BACK__________________________________________________________________________________________________
BACK__________________________________________________________________________________________________
July 2008
Dear Brownhairstreakers,
Sorry not to have been in touch for a while but there has been little to report in recent months. The flailing of the hedgerows to the west of Grafton Wood reported in previous bulletins meant that, for the first time in several years, we had no marked eggs to follow through as larvae this spring. Instead, we have been busy putting the finishing touches to our report on hedgerow management which is based on a survey of over 20 farms within the Forest of Feckenham who have entered the hedgerow option of the Entry Level Stewardship scheme. The report which can be accessed shortly via the West Midlands Butterfly Conservation website (www.westmidlandsbutterflyconservation.org.uk) makes fairly depressing reading. Although defenders of the scheme will point, with some justification, to the fact that the scheme is still very new, it is extremely disappointing to see that, whether inside stewardship or outside, the majority of farm hedges are still being cut annually. While more needs to be done to ensure more effective monitoring of the scheme, the biggest challenge to overcome are the cultural barriers which equate neat and tidy hedges with good husbandry of the land. In this context, it is encouraging to read of the formation of a new organisation called Hedgelink which is a forum of various environmental groups, including Butterfly Conservation and the RSPB, which have come together to promote better management of hedgerows. One of the first outputs, which sounds as if it might be useful, is a film called "A Cut above the Rest" which is available free of charge on DVD. If you would like to get hold of a copy then ring 0845 600 3078 or email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
As we have not been monitoring Brown Hairstreak larvae, it is difficult to predict therefore whether we are looking at an early or late season as far as adult emergence is concerned. White Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillaries have emerged pretty well to time at Grafton Wood and seem to be present in reasonable number so, on this basis, we can hope for the first Brown Hairstreaks probably round the end of the month. In recent years, most first sightings have occurred during the first week in August with our earliest record being 31st July, 2005. As always, it is the males that emerge first and telescopes will be the order of the day in order to try to spot them on their assembly trees.
Our major event of the year at Grafton Wood is our Butterflies, Bugs and Botany Day on Saturday, 19th July from 11 am to 4 pm. This is a repeat of the day organised for last July which had to be called off because of the floods, so we are hoping that there will no repeat performance! The day marks the start of national Save our Butterflies week, part of a series of special events organised to mark Butterfly Conservation's 40th anniversary. While this date may be a shade too early for Brown Hairstreaks, there will be plenty of interest with a number of experts lined up to share their knowledge of a wide range of different insects and other wildlife. Guided walks will start from Three Parishes Village Hall next to Grafton Flyford Church just off the A422 Worcester-Alcester road and homemade refreshments will be available in the hall from 10.30 am onwards. This should be a really good family day out and more details can be obtained by ringing John or Miriam Tilt on 01386-792458.
More chance of actually seeing Brown Hairstreaks occurs three weeks later with our annual Blackthorn Bash planned for Sunday, 10th August. We shall meet again at Grafton Flyford Church this time at 10 am and if you plan to come please try to be on time as we shall be driving on to another location. As well as doing our bit for the Brown Hairstreak, this is always a very enjoyable social occasion with lunchtime refreshments provided courtesy of Bob and Sue Steele and an opportunity to view a wood where some excellent management over the years has provided very good breeding habitat. Cutting of blackthorn during late July and early August is the ideal time as no life stages of the Brown Hairstreak will be present on the blackthorn. For many years, with the support of Natural England and its predecessors, we have been able to maintain summer rotational management of the scrub on the edge of Grafton Wood. This has been crucial in building a strong population of the butterfly around Grafton which has given the Brown Hairstreak a platform from which it has been able to expand its range into the surrounding countryside. It looks, however, as if cutbacks in Natural England's budget will mean no management taking place in 2008 which is extremely disappointing. We are still hopeful that some longer term solution can be found that will enable this management to continue but it is very unfortunate if we have to miss a year.
Finally, advance notice of our annual Brown Hairstreak Day on Sunday, 31st August at Grafton Wood starting at 11 am. Further details in the next ebulletin but please make a note of this date now.
Mike Williams,
Brown Hairstreak Species Champion