Click on the butterfly species listed below to see where and when they were recorded in 2009
- Small Skipper
- Essex Skipper
- Large Skipper
- Dingy Skipper
- Grizzled Skipper
- Swallowtail
- Clouded Yellow
- Brimstone
- Large White
- Small White
- Green-veined White
- Orange-tip
- Green Hairstreak
- Purple Hairstreak
- Small Copper
- Brown Argus
- Common Blue
- Holly Blue
- White Admiral
- Red Admiral
- Painted Lady
- Small Tortoiseshell
- Peacock
- Comma
- Pearl-bordered Fritillary
- Dark Green Fritillary
- Silver-washed Fritillary
- Speckled Wood
- Wall Brown
- Marbled White
- Gatekeeper
- Meadow Brown
- Small Heath
- Ringlet
- < Sussex Branch Home Page
Rother Local Species Champions Wanted
Why?
The Local Species Champions programme will increase our knowledge and conservation effort of butterflies in the area.
Therefore as local species champions we aim to monitor the impact of habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change and local agricultural practice on butterflies and moths.
By monitoring butterfly populations and distributions, by being aware of species biodiversity in woodland habitats and by learning more about their life cycles, we can celebrate these lovely species.
Which butterfly species?
Any butterfly species could benefit from having a local champion. The priority list (below) highlights those species at most risk and most vulnerbale to local extinction.
| Priority Butterfly Species that Need a Local Champion | |
| Essex Skipper | |
| Grizzled Skipper | |
| Brown Argus | |
| Small Tortoiseshell | |
| Silver-washed Fritillary | |
| Marbled White | |
What does it involve?
Each Species Champion seeks to collate a information about their chosen species. This could include observations, behaviour, abundance, range and habitat requirements. The Champions are asked to produce a brief summary of the year’s activity. Results of these studies will help us to determine the most effective conservation activities for each of the key species.
Can you help?
Email Rother Butterfly Guardians
Exisitng Champions
The Champions welcome any informaiton about their chosen species, including detailed observations, sites and grid references. Help or advice for conserving these species is welcomed. Email Rother Butterfly Guardians
with the species name in the subject line to contact any existing Species Champion.| Butterfly Species and their Local Champions | |
| Dingy Skipper | Jim Barrett |
| Green Hairstreak | Susanne Whiting |
| White Admiral | Stuart Cooper |
| Brimstone | Mike and Tracy P |
Progress so far
2009 was a very good year for butterfly recording in Rother; 32,000 butterflies were recorded in the region, mostly by volunteers, and Rother has progressed from being one of the most under-recorded regions for butterflies in Sussex, to one of the best recorded.
Yet there is still much to discover.
So the challenge now is to learn more about the distribution and habitats of our local butterfly species. Which populations are thriving and which are in decline? What are the best areas of public access woodland? And why should one area be species rich, whereas another close by is species poor?
Please note that it is not the role of the Champions to share that information publicly outside of their Annual Report summary.