmore Vale. In 2017, the Dorset branch of SUNDAY 30 JUNE Butterfly Conservation received a GUIDED WALK ON retrospective report of three of BROADCROFT QUARRY these iconic butterflies feasting on RESERVE a deer carcase and several years At this time of year there should ago another record was sent in. be plenty to see! An impressive Unfortunately these reports were colony of Silver-studded Blues can not followed up but we would like be found in this quarry reserve. to survey the area to see whether Meet 1.00 pm for approx. two this elusive and charismatic species hour walk. To find Broadcroft can be confirmed here. The area is Quarry Reserve, turn left off also likely to be full of Silver- Easton Road onto Grove Road and washed Fritillaries, Hairstreaks and about 100 yards on the right is a possibly White Admirals, track (opposite Portland Football The habitat is certainly suitable as Club) which leads to the car park, there are plenty of oaks and a few map reference SY 695 723. goat willows. Contact is Bernard Franklin on We will be meeting for a 10.00 am start on the sharp bend in the track Contact is Tom and Jean Smith on to Smetherd Farm at map 01305 567537 or 07717 437250 on reference ST 747 104 – see this the day. Google map: http://tinyurl.com/y4j97qwg SUNDAY 7 JULY Please wear thorn-proof and tick- MOTH TRAPPING AT proof clothing, bring plenty to CHETTLE HOUSE, nr drink as well as a picnic lunch as we BLANDFORD will be out until about 2.00pm. Courtesy of Mr and Mrs Sweet Binoculars will be very useful for -Escott identification. We have been invited by the Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 owners to set up moth traps on 776767 or email the night of July 6th to assess the [email protected] moth fauna of the land round Chettle House. Members of SUNDAY 7 JULY Butterfly Conservation and the GUIDED WALK – Dorset Moth group are welcome MISTLEBERRY AND to join in the opening of the light GARSTON WOODS traps and analysis of the catch from We are heading towards Garston 9.00 am on the Sunday morning. Wood, where the Purple Emperor Anyone who would like to bring a was seen last year, to look for trap and spend the Saturday woodland butterflies along the evening there (there are also rides recently enhanced by the facilities to camp overnight) should RSPB’s management. After lunch, contact Nigel Spring 07981 776767 we will return via a brief visit to or by email the eastern end of Chase Woods. [email protected] Meet at 11.00 am at Shermel Gate, map reference ST 989 192. North of Sixpenny Handley, turn onto Dean Lane, signposted to Deanland and Newtown and continue until Our website: the road ends. This road is narrow www.dorsetbutteflies.com/events in places so should be followed will take you to a map of any with caution. of the events listed here. We will be out until about 3.30 pm so bring lunch and plenty to drink. FRIDAY 12 - SATURDAY 13 woodland, scrub and grassland off JULY the Bristol Road. The Terrace MOTH NIGHT and GUIDED Meadow is a fascinating patch of WALKS – RYEWATER limestone grassland adjacent to NURSERY, BISHOPS DOWN Sherborne’s Terrace Playing Fields The Dorset branch of BC has been sports facilities. It is of particular invited back to Ryewater for a interest as the soil is unusual for weekend of mothing and butterfly the area, and supports flowers walks on this fascinating and (including orchids), butterflies and inspiring estate. We will be setting other species not generally seen in up moth traps in a number of the locality. different places on the Friday Join us for one or both guided evening – meet at 7.30 pm and walks, with flower and insect bring a tent if you would like to identification sessions. We will stay overnight. Map reference for meet on the Quarr at 11.00 am and parking and camping in the ‘R field’ at the Terrace Meadows SNCI at is ST 664 108. 2.00 pm. Tea will be available On the Saturday morning we will afterwards. be going through the moth traps For the Quarr, meet at the from 9.00 am. The guided walks to entrance by the Carpenters Arms look at the butterflies and other pub off the Bristol Road at map ref wildlife will start at 11.00 am and ST 637 174. For the Terrace 2.00 pm. There will also be access Meadows, park in the Terrace to the greenhouses to see the Playing Fields Car Park, map tropical butterfly collection. Please reference ST 641 156, signposted bring a packed lunch - and other off the A352 just south of food if you intend to camp. Sherborne and follow the footpath Contact for these events is Wren back towards the town through the Franklin on 07776 100613 patch of newly planted trees and up a few steps, map reference ST 637 SUNDAY 14 JULY 156. OPEN DAY AT THE QUARR For further information contact LOCAL NATURE RESERVE Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or AND TERRACE MEADOWS email [email protected] SNCI – SHERBORNE The Quarr is Sherborne’s local nature reserve, an area of young WEDNESDAY 17 JULY Silver-washed Fritillary. There may GUIDED WALK – still be White Admirals and White- DUNCLIFFE WOOD letter Hairstreaks on the wing. We This is our first visit for some time plan to have a picnic lunch by the to this extensive wood owned by hut at around 1.00 pm. the Woodland Trust. Silver- Meet at 11.00 am at the Alners washed Fritillary will be among the Gorse reserve entrance which is target species. on the road from Kings Stag to Meet 1.00 pm in the car park (not Hazelbury Bryan, near the 30mph on the roadside) by the track that and Hazelbury Bryan village signs. leads up to the wood, map Park on the wide straight road reference ST 817 223. verge on the Kings Stag side of the Contact is Robin George on 01747 village sign, well away from the 824215. dangerous bend. Map reference is ST 736100. WEDNESDAY 17 JULY Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 GUIDED WALK - THE 776767 or email BUTTERFLIES OF [email protected] LULWORTH Continuing our visits, the target WEDNESDAY 31 JULY species will include Chalkhill Blue, GUIDED WALK - THE Lulworth Skipper, Essex Skipper BUTTERFLIES OF and Dark Green Fritillary. See May LULWORTH 22 for full details. Our sixth visit to this splendid hilltop habitat. See May 22 for full 19 JULY – 11 AUGUST details. BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT Chalkhill Blue, Dark Green To find out more and how to take Fritillary, Gatekeeper and Essex part, go to Skipper are target species. www.bigbutterflycount.org SUNDAY 4 AUGUST SUNDAY 28 JULY RODWELL TRAIL - GUIDED WALK - ALNERS BUTTERFLY GORSE IDENTIFICATION WALK Joint with Devon Branch A walk along the old railway line The Brown and Purple Hairstreaks between Weymouth and Portland. will be among the targets, along This walk is ideal for families and with other summer species like the those wishing to improve identification skills. the end of 2017. A formal transect Meet at 2.00 pm at the café in was set up last year and 28 species Sandsfoot Castle gardens, Old were recorded then. An impressive Castle Road, Weymouth, map colony of Small Blues has reference SY 675 775, postcode developed. DT4 8QE. Meet at 1.00 pm at the truncated Contact is Bernard Franklin on end of the Broadmayne road where 07711 304412 it meets the relief road, map reference SY 674 859. N.B. Access THURSDAY 8 AUGUST is only possible from the eastern GUIDED WALK - TYNEHAM side of the relief road. and COASTAL PATH Contact is Adrian Neil on 01305 This walk may be steep in places 832937 but will bring rewarding sea views. We will hopefully catch the SUNDAY 11 AUGUST emerging second brood of Adonis GUIDED WALK – MARTIN Blue and Wall and find Lulworth DOWN NNR Skipper which will be coming to the Joint with Bournemouth end of its flight period. Natural Science Society Meet 11.00 am at the Tyneham car Target species include Silver- park (charges apply), map reference spotted Skipper, Chalkhill Blue and SY 882 802 and bring a packed hopefully second-brood Adonis lunch. Contact is Tom and Jean Blue. Bring a packed lunch as we Smith on 01305 567537 or 07717 will be stopping for lunch about 437250 on the day. halfway round the walk but there is an option to return to the car park SATURDAY 10 AUGUST for those who wish to leave early. GUIDED WALK – We meet at 10.30 am in the car WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD park, map reference SU 058 192, at During the construction of the the top of Sillens Lane which runs road an imaginative plan was from the triangular green in Martin devised to create new herb-rich village. downland on the slopes alongside Contact is Mark Spencer on 01202 it. Informal monitoring of 760621 or 07926 556653. butterflies started in 2012 and, as the site developed, an overall total of 29 species had been counted by SUNDAY 11 AUGUST SUNDAY 18 AUGUST BUTTERFLY WALK ON OPEN GARDEN – BALLARD DOWN SHILLINGSTONE (SWANAGE) Mike and Jennie Adams invite BC A return visit to Ballard Down to members and the general public to see the second brood of the visit their garden with broad Adonis Blue, Wall and Brown borders packed with a profuse mix Argus which will now be on the of plants – from the well-known wing. Meet at 11.00 am at Ulwell and old-fashioned across the lay-by on the Swanage to Studland spectrum to rare and unusual – road, map reference SZ 021 809. including perennials, self-seeding Contact Jon Bellamy 01929 450182. annuals, bulbs, climbers, shrubs, trees and edibles, covering the WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST ground and clothing fences, walls, GUIDED WALK – THE hedges and wooden frameworks. BUTTERFLIES OF They were in the National Gardens LULWORTH Scheme Yellow Book for 20 years On this, our penultimate visit this until 2015 (and open for Butterfly summer, Adonis and Chalkhill Conservation in 1994 and 95) Blues, Grayling and Dark Green opening every year in late August Fritillary will be among the target and so specialising in late-flowering species. See May 22 for full details. and architectural subtropicals both outside and in the large glasshouse. FRIDAY 16 AUGUST Non-botanical surprises too! UPTON HEATH MOTHS Coombe Cottage (DT10 0SF) lies AND BUTTERFLIES on the main A357 in the middle of Joint with Dorset Wildlife Shillingstone between Gunn Lane Trust (where parking is advised) and the 9.00 am Moths. The inspection of Old Ox pub. You are asked to the overnight moth trap. donate £3 per head (under-16s 11.00 am Butterfly Walk on free), which will be donated in full Upton Heath for Grayling and to BC. There may also be a few other wildlife. home-grown plants for sale. The Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre, garden will be open between 2.00 Corfe Mullen, map reference SY and 5.30 pm and phone enquiries 977 948, postcode BH21 3RX. may be made to 01258 860220. Contact is Andy Fale on 07970 552673 THURSDAY 22 AUGUST This is the week of The Great GUIDED WALK - Dorset Steam Fair so avoid the OSMINGTON (East of Blandford area at all costs. Weymouth) Contact is Andrew Daw on 07778 A downland and country lane walk 146297. on which we should find at least 15 species of butterfly. The targets SATURDAY 24 / SUNDAY 25 will include Adonis Blue and Wall. AUGUST There is a choice to return to the OAK FAIR, STOCK start making a 2 hour walk or then GAYLARD PARK have a picnic lunch if you wish to Stock Gaylard Estate is a small continue to make a total of 4½ traditional country estate just over hours walking and watching. 4 miles from Sturminster Newton Meet at 11.00 am outside and 8 miles from Sherborne. Osmington church, map reference Come and find us on Conservation SY 725 829. Row at this popular festival, details Contact is Colin Burningham on of which can be found at 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 www.stockgaylard.com/the-oak- 921594 fair.asp Contact is Colin Burningham on SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 01935 873219 or mobile 07849 GUIDED WALK - FONTMELL 921594 DOWN Joint with Wiltshire Branch WEDNESDAY 28 AUGUST The last Dorset refuge of the Silver GUIDED WALK – THE -spotted Skipper, Fontmell offers a BUTTERFLIES OF great opportunity to study this and LULWORTH other downland specialities like Our series of walks concludes Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blue and today. Adonis Blue, Grayling, the second brood of Adonis Blue. Clouded Yellow and Wall will be Bring stout footwear and a packed among the target species. See May lunch if staying for the afternoon 22 for full details. visit to the lower slopes. Meet 11.00 am at the National SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Trust car park, map reference ST GUIDED WALK - WINSPIT, 886 187. There is alternative PURBECK parking around the triangle at ST We end the walk season with a 888 185. pleasant coastal walk (steep in places) for late butterflies and is ST 736 100. migrating birds. Wear stout For further information, contact footwear and bring packed lunch. Nigel Spring on 07981 776767 or Meet 11.00 am at Worth Matravers email [email protected] car park, map ref SY 974 776. Contact is Arthur Bryant on 01747 THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 228252 or 07711 404190 on the day. NATIONAL MOTH NIGHT EVENT (See over for further info SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER on National Moth Night) DORSET COUNTY SHOW, Urban Wildlife Centre, Corfe Dorchester Showground, Mullen, Dorchester. 9.00 am. Moth trap opening. Come and find us in the Bee Tent Map reference SY 978 950, at the top of the field, and visit our postcode BH21 3RX. Contact is Information and Display Stall at this Andy Fale on 07970 552673. busy show. Childrens’ activities, live moths and sales. SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER Contact is Colin Burningham on CONSERVATION WORK 01935 873219 or 07849 921594 DAY Lydlinch Common SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER Lydlinch is part of an area crucial to CONSERVATION WORK the Marsh Fritillary. Conservation DAY AT ALNERS GORSE work is vital to ensure that the We will be continuing the habitat is kept suitable for its woodland and scrub management survival. Meet 10.00 am and park work to improve our wildlife in the lay-by outside the village on habitats on this fabulous reserve. the north side of the A357 near the There will be hot drinks and cake turning to Sherborne, map for refreshment. Join us if you can reference ST 737 137. The nearest between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm postcode is DT10 2JD. Alners Gorse reserve entrance is Contact is Colin Burningham on on the road from Kings Stag to 01935 873219 or 07849 921594. Hazelbury Bryan beside the Hazelbury Bryan village sign and 30 mph sign. Park on the wide straight road verge on the Kings Stag side of the village sign, well away from the dangerous bend. Map reference THURSDAY 26 – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER MOTH NIGHT 2019 To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Moth Night, this year there are two themes – Clifden Nonpareil and migrants. The Clifden Nonpareil was until recent years only recorded as a scarce immigrant but it is now thought to have colonised some southern counties and there is evidence that it is breeding in Dorset. It is on the wing in September and October, so should be at its peak at this time. September is an excellent month for migrants but their arrival is dependent on the prevailing weather conditions.

Any other events we organise for National Moth Night will be on our website: www.dorsetbutterflies.com/events

Help us fill Dorset’s ‘White Holes’

2019 is an important year for butterfly recording, as this is the last year of our current five-year recording cycle. After this year, the slate is wiped clean and we start all over again,

‘White Holes’ is our local term for kilometre squares in Dorset where no butterflies have been reported in the current recording cycle, and our aim is to fill as many as possible. A few are impossible because they are out of bounds, such as on the army ranges: we don’t want you to be shot!

Our website has a map to show you where the white holes are. Searching them out can take you to parts of Dorset you’ve never seen before, and most of this County is very beautiful. Please do not trespass, and if you are walking along a road, take extra care of the traffic: lanes are not as quiet as they used to be.

Help us make this the best year ever for coverage of the County!