Butterfly Conservation - Sussex Branch

Our events are a great way to see butterflies, learn about them, and visit some wonderful places and see many different habitats across Sussex.

Events 2010

Friday 19 February 2010
	Quiz Nite
	On Friday night 57 people squeezed into the function room at the Royal Oak in Barcombe for Sussex Butterfly Conservation's 3rd Annual Quiz Nite. There were tense scenes as twelve teams battled it out for the coveted prize of The Red Admiral Milk Churn of Victory. The teams answered six rounds of questions cunningly devised by quizmaster Michael Blencowe who was assisted by a giant dancing Lionel Blair. The duo of 'Ire & Brimstone' took an early lead closely followed by current trophy holders 'The Cousin Germans'. Neil Hulme's 'Camberwell Beauties' were keen to get the trophy back after winning it in 2008 and put in some good answers early on in the game. New team 'Blasts from the past' (Roy and Lin Neeve, Graham Parris, David Burrows and Reg Hinks) gained some ground in the second half of the quiz and 'The Beer Moths' put in a good showing. However after the scores were added up we had a clear winner - 'The Dingy Skippers' had out-smarted everyone to claim the prize for 2010. After conferring with his team, team captain Steven Teale announced that they would be donating the prize money to Butterfly Conservation. So thanks and congratulations to The Dingy Skippers (Steven, Amanda & Barry Teale, Danny McEvoy & David Bradford) - and thanks to everyone who attended and made this an enjoyable evening. We'll do it again in 2011 - although I think we're going to need a bigger room next time! (Michael Blencowe)

Saturday 20 March 2010
	BC Spring Social
	At todays annual Spring Social at Westmeston it was good to see that our members had survived the winter and were getting ready for the 2010 Butterfly Season ahead. Todays event started with Sussex BC's Biodiversity Officer Dr Dan Danahar who presented a thought provoking talk about biodiversity, extinction and how to inspire people to get involved with nature conservation and inject the 'Wow factor' back into peoples lives. Michael Blencowe followed Dan with a history of Rowland Wood - which has seen its fair share of extinctions in the past decades. After the raffle - assisted by Joe Morley - (good to have you back Joe!) - David Bradford presented his photos of Park Corner Heath. The intimacy and atmosphere David captures in his photos - whether of butterflies, adders or Rhyssa persuasori - caused more than a few audible 'Wows' from the audience. Thankyou to Dan and David and to everyone who attended and assisted at today's event (Michael Blencowe)

Saturday 10 April 2010
	Recorders Conference for Sussex Butterfly Atlas
	There was a very rare sighting at Clair Hall on Saturday April 10th - 100 butterfly recorders in the same room. The 'Butterflies of Sussex' conference had been organised by the chair of our recording committee Clare Jeffers and funded by an Opal grant. The attendance list was a who's who of Sussex butterfly recorders and we had all gathered for the launch of the Sussex Butterfly Atlas - a five year project (2010-14) to map the distribution of the butterflies in our county. After an introduction by the event's chairman, Neil Hulme, Michael Blencowe presented his talk 'Of Tortoiseshells and Tetrads' and looked at our current knowledge of our county's butterfly species. Clare Jeffers followed with a talk on our plans for the Atlas. All our members will shortly receive a recording form for the tetrad (2km square) they live in - with instructions on how to survey their square and help us with the project. After a fantastic lunch - with plenty of time for butterfly chat - Neil Hulme gave a very informative talk on how to find and survey some of our more elusive species. Crispin Holloway then talked about a butterfly that is becoming easier to find - the Silver-spotted Skipper - and gave a concise overview of its fall and rise in Sussex. Tom Ottley presented his identification talk and ensured that no-one in the room will ever have a problem with Small/Essex Skipper i.d ever again. From the 'feedback forms' we collected it seems everyone really enjoyed the day and, as one attendee put it "left fired with enthusiasm to record butterflies." A huge thankyou for all those who attended and helped and especially to Clare for organising such a successful day. It was good to see so many familiar faces but equally as good to see so many new folk getting involved. We are certainly blessed in Sussex to have so many keen supporters of our work - see you all in Northwest Sussex! (Michael Blencowe)

Saturday 17 April 2010
	Identifying and Recording Butterflies, Ivyland Farm, Netherfield
	It's going to take more than a cloud of volcanic dust to get in the way of a busy butterflying weekend in Sussex. On Saturday I headed out to Netherfield to lead a butterfly id class at Ivyland Farm. The 16 attendees sat through a talk on how to identify the 45/46 butterflies of Sussex and then they were let out into the countryside to put their skills to use (above, left). Steve Wheatley had arranged access for the group into the local woodlands which are being managed supebly for wildlife. Many spring species were seen - the commonest species on our walk was the Small Tortoiseshell (12). I've never had the chance to say that in the past 5 years!

Sunday 18 April 2010
	Members Tour of Rowland Wood
	I lead a special 'members only' tour around Rowland Wood. 31 members attended. The rides were alive with Peacock (15) and Brimstones (25+). The weather was perfect - warm, calm and clear blue sky for miles around - not a plane in sight! In fact the only thing we did see flying overhead was a cuckoo. Thanks to all for attending and especially to Danny McEvoy and David and Carole Jode for helping me with some rubbish disposal. It felt great to be out in the Sussex countryside again in such lovely weather. Made me almost forget that long, cold winter. Almost. (Michael Blencowe)

Saturday 24 April 2010
	The Butterflies of the West Weald Landscape
	Spent a very enjoyable day in Northwest Sussex on Saturday. In the morning I visited Lodsworth (surely the quaintest village in the county) and joined Rich Howarth of the West Weald Landscape Project to give a talk at Lodsworth Village Hall on the butterflies of that area. In the afternoon I lead a walk around Lodsworth recording butterflies in the local tetrad. In the evening we went 'big game hunting' at the SWT's Ebernoe Common reserve looking for the Sloe Carpet moth. This moth may not be much to look at but it is a real rarity in the UK and holds UK BAP priority status. It was last recorded in Sussex in 1997. After an hour of searching we located a moth flying above a hedge, we fixed our collective torch beams on it, it slowly descended and we were able to catch it - to our amazement it was a Sloe Carpet! It was great to see it and good to know it is still a Sussex resident. I went home and celebrated with a glass of gin. (Michael Blencowe)

Friday 30th April 2010
	Publication of the new version of the Thomas/Lewington 'Butterflies of Britain & Ireland' and another recent arrival!
	Rother recorders Stuart and Louisa have had a new arrival of their own recently - William. Congratulations to them both from Sussex BC - as soon as he can crawl we'll get him out doing a transect. (Michael Blencowe)

Saturday 1st May 2010
	Woodland Skippers of Barnes Wood
	Despite the gathering, ominous black clouds, twenty-six brave individuals (including myself) set forth into Barnes Wood on Saturday morning (1st May) to search for dingy and Grizzled Skippers. Thankfully we were rewarded with occasional bursts of warm, bright sunshine and upon arriving at a location with a suitable skipper habitat, a few of these elusive spring butterflies were seen. Though the conditions were not entirely conducive to butterfly recording a Peacock, a Red Admiral, a few Orange Tips, a Speckled Yellow moth and some Speckled Wood butterflies also made a welcome appearance. A few common lizards scuttling through the undergrowth gave some vertebrate interest to the proceedings and were especially popular with the children. One attendee who visited Barnes Wood in the 1970s reminisced about large numbers of Pearl-bordered Fritillaries flying along the rides but he was mightily impressed with the current management of wood, the wider rides and open spaces. The bird watchers among us were a little disappointed that I marched them down the hill so fast without taking time to stop and appreciate the marvellous birdsong. But hey, forget the first cuckoo of spring, or the melodious song of the mistle thrush, for me there is no better herald of the warm and sunny days to come than the first skipper sightings of the year. (Jim Barrett)

Monday 3rd May 2010
	Sussex Butterfly Atlas Walk 'Wey Up North'
	Today we joined the walk in a new area for us, Loxwood, North West Sussex. We set off like intrepid explores into previously unchartered territory, lead by the ever enthusiatic Michael Blencowe, who soon had us peering at Garlic Mustard flowers looking for single orange eggs laid by the Orange-tip butterfly. we later saw two Orange-tips, both male, and two Speckled Woods during short sunny breaks in the otherwise overcast day. We were all entertained by three rather fat and hairy pigs, particually Mr Blencowe, which further to the groups discussion I can now announce were in fact 'Kunekune' pigs, a New Zealand breed belived to have originated from Asia! Another highlight of the walk was the magnificent carpets of Bluebells on the floor of the woodlands through which we past and the Nightingale singing by the bridge. Michael was also fascinated by the Giant Hogweed which was growing in profusion along the river banks. On the way back to the carpark he decided an 8 foot tall dead hogweed would make a brilliant hat stand; I think Clare however was not so impressed...! Thank you Michael for a most enjoyable and informative morning! (Sophie May Lewis)

Friday 07 May 2010
	High and Over
	Getting out of the car at High and Over carpark and it being so cold that you could see your breath it seemed that there was no chance of seeing any butterflies. In fact I didn't think that anybody else would turn up!! However, 16 hardy souls did turn up and with thick cloud cover and an icy wind we set off towards The Comp, some wearing gloves, scarf and woolly hats. Fortunately the sun did pop out a few times and it was along The Comp where we saw the first butterfly of the day. No surprise that it was a Speckled Wood. Before we got to the end of The Comp path we had seen about 4 more and also a Red Admiral. We then went down Greenway Bank where a Dingy Skipper sat on the bank and allowed most to view it. We also saw a Burnet Companion settled in the undergrowth. Near the bottom of the path we searched for the Green Hairstreak that I saw yesterday when Peter Atkinson spotted a Grizzled Skipper actually on the path amongst us. It was amazing we didn't tread on it and it sat there once again allowing all of us to admire it. The Hairstreak was also then spotted. Small, Green Veined and Large Whites were then seen along with a Small Copper along Frog Firle along with several more Dingy Skippers and 1 more Green Hairstreak. During the walk we also enjoyed seeing Early Purple Orchids, many Whitethroats, a Peregrine and the Broad Bodied Chaser. Many thanks to all that came and supported the walk and thanks for the donations that are going to help towards Butterfly Conservation work at Rowland Wood. (Bob Eade)

Wednesday 12th May 2010
	Heyshott Down
	Thirty people attended the walk at Heyshott Down this morning, comprising a mix of RSPB and BC members. We were blessed with beautiful, sunny weather which held out for just long enough for a very enjoyable tour of this stunning downland reserve, managed by the Murray Downland Trust. Our target species, the Duke of Burgundy, had emerged only that morning, so they lay around drying off their wings and giving us wonderful close-up views. This was the first sighting of the species for many of the RSPB contingent, who were suitably impressed with this little gem of a butterfly! We saw 7 Dukes without having to look too hard. Bearing in mind that the Heyshott Dukes are only just appearing, this count is very encouraging. Roger Martin and Colin Knight have kindly (and wisely!) responded to the request I made at the BC Sussex Recorder's Seminar, and will now have the great satisfaction of monitoring the increasing population here. The Murray Downland Trust have done a superb job in improving the habitat at Heyshott. Also seen were Grizzled Skipper (4), Dingy Skipper (7), Green Hairstreak (1), Small Heath (2), Red Admiral (2), Speckled Wood (2), Orange-tip (3), Brimstone (3), Green-veined White (2) and Small White (1). Thanks to all that attended and made this such an enjoyable outing. (Neil Hulme)

Saturday 15 May 2010
	National Moth Night
	May 2010 has been a complete 'write-off' for moth trappers. The cold evenings haven't given us much to shout about - and last Tuesday was the coldest May night for 17 years! So it was with some anxienty that I set up Rowland Wood as the venue for our National Moth Night 2010 event. However, it wasn't such a bad night after all. The temperatures did not plummet as I feared and around 30 attendees had an enjoyable nocturnal stroll around the wood which was illuminated by 10 moth traps. The theme of this year's event was 'Moths and Bats' and members of the Sussex Bat Group were at hand to loan out bat detectors and help identify what was flying by above us (and no doubt eating the rarest moths!). Thanks to everyone who attended and supported this event especially the trappers; Graeme Lyons, Steve Wheatley, David Burrows, Mike Feeny-Brown and Wendy and Keith Alexander. Thnaks also to Dave Mitchell and Jonathan Wood and to Helen and Kim of the Sussex Bat Group. (Michael Blencowe)

Sunday 16th May 2010
	Mill Hill
	Eleven people attended the BC walk on Mill Hill at Shoreham this afternoon. Despite overcast skies and a strong, cold wind, the butterflies performed well! Many stayed on after the official end to the walk, enjoying spells of quite warm, late afternoon sunshine - and some fabulous butterflies. Approximately 25 pristine Adonis Blues provided the 'star turn', including a mating pair. Several other chocolate-brown females were seen. Other species included Dingy Skipper (15), Grizzled Skipper (3), Common Blue (2), Green Hairstreak (1), Small Copper (1), Brown Argus (1), Small Heath (2) and Holly Blue (1). Thanks to all that showed a lot of faith in turning up on such a dreary Sunday afternoon, making it a very enjoyable event. (Neil Hulme)

Saturday 22 May 2010
	New Recruits for the Atlas Army
	I attended an excellent Sussex Butterflies ID class presented by Michael Blencowe with his usual great humour at Woods Mill today. This was followed by a visit to Springhead where we saw about 15 species: Duke of Burgundy (2), Small Blue, Common Blue, Green Hairstreak, Orange Tip, Small White, Green-veined White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Dingy Skipper, Comma, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Brown Argus, Small Heath. (Colin Knight)

Sunday 23rd May 2010
	Wolstonbury Hill
	A BC walk at Wolstonbury Hill today with Neil Hulme and the Friends of Wolstonbury Hill (www.wolstonbury.com) was very productive on this hottest day of the year. We saw Green Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Small Heath, Green-veined White, Small White, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Dingy Skipper and Small Tortoiseshell. A Silver-ground Carpet moth also appeared. (Colin Knight)

Saturday & Sunday May 29th & 30th 2010
	Park Corner Heath
	Thank you Michael for a very enjoyable weekend, the weather was kind to us, and when the Cavairy of gentlemen Moth-trappers turned up, to my mind, a successful evening, also my thanks to you all for your patience, as i was the only woman there on Saturday trapping-night, ( I must remember to stay at home and wash my hair next time!). Michael and Dave had everything under control as always. Dave does not say much, but does he work, you should see him with his power assisted wheel-barrow, no bank too steep no rut to deep, the generators are in place. Sunday was also great, Sunshine and every thing set out like a professional for us to see at the opening of the Moth-traps, which also included the three tap-hopping click beetles which made the young and not so young smile. It was nice to see the young representative from the St Johns Ambulance there again this year. As I think I heard Michael say a few times A Great (Prominent) event. (Brenda Elphick)

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June 2010
	Springwatch and Bioblitz
	As part of the Bioblitz Event this weekend in Stamner Park the Biodiversity Record Centre organised a moth trapping session on Saturday night ahead of Sunday, when the main Spring Watch Event was held. The evening had two main aims; to record as many species of moth as possible in the evening to add to the site records, and to catch moths and beetles to show to the attendees at the event and help inspire them about biodiversity. As we discovered, children seem to love nothing better than a Maybug or Hawkmoth crawling over their hand! We set up 5 MV traps and one actinic, and after a slow start to the evening the moths started pouring in, in ideal conditions from around 11pm. Around 75 species of moth were recorded (including dayflyers) before we had to pack up our traps at around 12:30am as the thunderstorm approached. The moths included Haworth's Pug, Scorched Carpet, Broken-barred Carpet, White Point, Least Black Arches, Barred Hook-tip, numerous Pretty Chalk Carpet, Clay Triple-lines, Sandy Carpet, Waved Umber, The Miller, The Flame, Buff-tip, Pale Oak Beauty, Marbled White Spot, Figure of Eighty, Foxglove Pug, Clouded-bordered Brindle, Lime Hawkmoth, Flame Shoulder, Pale Tussock, Pale Prominent and Iron Prominent. The butterfly list for the weekend was rather small, consisting of Orange Tip, Red Admiral, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Holly Blue and Speckled Wood. (Alice Parfitt, Graeme Lyons, Wendy and Keith Alexander, Rich Howorth, Dave and Pen Green)

Saturday 26 June 2010
	Wildlife Weekend event at High Beeches Gardens
	Unlike other ornamental gardens in the county High Beeches dedicates plenty of space for wildlife. The famous wildflower meadow was a sight to behold, an incredible profusion of wildflowers alive with insect life - and the ponds held a wide variety of dragonfly species. On Friday evening we held a moth trapping session and in the morning the trap was opened in front of a crowd of visitors. There was plenty for everyone in the trap including crowd-pleasers (Elephant Hawk-moth and Buff-tip) as well as Sussex rarities (Great Oak Beauty and Beautiful Snout). In the day there were wildflower walks (expertly lead by Arthur Hoare) and butterfly walks around the gardens where we recorded the first Ringlet of the season. Visitors to the gardens over the coming weeks should look high into the oaks for the possibility of Purple Emperor and Purple Hairstreak. (Michael Blencowe)

Sunday 27 June 2010
	Botany Bay
	I led 30 people around Botany Bay, in temperatures that soon exceeded 80 degrees, despite an early (9am) start. Several BC Sussex members stayed on after the official end of the walk at midday, by which time most of the butterflies were over-heating and looking for shade (like us!). Some respite was to be found in a small stream-bed, where we watched 3 male Silver-washed Fritillaries and a hutchinsoni Comma from a low concrete bridge, as they repeatedly returned for a drink. It turned out that we were one day too early to see the hoped-for Purple Emperor, but we did see an impressive list of butterflies, with excellent views of all species. Our tally included Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Wood White, Purple Hairstreak, Ringlet, Comma, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Common Blue, Brimstone, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown. Many thanks to all that came along for a most enjoyable walk. (Neil Hulme)

Saturday 3rd July 2010
	Southwater Woods
	Many thanks to Neil for yet another fantastic guided tour of Southwater Woods and the chance to see the amazing Purple Emperors and a profusion of beautiful White Admirals and Silver Washed Fritillaries. Neil showed us the prime areas to spot the Purple Emperors and related tales of how aggressive those found in Sussex are compared with Purple Emperors found in other parts of the country. Apparently they have been known to attack birds, as well as other butterflies, that intrude on their territory and this was witnessed at first hand, when one flew at one of the group. Also, Neil told us about the mating dance of Silver Washed Fritillaries and we were lucky enough to spot two mating but exhibiting behaviour not quoted in the reference books or ever observed by Neil. The male was nectaring on bramble blossom, flitting from one nectar source to the next, with the female in tow during copulation. Aberrant forms of Comma and White Admiral were seen too. Apparently this occurs when the day and night temperatures vary greatly while the butterfly pupae is forming, usually around early June. A truly wonderful day. Species seen included: Comma - both second brood and aberrant forms, Large Skipper, Large White, Meadow Brown, Purple Emperor, Purple Hairstreak, Ringlet, Silver Washed Fritillary, Small Skipper, Speckled Wood, White Admiral - including aberrant all black forms (Barbara Woods)

Saturday 10 July 2010
	Heyshott Down
	Many thanks to the tough expeditionary force of 14 that joined me for the lengthy BC walk up the steep face of Heyshott Down, and then along to Graffham and back on Saturday. Given the terrain and energy-sapping heat, this was not a walk for the faint-hearted. However, it attracted a good number of individuals that are actively involved in 'hands-on' aspects of butterfly conservation, including members of both the Murray and Graffham Downland Trusts, and volunteer surveyors. It was also one of the most enjoyable walks I've ever led - no pain, no gain! The views along this beautiful stretch of the Downs were stunning, from start to finish, and the butterflies did not disappoint us. We saw Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Small Heath. On Heyshott Escarpment we stopped to look at the characteristic feeding damage caused by Duke of Burgundy caterpillars, and spent some time discussing recent achievements in the conservation of this species here. But the stars of the show were of course the high-altitude Purple Emperors of Graffham Down. The first sighting was of a large female, which soon disappeared as she was clearly on a furtive egg-laying run. The male assembly point here is 728' amsl, and we watched a total of 4, constantly doing battle across their territory. Several times we watched a pair of males indulging in a dogfight worthy of 'The Blue Max', tailing each other to heights in excess of 100' above the very crest of the Down, silhouetted against a crystal clear, azure sky. For me this is the very pinnacle of butterfly-watching - pure butterflying ambrosia! (Neil Hulme)

Sunday 11th July 2010
	White Letter Hairstreak Walk
	Today Caroline Clarke lead an excellent White Letter Hairstreak Walk at Hollingbury Park, Brighton with useful tips on how and where to look for White Letter Hairstreak and differentiating between the varieties of Elm trees. Once you know what and where to look, it is much easier to see these elusive little triangles jumping around the tree tops and even better when they come down to the thistles. Other than several White Letter Hairstreak, we also recorded Small Skipper, Large Whites, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Comma, a possible Silver-washed Fritillary, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Ringlet and Meadow Brown. (Crispin Holloway)

Saturday 17th July 2010
	Downland butterflies
	Many thanks to Tom Ottley, who stepped into the breach as Adrian Thomas was unable to make it today, and also to Crispin Holloway for a wonderful walk on the Downs at Castle Hill NNR. It was quite breezy but the rain kept away and we saw a large selection of butterflies and other insects. Everywhere we went there seemed to be Six-spotted Burnet Moths flying amongst the Greater Knapweed, Field Scabious and Rounded-headed Rampion. There were numerous sightings of Marbled Whites, such a beautiful butterfly, Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers, as well as Small Skippers. Just as there were the Gloucester Old Spot Pigs on the walk "Wey Up North" earlier on in the year, livestock made an appearance on this walk in the form of two escapee sheep, who tried to make a bid to return to their meadow with no success on this occasion. Highlights of the walk included sightings of a Dark Green Fritillary fluttering along the path heading towards the reserve, a Brown Argus that delightfully appeared in a clump of flowers just off the path and the Chalkhill Blue that remained still long enough for us all to not only get a good view of it but also for the photographers amongst us to capture it for the website. Tom helped us all identify the skippers properly and to distinguish between male and female Marble Whites. Also, we had some flower experts to hand, who helped identify some of the downland flowers. It is such a joy to get out in the beautiful Sussex countryside with such amiable company and to encounter all these wonders of the natural world. It truly lifts the spirits. (Barbara Woods)

Thursday 22nd July 2010
	Cissbury Ring
	Many thanks to Bill Taylor for leading the walk at Cissbury Ring on Thursday afternoon. Fourteen of us shared 19 species (not everybody saw all of them): Painted Lady, Small Copper, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Meadow Brown, Brimstone, Red Admiral, Dark Green Fritillary (dozens), Marbled White, Small Skipper, Small Heath, Chalkhill Blue (c. 50), Comma, Purple Hairstreak, Large Skipper. Some people had their first ever sightings of several species. Everybody enjoyed it very much. (Peter Atkinson)

Saturday 24th July 2010
	Butterflies of the South Downs National Park
	My thanks to Michael and Clare for leading this lovely walk. It really does add a little something to your walk when you are 'discovering' new butterflies for the Atlas with every step you take. I think it could be addictive. And we saw lots :). There were Whites of all kinds, brilliant Red Admirals in pristine condition, Peacocks, Commas, Silver-washed Fritillaries, Small Copper, Skippers and more. The long ride along which we walked at the top of the Down had abundant flowers and when the sun came out there were butterflies all around us. At some spots you just had to stop for a while to take it all in, it was absolutely beautiful. Thanks to the observations of Tom and Adrian we were able to locate both Oak and Elm (both of which seemed very scarce in the area) and this enabled us to find both Purple Hairstreaks and White Letter Hairstreaks. My personal favourite, though, was the Essex Skipper. I was able to see one close up in a specimen jar (thanks Michael) and, with Tom Ottley's help (thanks Tom) I was able to photograph one too. We also saw Deadly Nightshade (photo attached), Blood-vein moth, Dark Mullein, Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Round-headed Rampion and more. I believe our butterfly count was over 20 species which has got to be good going for one walk. It's a lovely spot and well worth the effort to get up the hill for anyone interested in going. One of the group photos attached shows the group sitting at lunch with the Isle of Wight in the distant background. (Sherie New)

Sunday 1st August 2010
	River Deep & Mountain High
	My thanks to Michael for such a fantastic Grayling day after the disappointment of the previous week at Chapel Common and Weavers Down. The day started cloudy and windy and I wasn't sure I had picked the best day but Michael soon had us all in fits with his preamble on the Grayling. He must have got a joke book for his birthday as there were gags galore to lift everyones spirits. As soon as the walk began we were in to Chalkhill and Small Blues and Meadow Browns. Gatekeeper soon followed on the ascent and thanks to Andrews eagle eye he found our first Silver Spotted Skipper. Almost at the top and one of the gang found our first Grayling and boy what camouflage. At the top we began to search for more Grayling and I personally saw over twenty... plus a beautifull Dark Green Fritillary. Small Copper, Wall Brown, Silver Spotted Skipper, Marbled White, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Red Admiral, Common Blue. It was a fabulous day in wonderful company. Thanks again Michael and Andrew for helping me out. (Steve Morgan)

Sunday 8th August 2010
	Downland butterflies and caterpillar foodplant foray
	Many thanks to David for a most enjoyable and infomative event on Sunday at Swanborough Hill. A small group met ~12 and were greeted with a cuppa and loos! David gave us each a map, a list of target species and where we should see them, and a list of their foodplants - I was alreay impressed! We followed a lovely route through the hamlet, up the hill for some amazing views and back down into Kingston. We stopped at key places to observe various species: Red Admiral caterpillars in their nettle leaf wraps, Small Blue eggs/cocoon on kidney vetch (tho' this was in a pot!), Green-veined White eggs on garlic mustard leaves (sounds familiar!) and a Holly Blue egg on the ivy in Mary's garden. He identified numerous grasses and plants, approx. 16 butterflies and several moths - possibly a Chalk Carpet (to be confirmed). We lost track of the time somewhat, so much to see and observe, but fortunately the final path bordered a hedgerow full of wild plums and cherries! Several of the group joined Mary in her delightful garden for a late lunch, cake, scones and a cup of tea - thank you all so much - it was a great day. (Anna Grist)

Sunday 8th August 2010
	The Sussex Butterfly Square Scramble
	Today's Butterfly Conservation Scramble from Cuckfield: Although the weather was not brilliant in the morning, the sun eventually came out just before midday and the butterflies decided to emerge and flit about once the sunrays were on them. Sadly we did not live up to our team name of the Mid Sussex Skippers, as we only sighted one Small Skipper all day. However, a delightful time was spent walking around west and south of Cuckfield and discovering what butterflies were to be found in the area. Favourites of the day were the two Brimstones seen nectaring on burdock, masses of Common Blues on our way through the meadows to New England Wood and Silver-washed Fritillaries in the woodland south of Copyhold Lane near Cuckfield. In keeping with the farm animal motif, this walk's farm moment came when we saw a duck taking a bath in a paddling pool at Laines organic Farm at Cuckfield. (Barbara Woods)

Saturday 14 August 2010
	Scabs Island
	Unfortunately Graham Parris was unable to lead his walk today so I replaced him and met with a group at the Seven Sisters Visitors Centre. The walk was to Scabs Island - which sounded to me like something out of Pirates of the Carribean. Armed with a crumpled map that Graham had sent me (with 'All the best for the weather' scrawled on the back) we set sail for Scabs Island under threatening skies. Not too far into the journey Anna Grist spotted a fresh Adonis Blue - which seemed to shine brighter under the dull conditions. The rain held off and soon we discovered Scabs Island which is in fact a fantastic piece of chalk grassland alongside the Cuckmere which was alive with butterflies. I've driven past here on the A259 many times - unaware that I have been passing such a great piece of flower-rich habitat. Butterflies seen here were Adonis Blue, Common Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Silver-spotted Skipper, Marbled White, Red Admiral, Large Skipper and Dark Green Fritillary. We also searched for the impressive Hornet Robber-fly (Asilus crabroniformis) but did not find any and spent a while stroking some sheep. It was a very pleasant walk and introduced us to an area which I will be returning to in the future. Back at the car-park some sun broke through the clouds and illuminated a buddleia which held Peacock, Comma, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Small White and Large White. As we drove off the heavens opened! Thanks to all who attended and for Graham for directions (Michael Blencowe).

Sunday 15 August 2010
	Butterflies of Chantry Hill
	Another brilliant day's butterfly spotting, this time on Chantry Hill near Storrington and then onto Steyning Rifle Range on the Wiston Estate. Thanks again to Neil Hulme, who had sufficiently recovered from his injuries incurred on last Sunday's BC Square Scramble. Before searching for butterflies began in earnest, Neil told us all about how the Silver-spotted Skipper has expanded its territory in the last few years, appearing to benefit from climate change. Also he commented on the increase in Wall Browns this year, probably due to a return to the traditional cold winter weather we experienced at the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 reducing parasites and diseases of these butterflies, as well as the decline in Meadow Browns that has been observed in 2010. Although it was quite blowy on Chantry Hill, we still managed to see a wide variety of butterflies flying around the hillside and sheltering in the grass, including Chalkhill Blues, Common Blues, Brown Argus, Meadow Browns, Wall Browns, Small Heath, Wall Browns, Small Whites, one Small Copper, one Brimstone, one Hummingbird Hawk Moth - which would have gained us three points in last week's BC Square Scramble - and last, but not least several Silver-spotted Skippers. At the end of the morning, we were lucky enough to catch a final sighting of two Silver-spotted Skippers (top, right) courting and as the wind got up, they settle obligingly in the grass for the BC Paparazzi. Then we headed off to Steyning Rifle Range. As we were wandering along the path up to the Range, we saw several Holly Blues flitting around the flowering Holly at the side of the path and a Speckled Wood settled in the undergrowth. On reaching the field where the Blackthorn was, we bumped into Simon Curson and his party, who were looking for butterflies too. They joined us in our search for Brown Hairstreaks. Meadow Browns, Common Blues, and Small Whites were encountered as we made our way down to Neil, who had had word that the elusive Brown Hairstreaks had been spotted in an area of Blackthorn at the bottom of the field and had arrived before us. When we reached him, we found a female Brown Hairstreak had already been found and was in search for the perfect spot to lay her eggs. This was my first sighting of this wonderful butterfly and I was not disappointed, as she spent some time making her way up and down the Blackthorn, posing for the camera from time to time, until finally laying one egg, before flying off to find the next excellent spot to lay the next one. Several Small Whites, Speckled Woods and Gatekeepers were found amongst this patch of Blackthorn, along with Seven-Spotted Ladybirds, a multitude of grasshoppers and several bees buzzing in amongst the Teasle flower heads. A male Brown Hairstreak was spotted by Simon and his party and then another female was sighted before Phil and myself left to find a nice teashop. (Barbara Woods)

Saturday 28 August 2010
	Walk on Steyning Rifle Range
	The BC Sussex field trip calendar reached a spectacular grand finale at Steyning Rifle Range on Saturday, blessed by initially clear blue skies and warm sunshine. It was difficult to assess the number of attendees as a sizeable group forged ahead for an early start, and helped out by spotting Brown Hairstreaks for us (thanks Colin, Tom, Roger et al.); and quite a few left before midday after seeing the main party amassing on the slopes in a scene straight out of 'Braveheart'! Earlier I had counted 49, but at one point there must have been 55 enthusiasts simultaneously looking at these beautiful butterflies! There was no effort required in spotting this usually elusive species, as there were regular shouts of "two together here", "one here", "another one here". Despite an over-sized group everyone managed to get up close and personal with a Brown Hairstreak, many for the first time. Without trying too hard we notched up 7 during the course of the walk. I stayed on with a few others until mid afternoon, finding more hairstreaks on the northern flank of the Rifle Range. We were down to a group of three (and up to a total of 12 BHs) when a chap wandered up the field and joined us, having made the long journey from Dartford in the hope of seeing his first. The afternoon was now cooling down and we were coming to the end of the main, daily flight 'window', but I was determined to find one for him. After travelling such a distance no one wants to hear "you should have been here earlier - they were everywhere!" By 3.30pm I was cutting it fine to meet up with Hannah, so reluctantly said "goodbye" to this chap. As I turned away and walked up the slope I almost tripped over another female hairstreak, nectaring on one of the last thistles in flower. Big smiles all round! The species list (including those seen after the official walk) comprised Brown Hairstreak, Wall, Adonis Blue, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Heath, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White and Brimstone. The Adonis Blue was particularly significant, as this is the first sighting here for many years, and probably reflects the early signs of habitat improvement after just one winter's grazing. I suspect a female Adonis reached the Rifle Range during the spring brood, probably from Mill Hill. All-in-all it was a great way to finish my walks for the year - and great to see so many friendly faces. I would like to say "thank you" to all those that have attended our walks throughout 2010, and to all those that have generously given their time to lead them. I hope to see many of you at the AGM. (Neil Hulme)

Sunday 10 October 2010
	BC Sussex AGM
	Eighty six people attended the Branch AGM on Sunday. I moved the official business on as rapidly as possible, but made time to list some of the more major advances made through the 2009 - 2010 period by our hard working committee and associates - it's a privilege to work with such a great group of people. These included the acquisition of Rowland Wood (80 acres next to the existing reserve at Park Corner Heath), the launch of the Sussex Butterfly Atlas (2010-2014), the formation of the 'Rother Guardians' (to continue SE Woodlands Project Officer Steve Wheatley's work in the area), the launch of the new, all-colour Annual Butterfly Report, the launch of the Big Biodiversity Butterfly Count in Brighton, the adoption of new data capture and manipulation software by the Recording sub-committee and the increase in Transects and Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey squares being monitored. I also listed the organisations, bodies and individuals that have all, in some way, helped us in our efforts to conserve butterflies and moths: South Downs Joint Committee (staff, contractors and volunteers), Natural England, Forestry Commission, National Trust, West Dean Estate, Norfolk Estate, Barlavington Estate, Wiston Estate (Steyning Downland Scheme), Springhead Estate, Murray Downland Trust, Graffham Down Trust, Brinsbury (Chichester) College, West and East Sussex County Councils, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre, Environment Agency, Mike Mullis and, of course, our own trusty volunteers (apologies to any that I might have overlooked). Covering more up-to-date news (post-March 2010) I reported on the spectacular increases in Duke of Burgundy numbers on several sites we have been working on, the positive reaction of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary to habitat management on and adjacent to our Park Corner Heath Reserve, and the unique project being run by Dr Dan Danahar on the playing fields of the Dorothy Stringer School in Brighton. Here, the creation of a chalk grassland Butterfly Haven has attracted species including Small Blue, Adonis Blue, Chalkhill Blue, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak and Marbled White into urban Brighton. Youngsters, who might not have such easy access to the countryside as others, have been turning up here to see beautiful downland butterflies! Then it was time for the fun to begin. Patrick Barkham treated us to several passages from his new book 'The Butterfly Isles' and recounted some of the highs and lows experienced in the pursuit of all the British species in a single season. It's a beautifully written book - but I'll leave that for you to find out. The 30 copies he kindly signed for our members were snapped up very quickly. After his talk I presented him with a framed photograph of the butterfly that first ignited his passion as a child - the Brown Argus. Then it was time for Michael Blencowe. Those that have heard one of Michael's talks know that he has a unique talent in getting the serious message of 'conservation' across, while at the same time reducing the audience to tears of laughter (we always have to mop the floor afterwards). 'Thank you' to all those that helped with logistics, and for so many of our members for attending what was a most memorable and enjoyable day. Appended are a couple of slides from Michael's talk (I would like to point out that I have better legs than Danielle Hulme) and thanks to Colin Knight for the other AGM images. (Neil Hulme)

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