Past Events:

Here are details of some of the events which took place in 2008. In total there were almost 40 events - walks, moth traps, searches for special species, even a quiz night etc - all around the county. Please keep an eye on the Events page for details of upcoming events.

Saturday 23 August 2008: Michelham Priory

The last outdoor event for 2008 was aimed at future Butterfly Conservationists with Sussex BC members running a children's event at Michelham Priory. I needed some moths to show the children so I enlisted the help of some Sussex Moth Group members who joined me on a wet and windy night in the priory grounds to run some traps. Despite being warned that the priory is haunted no ghosts (or Ghost Moths) were seen but trapping beside the medieval moat produced Bulrush Wainscot and a variety of China-mark species. The China-mark moths are unusual in that their larvae are entirely aquatic, feeding on water plants. Despite the weather over 50 species were recorded. Thanks to Steve Wheatley, David Burrows, Wendy Alexander, Keith Alexander (who was stung by a hornet) and Sam Bayley - who trumped Keith's hornet sting by swerving to avoid a deer on the A23 on his way home, his jeep somersaulting over the crash barrier through a road sign and ending up on its roof in a hedge. Thankfully (and amazingly!) Sam was shaken but unhurt - but broke his moth trap.

On the day of the event we were blessed with some sunshine. Neil Hulme gallantly lead two walks for the children and their parents taking 50 keen naturalists on a butterfly safari around the Priory grounds. Clare Jeffers held a story session and read a tale about a butterfly to a captivated group of children who seemed to know more about the lepidopteral life cycle than me. Throughout the day many children visited our stall and took part in some butterfly drawing and colouring. There weren't many big or colourful moths in the trap which I opened in front of the children in the morning but their delight as a Large Yellow Underwing took off to reveal its hidden colours and their excitement when Neil showed them the Large White caterpillars munching on the Priory's broccoli reminded me why we have braved the hornets, rain, deer and high winds for this event - and indeed all the other events throughout 2008's rather breezy butterfly season.

Everyone at Sussex BC would like to thank all our members - both old and new - who have helped and attended at our events throughout the year and have made it another memorable season - we look forward to seeing you all at our AGM on October 18th (Michael Blencowe).

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Saturday 16 August 2008: Brede High Wood

The conclusion of the Rother Woods Project’s first year was celebrated on Saturday with a walk and picnic in the Woodland Trust’s big reserve near Sedlescombe.
The Project seeks to encourage better management of ancient woodland in the area between the Rivers Rother and Brede for the benefit of the diverse lepidoptera found there. The cloudy morning was not promising for butterflies, but as the sun came out several species appeared: Silver-washed Fritillary, Small White, Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Small Copper and Brimstone. Dozens of dragonflies - Migrant Hawkers, Common and Ruddy Darters - also patrolled the sheltered meadow where we ate lunch.

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Saturday 9 August 2008: Windover Hill

For a species that flies mainly in August you'd think the Grayling would have the pick of the best of the years weather - but today the 'unsettled' weather conditions continued after a week which has seen lightning storms, flash flooding, golfball-sized hailstorms and a tornado warning issued to the Newhaven area. Despite the weather 23 members attended the East Sussex Grayling Festival event at Windover Hill today. After the customary illustrated Grayling lecture we headed up the chalk track to the hill - once there the team were carefully positioned around the valley for a meticulously choreographed survey of the area. Unfortunately anything flying today was being snatched up by the wind as soon as it poked it's antennae above the grass making identification rather tricky. Despite this an impressive 27 Grayling were seen - many allowing good views by doing what Grayling do best - sitting there in the belief they are invisible. Everyone had a good chance to become acquainted with this wonderful butterfly - and Susan Suleski was eventually able to find and identify her very own Grayling. Also seen today Wall, Silver-spotted Skipper, Adonis Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Blue and many Ochreous Pearl Mecyna flavalis moths. But at the end of the walk the rain started - and from our viewpoint on the summit of the hill we could see that it wasn't going to end any time soon - so we scurried back to the car park and all headed of to the Plough & Harrow in Litlington for drinks and conversation until 3. Thanks to everyone who came for their help and for making this another enjoyable outing despite the weather. (Michael Blencowe)

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Sunday 3 August 2008: Weavers Down

It takes more than low level cloud and two angry bovines to deter Grayling Festival attendees. As Adrian mentioned I was joined by 17 others for this years Grayling hunt in the Wild West of Sussex. After an introductory lesson in Graylingology we headed out under threatening skies to Weavers Down & Black Down. There were no Grayling to be seen today but plenty of other interesting species such as Beautiful Yellow Underwing, Dartford Warbler and Bog Bush Cricket put in an appearance. But who needs Grayling when you have such a variety of cake! (Thanks to Clare, Helen, Hilary, Christine, Anna & Lesley). Also thanks need to go out to Alan, Pete and John who saved the rest of the team from the two most aggressive bullocks in West Sussex (while Neil and myself cowered behind a fence). The day ended up on the top of Sussex - at it's highest point; Black Down - an impressive area of heathland where, the warden reports, Grayling are taking advantage of recent habitat management - and where we took advantage of a plentiful crop of wild bilberries. Thanks to everyone who attended and made a grey Sunday such an enjoyable day out (Michael Blencowe)

Well, what a grizzly, drizzly weekend, but congratulations to the 18 people who turned up for Michael's Grayling Festival on the very western fringes of Sussex looking to establish whether Grayling's still have a toehold here. In the wind and cloud, no Graylings unfortunately, and only a smattering of commoner species, and 14 Wood Lark, but wonderful camaraderie, heroic picnic catering from Michael and Clare, an interesting introduction to some of our lesser known sites (Weaver's Down and Black Down), and astonishing mountains of cake. I can only but recommend that you give next weekend's East Sussex Grayling Fest a try (Adrian Thomas)

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Sunday 27 July: Steyning Downland

Ten people attended the walk to the Lower Horseshoe and Rifle Range behind Steyning, run for the benefit of both Butterfly Conservation and Steyning Downland Scheme supporters. Despite excellent weather conditions, it was meeting some of the local characters for the first time, and not the butterflies, that made the event so enjoyable from a personal point of view. When I first surveyed the area in 2007, there were at least some important species 'holding on' here, albeit in very low numbers. Unfortunately the habitat is very 'out of condition' and the small areas suitable for butterflies (and much of the calcicolous flora) have become further diminished and fragmented. Exacerbated by the poor summer weather of 2007, the majority of species have gone beyond 'tipping point'. Wall, Chalkhill Blue, Brown Argus and second brood Dingy Skipper, all of which were seen at this time last year, failed to show. The number of Marbled Whites could be counted on the fingers of one hand, and the Common Blue and skippers were found only in small, localised groups. I believe that there are some conflicting issues regarding land usage, but unless some intensive grazing can be re-established, the potential beauty of this area will remain latent. On the way home I decided to visit the Downs behind Amberley, which tell a much happier story. I met a nice couple up there who are just starting to get interested in butterflies. Those of us who have studied them for a long period should never forget that identifying the various species 'from scratch' is initially a quite daunting prospect! So I pointed out some of the features of the Small, Common and Chalkhill Blues and the Brown Argus. Of course it doesn't make matters any simpler if the first female Chalkhill Blue you look at is an aberrant form! I managed to get some reasonable pictures of this aberrant postcaeca. (Neil Hulme)

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Friday 25 July 2008: Butchershole Bottom (Friston Forest)

The BC 40th Anniversary, 'Save Our Butterflies Week' walk to Butchershole Bottom (Friston Forest) was a roaring success, despite 'marginal' weather conditions. Led by our very own 'Pied Piper', Michael Blencowe, a whopping 39 people formed a long, sinuous string across this prolific chalk grassland site, later taking in the outskirts of the forest itself. Caroline Clarke and myself helped field questions from many of those attending a BC walk for the first time (we hope you will all come again sometime), while back at HQ (Michael and Clare's place), Clare prepared to 'water the troops'.

Despite overcast conditions the Chalkhill Blues were here in abundance, appearing from the grass in great clouds. At the far corner of the grassland area we found a few Common Blue, Marbled White and Small Copper, and en route some of us discussed the eternal problems with differentiating Small and Essex Skipper. Some giant Great Green Bush Crickets 'wowed' the party before we entered the wooded section of the walk. Peacock, Comma, Ringlet, Gatekeeper and a Dark Green Fritillary were all seen before we headed back to HQ for tea and biccies (many thanks to Clare and helpers). Michael then ceremoniously divulged the contents of his moth traps, proving that his own design, which looks like something from 'Scrapheap Challenge', was just as effective as the expensive shop-bought variety. A full list of species will appear shortly, but highlights included Olive Crescent, a female Four-spotted Footman, Clouded Magpie, 3 Garden Tiger and the usual 'show-off' hawkmoths.

All in all it was a very enjoyable event. Many thanks to Michael and Clare, and to Caroline for helping out. After the crowds had dispersed (and a little more sunshine helped things along!), Michael, Stuart Sutton (Forest Enterprise) and I returned to the grassland area to discuss how this could possibly be further improved. By now the Chalkhill Blues were swarming, and the little gifts left by our canine friends were hosting up to a dozen hungry males (yuk!). Butchershole Bottom deserves much greater recognition as a butterfly site, and if we can further extend the suitable areas, it really does have the potential to rank amongst the best in the UK for the species. (Neil Hulme)

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Saturday 19 July 2008: Farm Butterfly Walk in Rother

A walk at a superb farm near Beckley revealed hundreds of Meadow Browns, also Gatekeepers, Green-veined Whites and a Common Blue (an early second brood female). We got to see how the farm is developing wonderful wild-flower meadows, hedgrows and green lanes, and a variety ponds - all excellent for wildlife diversity. The farm also includes a sweet chestnut woodland which is coppiced on rotation.

On our return to the farm house we were greeted by 2 friendly lambs and got to fuss the pigs.

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Sunday 13 July 2008: Preston Park

The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service kindly gave a lift to the top of one of the 'Preston Twins' (reputedly the oldest English elm trees in the world) and a 130-year-old Wheatley elm in Preston Park, Brighton. As part of the Big Brighton Bio-diversity Butterfly Count, Prof David Bellamy joined me, Dan Hoare and the event organisers - Martin Pett and Dan Danahar - and together we found 10 White-letter Hairstreaks flying high in the tree canopy. Special thanks to firemen Steve, Rick and Craig and to all who attended. (Caroline Clarke)

Below: Caroline and David Bellamy don their helmets for a spot of extreme butterflying:

 

Pickwell near Bolney

As Caroline Clarke was up a tree in Preston Park I jumped in to lead her walk around the Pickwell estate near Bolney. I was joined by a group of BC members (and a cat called Muggles) as we explored the woodland, fields and lakes of this private estate. Many woodland butterflies were observed in the glades - with Silver-washed Fritillaries swooping down amongst us and White Admiral gliding through the canopy. Thanks to all who attended and to Mike Duffy for allowing access to the site (Michael Blencowe)

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Sunday 6 July 2008: Purple Emperor walk at Southwater Woods

I was SO impressed that 19 people braved the elements and attended the BC outing to Southwater yesterday, proving that our members are a hardy bunch! We saw only 2 species of butterfly (Meadow Brown and Ringlet) and 2 species of rain (persistent and torrential). In order to add at least a little wildlife interest, we visited a Spotted Flycatcher's nest, to watch the adults feeding some very large, fluffy young. Hopefully my 'virtual tour' of the local Purple Emperors will allow others to return and see them. At least everyone now knows exactly where to look, when to look and what to look for, as I even revealed the location of my 'secret sap run'! I will be on holiday until next Saturday and any of those that attended the walk are welcome to contact me, if they are still having problems seeing the species and wish to meet up for another bash! Thanks to all for maintaining such good humour in the circumstances! (Neil Hulme)

Many thanks to Neil Hume for doing the honours [at the Southwater Woods Event today]. I went with my daughter who sat on my shoulders most of the time and ocassionally poked me in the eye. It poured with rain. Oh dear. Still the main thing is I now know where all the master trees are and what folk are on about when they say "Dogbarking Trees" and "Butterfly Corner". Amazingly there was a brave Ringlet on the loose and a Meadow Brown or two. I shall return!!! It was quite a busy group BTW there were about 19 of us. Thanks once again Neil!! (Danny McEvoy)

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Friday 4th July 2008: Downsbrook pupils at Cissbury Ring

Neil Hulme and Caroline Clarke give staff and pupils of Downsbrook School in Worthing a few facts about butterflies and moths before setting off on a butterfly hunt around Cissbury Ring.

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Sunday 29th June 2008: Kingstanding, Ashdown Forest

BC members visit Ashdown Forest to see Silver-studded Blue. Despite cloudy skies a few of these wonderful blue butterlies were spotted amongst the ling and bell heather.

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Sun 22 June 2008: Littlehampton Bridge

18 'hopefuls' turned up to the BC field outing to Littlehampton Bridge this morning, expecting to see the White-letter Hairstreak. Despite the poor forecasts throughout last week, the sun shone! However, the species had no respect for my planning and is yet to emerge at this particular site! (two weeks later than in 2007). Apologies to all those that came along (my fault - not Caroline's!), but at least you all know exactly where to look when they finally show themselves (watch this space). Butterflies were a bit 'thin on the ground', with a handful of Red Admiral, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper. The best of the bunch was a freshly emerged, summer brood (hutchinsoni) Comma and a sleepy Eyed Hawkmoth. After Littlehampton I went up to Southwater Woods, which was considerably more productive! 18 White Admiral, 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, 4 Comma, 50+ Speckled Wood, 50+ Meadow Brown, 2 Ringlet, 4 Large Skipper and 4 Red Admiral. (Neil Hulme)

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Sat 7 June 2008: National Moth Night

Highlights of the public National Moth Night 'Morning After' traps at RSPB Pulborough Brooks included Eyed, Elephant and Poplar Hawkmoths among the 51 macro species identified. Great to have participants from across the age spectrum (we think every decade was covered from the first up to the eighth!), and seemingly a surprise in every eggbox! (Adrian Thomas and Anna Allum)

An ambitious and fascinating National Moth Night in Rother Woods with traps running in five very different orchards, pus a morning event at Great Dixter House to open the traps. It will obviously take a while to get all the results together but highlights for me included Scarce Merveille du Jour and Scallop Shell. A massive thank you to David Burrows, Patrick Bonham, Mike Feeny-Brown and Stuart Cooper for running the traps. Also a big thank you to the orchard owners (especially Great Dixter House) for hosting the event. (Steve Wheatley)

Park Corner Heath National Moth Night and The Morning After: There was a good attendance at our reserve for National Moth Night from people (some of whom had travelled from Brixton!) and Moths (over 100 species if you include micro-moths). Last night, after an introductory moth lecture we toured the reserve hunting for moths in the evening (as well as bats, glow-worms and snakes) and this morning the contents of the three traps were emptied, identified and photographed. In the traps were (deep breath): Ghost Moth, Festoon, Heart & Dart, Buff Arches, Mother of Pearl, Angle Shades, Pinion Streaked Snout, Red Twin-Spot Carpet, Alder Moth, Dwarf Cream Wave, L-album Wainscot, Poplar Grey, Bordered White, The Flame, Buff-tip, Small Yellow Wave, Clouded Border, Pale Oak Beauty, Mottled Pug, Little Emerald, Satin Lutestring, Sliver Ground Carpet, Common Wave, Common Wainscot, Coronet, Small Angle Shades, Treble Lines, Buff Ermine, Peacock, Green Silver-Lines, Pebble Hook-tip, Eyed Hawkmoth, Coxcomb Prominent, White Ermine, Peppered Moth, Lobster Moth, Brown Silver-Lines, Green Carpet, Pale Prominent, Alder Kitten, Rosy Marbled, Brimstone, Large Emerald, Orange Footman, Spruce Carpet, Straw Dot, Common Swift, Common Marbled Carpet, Slender Pug, Marbled White-Spot, Broken Barred-carpet, Sharp-angled Carpet, Foxglove Pug, Scorched Wing, Sharp-angled Peacock, Tawny-barred Angle, Pale Tussock, Pine Carpet, Flame Carpet, Large Yellow Underwing, Birch Mocha, Miller, Willow Beauty, Small Square-spot, Iron Prominent, Ingrailed Clay, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Elephant Hawkmoth, Broom Moth, Peach Blossom, Marbled Minor, Pine Hawkmoth, Pebble Prominent. Thanks to all who came along and took part! (Michael Blencowe)

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Sun 1 June 2008: Park Corner Heath Open Day

Early visitors to today's Open Day at the reserve were in for a treat; a male Golden Oriole which flew off North after spending time singing from behind 'Peter's Seat'. Amazing! Throughout the day the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries behaved perfectly (an estimated 15 were seen), the Nightingales sang, the Brimstone caterpillars munched and the moth traps were overflowing! Hundreds of moths had us pawing through the i.d guides all day. I was asked by some visitors to print the list on the site - so here it is; Angle Shades, Cream-spot Tiger, Eyed Hawkmoth, Scorched Wing, Poplar Hawkmoth, Lobster Moth, Pale Tussock, Peppered Moth, Brown Silver-line, Willow Beauty, Orange Footman, Clouded Silver, Coxcomb Prominent, Pale Tussock, Heart & Dart, Buff Ermine, Common Swift, Oak Hook-tip, Iron Prominent, Clouded Border, Large Yellow Underwing, Green Carpet, Puss Moth, Alder Kitten, Flame Shoulder, Pebble Prominent, Treble Lines, Orange Moth, Lesser Swallow Prominent, Light Emerald, Peacock, Satin Lutestring, Green Silver-lines, Alder Moth, Birds Wing, Hebrew Character, Scalloped Hazel, Buff-tip, Pebble Hook-tip, Small Angle Shades, Silver-ground Carpet, Broken-barred Carpet, Coronet, Marbled White-spot, Common Marbled Carpet, Foxglove Pug, Sharp-angled Peacock, Spruce Carpet, Rosy Marbled, Sallow Kitten, Dwarf Cream Wave, Little Emerald, Ingrailed Clay, Light Brocade, Sycamore, Pinion Streaked Snout, Garden Carpet, Grass Rivulet, Pale Oak Beauty, Heart & Club, White Ermine and Blood Vein (and 5 huge Great Diving Beetles which scared the life out of me when they hit the trap!). Thanks to everyone who attended and helped out during the day - especially Dave Mitchell, Derek Barber, Clare Jeffers and David Burrows (Michael Blencowe)

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Saturday 24 May 2008: Rother Woods Project Launch at Beckley Woods

Rother Woods Project Officer begins the hunt for woodland butterflies.

Rother Woods Recorders gather in Beckley Woods.

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Saturday 17 May: Night of the Living Grayling

It was dark; it was windy; it was cold but late last night you would have found 13 BC members crawling around high up on a remote downland hillside searching the grass with their fingertips for a 2cm caterpillar. After 2 long hours (during which time I could hear people cursing me under their breath - or was it just the wind?) the shout went out from Andrew Burns at 9:50 - "Got one!". There, in the grass was a sight rarely seen by many people in Sussex; a Grayling caterpillar - camouflaged and motionless - as hard to see as the adults. With renewed enthusiasm everyone raced back to their tussocks. Another was found - then another. In total 11 larvae were found before we stopped searching at 10:30. A big thankyou for all the brave folk who joined in last night - each caterpillar's habitat was carefully studied and recorded and last night's efforts will help us get a better picture of this species requirements and forward our conservation efforts (Michael Blencowe)

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Sunday 11 May 2008: Heyshott Down

An incredible 41 people attended the BC/Murray Downland Trust field outing to Heyshott Down today (photo below), and what a day it turned out to be! Given the stunning location, glorious weather and the wealth of experienced people on hand to help out with the fantastic array of flora and fauna (orchids, bees etc) on offer here, things looked good from the start. We soon ticked off the Duke of Burgundy, at the top of our 'wish list', and went on to see a total of at least 4. The Dukes provided many with a 'first' and others with some great photographic opportunities. Other butterflies included Green Hairstreak (8), Dingy Skipper (15+), Grizzled Skipper (4), Small Heath (1), Brown Argus (1), Holly Blue (8), Orange-tip (5), Green-veined White (5), Large White (2), Small White (6), Brimstone (6), Speckled Wood (3), Peacock (2) and Comma (1). Thanks to all that turned up today - I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! (Neil Hulme)

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Wednesday 30 April 2008: Darvell School in Robertsbridge

 

 

I was invited by Darvell School in Robertsbridge to lead a butterfly walk for some of it's pupils; but due to the awful weather we went looking for caterpillars instead. We did see one butterfly, a Large White that had flown into the classroom and one moth, a Feathered Bright (Incurvaria masculella) which has a feature unusual amongst micro-moths: pectinate (or feathered) antennae. The pupils also showed me a Puss Moth cocoon on their 'nature table'. (Michael Blencowe)

 

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Saturday 26 April: Brede High Wood

The Rother Woods Project first volunteer recorders workshop took place at Brede High Woods today, attended by 20 people. We saw Orange Tips, Brimstones, Peacocks, Speckled Woods, also a Holly Blue and a Comma. We also saw 3 suspected Clouded Yellows under the power line but more searching is needed to verify this exciting news. A big thank you to Dr Patrick Roper for leading the workshop. (Steve Wheatley)

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Friday 25 April: First Rother Woods Project Moth Survey

The first Rother Woods Project Moth Evening was held at Park Wood on the Brede Valley on Friday night. It wasn't too strenuous as you'll see from the team photo. Thanks to David Burrow's daughter for letting us invade her kitchen while the traps did the work. 31 species arrived at the traps. The highlight was the 5 different prominents - Scarce prominent, Great prominent, Pale Prominent, Coxcomb Prominent and Pebble Prominent. A very successful and enjoyable evening. (Steve Wheatley)

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Sunday 9 March: Park Corner Heath Day of Action

There was a fantastic turnout to the Day Of Action on our reserve at Park Corner Heath today. Over 30 people put on their gloves and helped out with some important habitat management. The task was to clear an area adjacent to the reserve which had recently been cut down by forestry contractors which was knee-deep in pine branches and logs - not ideal butterfly habitat!. Everyone got down to work and we sawed, carried, dragged and threw the 'brash' off the site and what a difference! - we turned a disaster zone into a great woodland glade. As we finished the sun shone through the clouds and I hoped the Brimstones I had promised would honour us with a fly-past - but we had to settle for another beautiful sight instead - Caroline and Clare with a mountain of bacon sandwiches. A big thankyou for everyone who joined us today - it was great to see so many new faces joining the regulars on the reserve. Our next work party will be on 13 April.

Action Men (and Women); The Catering Department; The Work Party

Before; During; and After. The work will create an amazing corridor for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.

 

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Saturday 26 January: Quiz Night, Barcombe

Butterfly Conservation 40th Anniversary Quiz: "Well, looking at the scoreboard I can announce the winners of the BC Quiz Nite 2008 are the The Camberwell Beauties (photo below: Neil Hulme, Clare Jeffers,  Steven and Amanda Teale, and Adrian Thomas). The Beauties fought off tough competition from The Hagisses, Super Pupa, The Eastbourne Birders and other teams to take home the trophy: The Red Admiral Ceramic Milk Churn of Victory. They kindly donated their winning money to Sussex BC. Thanks to all who attended for a very enjoyable evening; we'll certainly be planning another one in the future. (Michael 'Magnus' Blencowe)

 

A huge thank you to Michael for organising, quizmastering and entertaining with such, erm, 'creativity' last night, although I would say he was less 'Magnus Magnussen', more 'I'll have a P please Bob'.  The function room at the Royal Oak in Barcombe was packed out for the event, and we look forward to hearing how the Haggises fare with their 2nd place prize, a trip to the St Austell brewery which makes Clouded Yellow ale. This was a wonderful taster for our programme of events for 2008 which will be advertised shortly, and where we hope to see even more Sussex butterfliers.

 

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