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NEWSLETTER No. 13 -  Summer 1985

WEST MIDLANDS BRANCH, BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

 

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Whilst watching a television programme on life behind the Iron Curtain, I could not help wondering whether there is an equivalent to our branch..... if so could this be a field trip report: West Midlanski Branch visit to Outer Boglavia:

The trip did not start too well when our Treasurer, Dimitri Porterski, was arrested by border guards. They apparently were not familiar with the latest butterfly net with the fourteen foot fibre glass handle and suspected some other purpose. I trust he has now convinced them of his innocence and defended his area pole-vault championship. (Ed Note: Please note for your diary - an illustrated talk by Dimitri on the butterflies of Siberia will be in our 1997 winter programme - Mikhail Williamsev).

The rest of the party then made its way onto the heathland near the border. When comrade Marsayvich dropped his tripod onto one of the land mines laid to keep the capitalists away from our socialist butterflies, we all had wonderful views of the butterflies taking wing.

There were several photographers who managed excellent shots and we hope to display these at the branch meeting if our Chairman, Ron Hattov, is successful in having the cameras and films confiscated by the security forces returned.


Anonski.

 

Following the success of last year's programme we are once again offering a couple of Saturday trips for those members who find Sunday difficult and also some half day trips. We particularly recommend the latter to the member who has not previously been on a field trip and is a little reluctant to make a full day commitment. We prefer people to book in advance if possible and we make a small charge. There is no need to book months ahead and some people prefer to book trips individually nearer the date.. The exception is the trip to see the Heath Fritillary which must be booked and paid for in advance (see below). The advantage of booking, of course, is that we know you are coming and always wait ten minutes for latecomers as well as leaving directions under the windscreen wiper of a car - look for the BBCS sticker.

Britain's rarest and most endangered butterfly is the Heath Fritillary now only found in a restricted area of Kent and a handful of sites in south west England. Recently part of the Kent site has become a RSPB  reserve and the BBCS,  including ourselves, were able to make a contribution to the purchase price. The local BBCS branch are now actively engaged in helping with management work. This year we are planning a special trip to see the Heath Fritillary at one of its strongest sites in the West Country. Our visit should coincide with the peak flight time for the butterfly and, weather permitting, enable us to see it in good numbers. Because of the distances involved, and the ever mounting cost of petrol, a coach/minibus is being organised at the very reasonable cost of £4.50 adults and £2.50 under 16 (there might be a slight adjustment to this figure dependent on numbers booking). Seats are available to branch members, their immediate family and friends on a first come first served basis. Convenient pick up places will be organised once it is known who will be going, and final travel details will be sent nearer the date (Please enclose a S.A.E. for this purpose). An early start time is envisaged (probably around 8 a.m.) and the trip is not considered suitable for very small children.

If you are interested, please fill in the enclosed booking form as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than 17th May. Transport will have to be paid for in advance and we would therefore ask you to enclose the full amount with your booking. The trip will go ahead whatever the weather and we regret that no monies will be returnable.

This is a new departure for the branch and promises to be a worthwhile and enjoyable trip, indeed a perhaps unique opportunity to see the Heath Fritillary. We hope that you will be able to join us.