Unfortunately this is a problem that I have commented on regularly for the last 20 years. Large areas of blackthorn have been cut most winters and bonfires lit over the cut stands with the result that that no regrowth has occurred. The result is that not only has the numbers of Brown Hairstreaks dro...

I agree with Peter, an excellent book especially if you live in Surrey or adjoining counties with descriptions of the best sites as well as extensive coverage of species seen in the vice county in the last dozen years.

Terry Hotten

I noticed on today's news broadcasts that the anniversary of the Christchurch NZ earthquake was marked by the release of butterflies by children. Hopefully they were indigenous species but an appropriate memorial.

Terry Hotten

The current list of European butterflies is on this page (the link is European butterflies) for anyone who is interested. This list is allegedly the final and agreed list that the taxonomists have agreed upon. http://www.bc-eig.org.uk/Species.html Roger As you suggest it seems to be out of date alr...

The Glanvilles are not restricted to Wrecclesham Quarry. Pete probably remembers a picture I sent to the Hants BC website about 4 years ago that I had taken a couple of miles across the border into Hampshire that we eventually identified as a Glanville - I didnt see the underside. This was found on ...

Nice to see a number of male Brimstones flying today in NE Hants. I wonder if someone could assist with a moth identification? What is flying at this time of year - brown, size of a small speckled wood butterfly but more 'squarish' in wing-shape with a fluttering flight. Seen early afternoon in rou...

Nice to see a number of male Brimstones flying today in NE Hants. I wonder if someone could assist with a moth identification? What is flying at this time of year - brown, size of a small speckled wood butterfly but more 'squarish' in wing-shape with a fluttering flight. Seen early afternoon in roug...

[quote="JohnR"]Thanks for posting the FC link because it shows that almost all of the Botany Bay/Oaken Wood complex is Heritage Woodland. I have yet to read all of this thread so apologise if the topic is covered but my understanding was that the Botany Bay complex is managed but not owned...

Yesterday's spring sunshine brought out my first butterfly of the year; a female brimstone flying at Farnborough, Hants. Much as I enjoyed the tropical butterflies at Wisley it is really nice to see the outdoor season starting early after such a cold winter.

Terry Hotten

After a mild grass frost on the Surrey/Hants borders (well on Chobham Common), it was nice to see a couple of Speckled Woods flying in the afternoon sunshine alongside the Basingstoke Canal at Winchfield (SU772533). Sadly the various reported immigrants have not yet passed me.

Terry Hotten

Two pristine Small Coppers nectaring on dandelion in the Wild area of Wisley RHS Gardens this morning

Terry Hotten

11am sounds fine. I am sure I will spot the crowd!

Terry Hotten

Should be able to attend. Have you suggested a meeting time?

Terry Hotten

Near the end of the month but the beautiful spring weather is bound to produce some hibernators so I wasn't surprised to see a male Brimstone flying at Wisley Gardens. Quite what he would make of the Blue Morphos in the Glasshouse is another matter.

Terry Hotten

I am very impressed by the results posted above. I spent 30mins trying to de-mist my macro lens and gave up after three foggy attempts. I have had the same problem with the orchids there. Whilst I awaited entrance I watched some of the larger beasts flying high into the roof from outside, so they ap...

I visited Wisley this morning and it was very crowded due to a delayed opening for a press call. It is well worth making a visit as there are many large butterflies flying throughout the tropical section of the Glasshouse from the Stratford Butterfly House. The identification board shows 20 species ...

Thanks, Roger for the info. I seemed to have missed them when i did my check after seeing yours.

Terry Hotten

Can I belatedly offer my congratulations to Pete and Mike and the rest of the team for organising such an excellent workshop last week. Amongst the array of fine equipment was a Canon EOS30D with a MR-24EX twin flash fitted with dinky Sto-fen like diffusers. Unfortunately I was unable to identify th...