Cornwall Butterfly Conservation Field Trips for 2017

[Blackfish]

Welcome to Cornwall Butterfly Conservation’s programme of field trips for 2017. You will find some of our ever-favourite sites to visit but also some new ones to explore. We have organised a few trips in partnership with other local conservation organisations. We will continue to place a big emphasis on recording during each of our field trips, so that we can build an even better picture of lepidoptera distribution across Cornwall.
Our field trips are fun and friendly – all (including children) are welcome, whether or not you’re a member of Cornwall Butterfly Conservation and whatever level of experience you have. Please always come prepared for Cornwall’s changeable weather and mixed terrain – waterproofs, good walking shoes or boots, sun tan cream etc. as well as water and lunch/snacks. Postcodes have now been included. We would warn you that they may not be as accurate as grid references in pinpointing meeting places, particularly on the coastal walks where there are no obvious landmarks and the postcode covers a larger than usual area.
See CBC website for more info... http://www.cornwall-butterfly-conservat ... index.html

Sunday 14 May: DE LANK QUARRY
Near St Breward 11.00am - 3pm
This is a beautiful walk down to the De Lank river where there is the opportunity to see the rare Pearl-bordered Fritillary, other spring butterflies such as the Brimstone and view the recent conservation work undertaken by volunteers. Please bring a packed lunch and tough walking shoes. Long trousers and long sleeved shirts are also advised. Meet at the small car park (SX 099753) on the right before the entrance to the Quarry which should not be entered. Postcode PL30 4NQ. Parking is limited so car share where possible, Leaders and contacts Sally Foster (01736) 753259 and Jo Poland (01872) 540371 jogreenp@gmail.com

Wednesday 17 May: WILD FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES OF PENHALE
10.00am Nr Cubert
This is a joint MOD Conservation Group/ Cornwall Butterfly Conservation walk. In addition to seeing a variety of spring wild flowers, we should find, amongst other butterflies, the Grizzled Skipper which is now only located on this site in Cornwall. Please meet by the South Gate near Treworthen Farm, Cubert (SW783567). Postcode for Treworthen Farm TR8 5PZ. Bring a packed lunch. Places are limited so booking is essential. Leaders: Ian Bennallick (CBG) and Jon Cripps(CWT) Contact for booking Jo Poland (CBC) 01872 540371 jogreenp@gmail.com

Sunday 28 May: PREDANNACK, THE LIZARD
Near Mullion 11.00am
We have organised this trip in partnership with the Natural England team on the Lizard, and we will be looking for newly emerged Marsh Fritillaries, as well as hearing about the habitat management work which NE have been undertaking for this protected butterfly. Meet at the NT car park at Higher Predannack Wollas farm (SW669162). TR12 7EZ. Leaders: Steve Townsend, Lizard NE team, and Dick Goodere CBC. Contact: Dick Goodere (01736) 75307).

Saturday 3 June: CHAPEL PORTH
Near St Agnes 1.00pm
Join us in looking for Green Hairstreak butterflies along this beautiful cliff walk. The terrain can be steep and rough in places, but the views are spectacular. Meet at Chapel Porth National Trust beach car park (parking charge for non-NT members) The car park fills up quickly, so car sharing is advised (SW697495). TR5 0NS
Leader and contact: Kathy Wood (01872) 864344

Saturday 10 June: GREENSCOMBE WOODS
Near Luckett 1.00pm
Come and join us on a field trip to Cornwall’s only site for the nationally rare Heath Fritillary butterfly, which is now established here after a successful reintroduction in 2006. Local expert on the species, Richard Vulliamy, will be leading the trip. Meet in Luckett Village car park (SX389737). PL17 8NJ. Leader and contact: Richard Vulliamy (01579) 370411

Saturday 17 June: CUBERT COMMON
Nr Crantock 11am to 3pm
Cubert Common is one of the few enclosed commons in England. It is an undulating area of sandy grassland owned by the National Trust and designated as an SSSI. We will be looking out for a wide variety of butterflies (including Brown Argus, Dark Green Fritillary, Silver-studded Blue, Small Heath) moths, other invertebrates and also rare plants. Meeting point is the National Trust Car Park near Polly Joke beach, Grid Reference: (SW776599) TR8 5QS. This is a relatively small car park so car sharing is advised. Directions: drive through Crantock village and shortly after Crantock turn left onto the road to Treago farm. Drive through the farm and follow the track and park in the National Trust car park (note that at Treago farm there is a gate crossing the track which you will need to open & close).
Leaders: Jo & Shaun Poland (01872) 540371 jogreenp@gmail.com

Saturday 1 July : CORNWALL BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION OPEN DAY
Near Looe 12 noon
Philip (Chairman of CBC) and Faith Hambly invite you to their farm at Lethytep, with its wonderful wildlife area with walks and lakes. There should be many mid-summer butterflies flying, and much more besides! Food, including pasties, are provided, plus tombola and raffle. We ask for a £5 donation to help cover food costs. To get to Lethytep (SX175588), PL13 2PG, turn south off the A390 Liskeard to Lostwithiel road at East Taphouse, taking the B3359 to Looe and Polperro. After 3.3 miles take road to right signposted Penadlake: the event will be signposted from here. Park in field next to house (space for 100+ cars).
Leader and contact: Philip Hambly (01503) 220385

Tuesday 4 July: UPTON TOWANS
Near Hayle 11 am
Join us on a walk through this extensive sand dune complex situated between Gwithian and Hayle, a Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve and an SSSI. The main target species will be Dark Green Fritillaries and Silver-studded Blues but there will be many other lepidoptera and other wildlife to see. Meet by the gate, in front of the large chimney at the entrance to the CWT reserve (SW 579396). TR27 5BJ Please bring a packed lunch.
Leader and contact: Dick Goodere (01736) 753077

Saturday 8 July: PENLEE RESERVE AND PENLEE POINT
Near Rame Head 11.00am
We will be led by moth expert and Cornwall Moth Recorder Leon Truscott in looking for Marbled White butterflies, as well as Small Heaths and Dark Green Fritillaries. Six-belted Clearwing and Thrift Clearwing moths can also be found here with the help of pheromone lures. Meet in Penlee Battery car park (SX436491). PL10 1LG
Leader and contact: Leon Truscott (01752) 812023.

Saturday 15 July CABILLA WOODS
Glyn Valley 3 miles east of Bodmin 1.00pm
Join us for this walk through the Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve described as “one of the largest and possibly finest ancient woodland in Cornwall”. Our target species is the Silver-washed Fritillary with a chance of seeing the f. valezina. There should also be many other butterflies including Commas, Ringlets and Gatekeepers. Directions: Proceed along the A38 from the A30 heading towards Liskeard. About a mile past the Bodmin Parkway junction, turn left down Le Ball Hill. Cross over a small bridge and immediately turn right. There are places for parking. (SX128653) PL30 4BE
Leader and contact Roger Hooper (01209) 820610

Saturday 22 July: WILD FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES OF PENHALE
Near Cubert 10am
Join us for a closer look at the wild flowers, butterflies and moths to be found on Penhale Sands Army Training Camp, not normally open to the public. We should find orchids and many species of Lepidoptera on this unique marsh and dune area. Jointly organised with the Cornwall Botanical Group and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the walk will be led by botanist Ian Bennallick. Please bring a packed lunch. Meet by the South Gate near Treworthen Farm, Cubert (SW783567). Postcode for Treworthen Farm TR8 5PZ. Booking is essential so please contact Dick Goodere from CBC as there are only 10 places available. (01736} 753077 or gooderes@talktalk.net

Sunday 23 July: NEWLYN DOWNS
Near St Newlyn East 1.00pm
Join us in exploring this SSSI and Special Area of Conservation. We’ll be searching for Grayling butterflies, Bog Bush-crickets and Scarce Blue-tailed Damselflies, and much more. Meet in the layby opposite the entrance at SW8368355209. TR8 5LQ (East Wheal Rose Farm)
Leader and contact: Carly Riley (01637) 498462

Sunday 30 July: GODOLPHIN WOODS
Near Godolphin 1.30pm
Join us for this interesting walk through Godolphin Woods. There will be a wide variety of Lepidoptera but the target species will be the Purple Hairstreak (bring binoculars!). Directions: Coming from Leedstown, turn left at Townshend, then at Godolphin Bridge the road swings to the left; some distance along this section there is a parking area on the left where a track runs down to the river. It is possible to park here, but it is better to drive down the short track and park in the larger car park at the bottom (on the right) at SW60023243.TR13 9RE
Leaders and contact: Perry Smale and Judi Swift (01736) 448304 or 07412262184.

Sunday 6 August: LUNDY BAY
Nr Polzeath 1.30pm
Join us for a beautiful walk along one of our National Trust transects. There will be a selection of butterfly species and the Ranger, Sarah Stevens, will be leading the walk. Meet in the NT Car park SW958798 PL27 6QZ
For further details contact Sarah on: (01208) 863821

Sunday 13 August: KYNANCE COVE
Near Lizard 11.00am
Join us on this wonderfully scenic coastal walk on the Lizard as we look for Clouded Yellow, Grayling, Common Blue and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterflies and many more species. Meet in the National Trust Kynance Cove car park (SW688131). TR12 7PJ Parking free to National Trust members. Leader and contact: Carly Riley (01637) 498462.

Sunday 20 August: GWENNAP HEAD AND PORTHGWARRA
Near Land’s End 10.30am
This beautiful location boasts an abundance of butterflies, including Graylings, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, Clouded Yellows, Small Heaths and many more. You might also spot a Chough! Meet in the Porthgwarra car park (SW370217): charges apply TR19 6JR (café)
Leader and contact: Jim Barker (01736) 794134.