Jason Sargerson

[Neil Freeman]

Truth be told, it hasn’t rained here in East Anglia for a month. But the good weather has come to late for our beloved insects.

The clouds must have emptied out over us on the way Mark. We have had quite a bit or rain over the past couple of weeks including thunderstorms and some heavy downpours.

My biggest concern here apart from the weather itself is the grass growth which has smothered everything else, it does not bode well for next year.

Cheers,

Neil.

[David M]

Looks like you've had the same frustrating, and rather depressing, summer, Jason.

I'm hoping next year will generate good butterfly conditions from April onwards (Lord knows, we need it). We can't afford another disaster like 2024, otherwise there might be precious little left for 2026 and beyond!

[jasonsargerson]

I am not depressed about the abundance of butterflies, but disappointed.

I have had 60 years of enjoyment from butterflies since the age of eight.

I doubt if an eight year old starting an interest in butterflies this year will be able to enjoy butterflies for another 60 years.

What concerns me is the complacency of Butterfly Conservation.

Just looking at the red list for butterflies - almost all the butterflies of no concern, I would be extremely concerned about.

This means what we used to call common - the Skippers, Whites, Admirals and Browns.

Butterfly Conservation does appear to recognise the problem, but there is no change to their strategy.

Butterfly Conservation was created in 1968, so 56 years later we have a massive loss of butterflies - this is not success.

Butterflies are only a small part of the biodiversity loss, compared to wildlife loss in general, particularly animals, birds and insects.

[jasonsargerson]

Two weeks ago I discovered my Amazon account had been classed as inactive.

Apparently they do this if you have not sold anything for 3 months ( a very short time I think).

To reactivate your account, enter your debit card details again - sounds simple.

My debit card details could not be verified - I tried about 8 times.

On getting a call back from Amazon (also difficult to obtain) - on the third time, I was told there must be a mismatch in your details, but we cannot tell you what it is. Try entering an alternative card. So, fortunately I have another card - success.

However, since this is likely to happen over and over again, as my sales are declining, I have decided not to sell on Amazon.

So, I have reduced all my stock levels to zero.

If you wish to buy from me, please contact me direct, or use Pemberley Books or NHBS.

[jasonsargerson]

European Butterflies Magazine is ready for printing now.

Please see Overseas Forum, European Butterflies Magazine for more details.

[jasonsargerson]

That is interesting - upside down - maybe Pete can turn it round for me?

[jasonsargerson]

Try this one