“Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society” Butterfly & Moth Field Meetings 2017.

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“Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society”
Butterfly & Moth Field Meetings 2017.
Compiled by Lee Slaughter (Cornwall’s Butterfly & Moth Field Trip Organiser).
Celebrating 25 glorious SUMMERS of arranging Butterfly & Moth
meetings across Cornwall and beyond - 1993 - 2017.

Friday 12th May – 9:00pm – Tehidy Woods, Camborne (Moth Night).

An early summer moth evening kindly hosted by one of Cornwall’s foremost moth experts, Frank Johns. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. There should be plenty of Spring/Summer moths to record including hopefully the Great Prominent Moth & Lobster Moth. Please bring your own moth trap if you have one!
Leader – Frank Johns. Meet at SW642437, TR14 0HE, Tehidy Woods car park (free). For details and directions, phone Frank Johns on 01326 240357.

Saturday 13th May – 11:00am – De-Lank/Pendrift Downs & Hantergantick, St. Breward.

Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries were discovered at De-Lank/Pendrift Downs in May, 1998 by 3 enthusiasts and almost 20 years later the butterfly can still be found here during bright & sunny weather every May. Dave Conway, who lives locally & has been exploring this area since the early 1970’s will lead us around different parts of the sites in the hope of seeing the freshly emerged adult butterflies of this rare & beautiful fritillary. Orange Tips, Brimstones, Speckled Woods & Green Hairstreaks will also be on the wing now. Walking boots, a packed lunch and drink are required.
Leader – Dave Conway. Parking is very limited here: Meet at SX099753, PL30 4NQ, in small parking spaces on right hand side before the De-Lank Quarry entrance near the end of the long track signposted to De-Lank Quarry. Further parking can be found 200 yards or so further back on the side (where space permits) along the track.
For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Sunday 14th May – 11:00am –Perransands/Penhale Sands, nr. Perranporth.

Perransands/Penhale Sands now hold’s Cornwall’s last remaining colonies of Grizzled Skippers which although highly localised will hopefully be found in suitable looking habitat amongst this vast dune complex. We hope to find the special aberration called ‘taras’ which is usually found at this locality amongst some of the Grizzled Skipper colonies. Other species found here include Brown Argus, Wall, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Small Copper and Orange Tip. Bring a packed lunch.
Leader – Paul Browning. Meet at map ref – SW774553, TR4 9PN, in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose village by entrance to footpath onto sand dunes.
For details & directions phone Paul Browning on 01736 763677.

Sunday 21st May – 11:00am – Fellover Brake, Tuckingmill, St. Breward.

This site still holds one of Cornwall’s few remaining colonies of the nationally threatened Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterfly which can be seen over a wide area of well managed bracken covered hillside. Walking boots are essential as the site slopes quite steeply and can be quite uneven in places. Orange Tip & Brimstone should also still be on the wing. Bring packed lunch & drink.
Leader – Dave Conway. Meet at SX089779, PL30 4PQ, in small lay-by at Gam Bridge.
For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Saturday 27th May – 11:00am – Predannack Cliffs, nr. Mullion, The Lizard.

Predannack Cliffs, a protected nature reserve, are famous for their spectacular scenery, and also for their flora, including orchids, in the spring and early summer, but this is also a beautiful spot for seeing butterflies. On this field trip we will be looking for Marsh Fritillaries in particular, but others that may be seeking out the rich source of nectar on the cliff tops include Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Small Heaths, Common Blues, Orange-Tips, Small Coppers, and, depending on the weather conditions, the first Clouded Yellows arriving. Doubtless there will also be moths, other invertebrates, birds, and definitely flowers, so bring a camera, packed lunch & drink as there is plenty to see.
Leader – John Foster. Meet at SW668162, TR12 7EZ, National Trust car park (free) at Predannack Wollas car park. For details and directions, phone John Foster on 01326 280735.

Sunday 28th May – 1:00pm – Breney Common, nr. Lanlivery.

It is always a delight to visit one of Cornwall’s largest Marsh Fritillary colonies here at famous Breney Common. Good numbers of this species should be seen together with Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Small Heath, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak and hopefully Emperor Moths and other moths too! Photography is easy here so bring your camera and walking boots.
Leaders – Rowena & Rob Nicholls. Meet at SX053611, PL30 5DU, in small roadside car park where free parking is available near Gunwen Chapel.
For details and directions phone Rowena & Rob Nicholls on 01726 884600 or 07596 159940.

Sunday 4th June – 11:00am – Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett.

One of Britain’s rarest butterflies, the Heath Fritillary, solely exists in Cornwall in the specially managed habitat, at its original main Cornish colony at Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett after it became extinct there after 2002. After it’s re-introduction to parts of the woodlands in the summer of 2006 it has become re-established and re-colonised it’s former habitat which has been much improved by clearance and regular habitat management work. The butterfly is breeding well in a number of different areas at Greenscoombe Woods and it is always a joy for enthusiasts to visit these woods to marvel at the many Heath Fritillary butterflies that are to be seen throughout June every year. Bring a drink, packed lunch and your camera.
Leader – Robbie Robinson. Meet at SX389737, PL17 8NJ, in Luckett Village free car park.
For details and directions phone Robbie Robinson on 01579 321586.

Saturday 10th June – 11:00am – Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Brixham, S. Devon.

The Small Blue butterfly is Britain’s smallest butterfly and we hope to see them flying here at Berry Head in their 1st brood flight. This appears to be the closest colony to visit for those in Cornwall wishing to see this, Britain’s smallest resident species. We will explore the area with Dave Conway who has kindly suggested this location to show all those attending this tiny but fascinating species of butterfly, alas sadly absent from Cornwall.
Target species: Small Blue butterflies & Bee Orchids as well as other interesting flora & fauna.
Leader - Dave Conway. On reaching Brixham, follow the road signs to Berry Head Country Park and park in the visitor’s car park (fee payable) SX940561, TR5 9AP. Walk north east to the Northern Fort and meet at the Guard House Café, situated just inside the Fort, at 11:00am. Car sharing is recommended.
For full details & directions phone. Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Sunday 11th June – 10:30am – Garrow Tor area of Bodmin Moor.

An excellent discovery by Dave Conway some years ago of a healthy colony of Marsh Fritillaries in a traditional moorland habitat was confirmed to still exist in 2015 by Rob Nicholls. A guided tour of this virtually unknown & isolated locality should prove rewarding & challenging. Target species Marsh fritillary. Stout walking boots/footwear and clothing appropriate to the moors advised, plus water as we will be away from facilities for some time. The Parking is outside of the De Lank Waterworks, just pull off the tarmac track to enjoy free parking.
We then walk in a northerly, then easterly direction for about 1.5 miles over easy moorland grassland; no climbs, just gentle slopes. 3 mile round trip - no alternative routes. Free parking.
Leader – Rob Nicholls. Meet at map ref SX 13148 76701, PL30 4NN – For details and directions phone Rob Nicholls on 01726 884600 or 07596 159940.

Saturday 17th June – 1:00pm Perransands and Penhale Sands, nr. Perranporth.

A Mid-summer ramble over Britain’s highest sand dunes complex to see large numbers of freshly emerged Silver-Studded Blues. We would also hope to see Large Skippers, Small Skippers, Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Dark Green Fritillary, Scarlet Tiger Moth and Humming Bird Hawk-Moth & other scarce moths & plenty of wild flowers. This event always turns up unexpected surprises in moths or butterflies. Please bring plenty to drink, sun protection and walking boots.
Leaders – Lee Slaughter and Alan May. Meet at SW774553, TR4 9PN, in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose where there is a limited amount of free parking available.
For details phone Lee Slaughter on 01726 817505 or Alan May on 01209 821936 or 07787 121043.

Sunday 25th June – 11:00am Aish Tor, near Poundsgate, Dartmoor, Devon.

Target species High Brown Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary. Don’t miss this excellent chance to see Britain’s rarest resident butterfly, High Brown Fritillary, thanks to Russell Hemmings and Debi Phillips enthusiasm and they hope to both show you plenty of these spectacular Fritillaries.
Leaders – Debi Phillips and Russell Hemmings. Meet at 11.00 am in the parking area at (SX707714). Nearest postcode - TQ13 7NT. Off the B3357 at the top of Newbridge Hill turn west onto the minor road and the parking area is immediately on your right at the side of road.
For details and directions phone Debi Phillips on 07967 315239 or Russell on 07782 310777.

Sunday 2nd July – 11:00am Upton Towans, nr. Hayle.

A delightful walk through the extensive Gwithian to Hayle sand dune complex at Upton Towans. This area, which is managed by C.W.T. was previously the site for the manufacture of dynamite. We usually see significant numbers of newly emerged Dark Green Fritillaries and 100’s of Silver-Studded Blues as well as a wide variety of other butterflies and moths. Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream, and walking boots or rainwear if weather is unsettled.
Leader – Alan May. Meet at SW579396, TR27 5BJ, by the gate, in front of the large chimney at the entrance to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust area.
For full details and directions phone Alan May on 01209 821936 or 07787 121043.

Sunday 9th July – 11:00am Penlee Battery CWT Reserve & Penlee Point.

This reserve usually has excellent numbers of Marbled Whites which are absent from Mid & West Cornwall but often more than 100 can be seen here without much trouble. Small Heath & Dark Green Fritillary as well as Gatekeepers, Large & Small Skippers are always present. Six Belted Clearwing and Thrift Clearwing Moths will be searched for with pheromone lures so please bring your own pheromone lures if you have some.
Leaders – Debi Phillips and Russell Hemmings. Meet at SX436491, PL10 1LB, in Penlee Battery car park.
For details and directions phone Debi Phillips on 07967 315239 or Russell on 07782 310777.

Wednesday 12th July – 2:00pm Delabole Quarry, Delabole, Nr. Camelford.

This is an excellent site for our fieldtrips and we are grateful to Malcolm Lee for leading this for our group. Previous visits made here over a number of years have produced many sightings of Marbled Whites and Graylings which are not often seen on our field meetings. Graylings are not often found inland in Cornwall and the discovery of good numbers at this location is good news for the species in our county where it is now mainly restricted to parts of the coast. Good walking boots essential.
Leader – Malcolm Lee. Meet at SX074836, PL33 9AU, in Delabole Quarry Car Park by visitor centre.
For details and directions phone Malcolm Lee on 01208 880106.

Saturday 15th July – 1:00pm Seaton Valley, Nr. Looe.

We hope to see Silver-Washed Fritillary butterflies, Marbled Whites and other woodland butterflies as well as lots of Dragonflies too! There are various day flying moths to be seen here and Six Belted Clearwing Moths will be searched for with pheromone lures so please bring your own pheromone lures if you have some.
Leaders – Debi Phillips and Russell Hemmings. Park at SX303545, PL11 3JT, (Seaton pay & display car park) (there is a parking charge) or limited free roadside parking if there are any spaces. Meet at park entrance near public toilets at 1:00pm.
For details and directions phone Debi Phillips on 07967 315239 or Russell on 07782 310777.

Sunday 16th July – 11:00am Cabilla Wood, Glyn Valley, nr. Bodmin (C.W.T.Reserve).

We look forward to seeing many beautiful Silver-Washed Fritillary butterflies in this well managed woodland and following the exciting discovery in these woods in 2013 of a ‘valezina’ form of the female of this species, we will be eagerly looking out for this rarity again this year! The bright summer form ‘hutchinsoni’ of the Comma butterfly will be on the wing together with plenty of Ringlets, Gatekeepers, new brood Brimstones, Purple Hairstreaks and Summer brood Holly Blues. There are various day flying moths to be seen here so there may be new discoveries awaiting us.
Leader – Dave Conway. Meet at SX128653, PL30 4BE, by sawmill where parking is free.
For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Friday 21st July – 9:00pm – Little White Alice, Carnmenellis, Nr. Stithians (Moth Night).

A high summer moth evening kindly hosted by one of Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society’s trustees, Rosie Hadden together with moth expert, Frank Johns. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. Please feel free to bring your own moth traps if you wish to. There should be plenty of summer moths to record and also some migrants too!
Leader – Rosie Hadden & Frank Johns. Meet at SW697350 at ‘Little White Alice’ (postcode TR16 6PL). For details and directions, phone Rosie Hadden on 01209 861000 or 07584 632889 or Frank Johns on 01326 240357. For info on ‘Little White Alice’ here is link - http://www.littlewhitealice.co.uk

Saturday 22rd July – 1:00pm Treslea Downs near Cardinham/St. Neot, Bodmin.

In recent times the exciting discovery of an inland colony of Graylings on Treslea Downs by a member of our group “Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society” has bucked the national trend of mass extinction of inland populations of this species that has now exists very much as a coastal only species in Britain. There may also be Dark Green Fritillaries flying over these downs also. Please wear good walking boots and bring plenty to drink. Afterwards we may drive to Cabilla Woods afterwards for another look at the Silver-Washed Fritillaries.
Leader – Robbie Robinson. Meet at SX135683 (postcode PL30 4DL) near the crossroads at the top of Treslea Downs where there is enough free parking for a number of cars.
For details and directions phone Robbie Robinson on 01579 321586.

Friday 4th August – 9:00pm – St. Clement Wood, Idless, Truro (Moth Night).

A high summer moth evening kindly hosted by one of Cornwall’s foremost moth experts, Frank Johns. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. There should be plenty of summer moths to record. Please bring your own moth trap if you have one!
Leader – Frank Johns. Meet at SW824478, TR4 9AA, St. Clement Wood car park (free). For details and directions, phone Frank Johns on 01326 240357.

Saturday 5th August – 11:00am Kynance Cove, nr. The Lizard.

Be prepared for a beautiful walk at this famous locality for Lepidoptera. We hope to see most of the following species: Grayling, Dark Green Fritillary, Clouded Yellow (including ‘Helice’), Small Heath, 2nd brood Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Common Blue, Wall Brown, Painted Lady and Red Admiral. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and good walking boots. Park in main Kynance Cove car park (car park fee payable to N.T. unless we can negotiate free parking beforehand with the N.Trust which we have done for the past few years) and meet near the toilet block at the Southern end of the car park.
Leader – Leon Abbott. Meet at SW688132, TR12 7PJ, in main Kynance Cove car park.
For details and directions phone Leon Abbott on 01726 76796.