Latest news from Sussex Butterfly Conservation ...
Due to a very poor weather forecast this event has been cancelled. Perhaps to be replaced by another, in the spring.
Organised by Dave Harris the annual Cotoneaster clearance at this site will take place on the mornings of Saturday 23rd August and Monday the 15th September. This is a large and difficult area which is an established breeding ground for the Small Blue butterfly as well as a number of other nationally scarce insects. Their continued presence is threatened by the invasion of Cotoneaster, and there is now an established routine of cutting back just a small part of it each year. We will start on each day at around 10.00 from the meet point of the bus stop on the main road at the bottom of Hill Rise (TQ47030015 - What3Words duration.voice.clipboard), and finish by 1.00. High visibility tabards, gloves, a selection of tools, cake and drinks will be provided, but bringing along your own secateurs and loppers if you have them would be useful. Members are welcome to come for either or both days, and stay for as long or short a period as they like.
Parking can be found on Hill Rise and then meet by the above mentioned bus stop. No need to register but if you wish to let Dave know of your planned attendance contact him via email; d.harris8@btinternet.com
On Friday the 20th of June many of our members took part in a survey of Silver-studded Blues. This took place on Ashdown Forest and was organised jointly by the Conservators of Ashdown Forest and the Sussex Branch of BC.
18 people in total, in 3 groups of 6, led by Ash Walmsley and Kari Dunbar from the Conservators and Tom Lee a regular recorder of SSBs, spread out to survey areas of the Forest not covered by regular Transects.
Some areas surveyed had large numbers seen on the day and other areas very few or none at all - in total over 300 were seen. These records whether positive or not provide valuable information. The data collected, and still being reviewed, will be a great help in the conservation of these beautiful butterflies and their habitat.
Everyone that took part agreed it was an enjoyable experience, even in the heat, and felt pleased to be contributing to this research.
Roy Broad
Male Silver-studded Blue - Paul Day
Female Silver-studded Blue - Paul Day
