Waved Black update (updated 10 August)

Following the publication of a Waved Black in Alderholt on 10 July, has highlighted several other recent records.  Please refer to the original text in the Moths of Dorset here for this scarce Notable B species, and I list the known records below:

• Harman’s Cross, on 20 July 1991 (B Withers)

• Ferndown, on 21 July 1997 (R Cook)

• Rooksmoor, on 23 July 1997 (P Davey)

• Verwood, on 4 August 2004 (S Palmer)

• Verwood, on 12 July 2007 (M Weaver, C Court)

• Alderholt, on 23 July 2008 (T Morris)

• Wyke Regis, 30 June 2009 (D Foot)

• Verwood, on 9 July 2010 (C Court)

• Alderholt, on 10 July 2010 (T Morris)

• Verwood, on 18 July 2010 (C Court)

• Verwood, on 3 August 2010 (C Hill)

The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland: Vol. 5: Tortricidae. Publication late 2010. Approx. 500 pages and 40 colour plates. In two parts. Hardback. ISBN 87-88757-86-2.  Price for both volumes approx  GBP 165.00.  Latest news from the publisher is that they now expect a publication date towards the end of 2010 - per T Box

 

Can You Help with the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey?

This survey was carried out nationally for the first time last year with the aim of gaining a representative picture of the state of butterflies in the countryside generally. Recording on nature reserves or other special sites is valuable to find out what is happening to rarer species, but may not give an indication of how butterflies are faring in 'ordinary' parts of the countryside. The relatively common species that we take for granted at present may not be so common in years to come as a result of factors such as changing land use or climate change.

The scheme is organised on the basis of 1 km. squares being selected at random nationally and then allocated to the various branches of Butterfly Conservation for them to arrange to survey. Dorset did quite well last year with records of 32 squares being received and a total of 31 different species seen. However, it was not possible to find volunteers to cover all of the squares we were given and some recorders are unable to take part in the survey again this year. It would be very good if we could achieve full coverage of the squares or even be in a position to offer to do some extra ones.

The survey involves paying two visits to a square, one in July and one in August (it is optional to make one or two extra visits between May and August). A route has to be selected to cross the square in two roughly parallel lines about 500 m. apart. The normal method of recording on transects is then used. As the squares for whom we are seeking new volunteers have not been covered before, it will be necessary to start from scratch in terms of working out a route and possibly seeking permission from landowners.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Adrian Neil who is co-ordinating the survey in Dorset this year. His email address is adrian.neil@madasafish.com and he will be happy to answer questions about the survey or give you more information. If you do decide to take part, you will then be given advice and detailed instructions on how go about it.

The squares that we need to find recorders for are listed below. There may be one not to far from you or one in a part of the county that you would like to visit.

ST 3701 Vembury Farm, north of Marshwood
ST 6808 Glanvilles Wood, west of Pulham
ST 7722 Kington Hill, Kington Magna
ST 8520 Near Shaftesbury, east of Guy's Marsh
ST 8780 Tyneham, Worbarrow Bay
SZ 0185 Goathill Plantation, Studland

 

 

The Future of the Dorset Moth Group - Readers will recall my request in the last newsletter for assistance with its production and to put the Group onto a more substantial and formal footing. I received one response and that was apologetic, but negative. This complete lack of interest and enthusiasm gives me no choice but to announce that this will be the last newsletter which will be produced. It is depressing to find that while so many counties have thriving, well organised, active moth groups, Dorset is notable for its apathy.

 

Terry Box has agreed to continue to run our very successful and respected website. I encourage you all to send Terry your daily records of interesting moths. In future years  the two spring reports on the previous year’s records in Dorset, produced by the County Recorders, Peter Davey and Phil Sterling, will be published on the website.

 

I have made arrangements for all the Group’s assets to be transferred to the Dorset Branch of Butterfly Conservation who will continue to fund the website. The Group’s bank account will be closed following production of this newsletter.

 

Will you please not send me any more cheques to cover annual subscriptions and will those with standing orders please please inform their own bank that these should be cancelled with immediate effect.

 

Gordon Hopkins - April 2010

 

Eds - In response to the effective disbanding of the 'Group' the title of the site has been changed to Dorset Moths, although the URL will remain as Dorsetmothgroup.org.uk.  The website will now be the preferred method for communicating records, articles and event news to interested parties.  To achieve this aim I commit to keeping the website updated and current, and appreciate your continued support.  Please send any articles, information on events, photos, and any records of interest, to me - see contacts for details.

 

This in no way replaces the need to submit records at the end of the year to the County Recorders, and any records published on this site are for information only, and are not subject to verification.  It should not be assumed that publication here is sufficient to have records included in the County records.  Please support your Recorders!

 

Website generously supported by

 

 

Lepidoptera Conservation Bulletin Number 10 - The latest edition of Butterfly Conservations annual Lepidoptera Conservation Bulletin (number 10) is now available to download www.butterfly-conservation.org/lepidopteraconservationbulletin.  NB: To make it easier to read on screen you should be able to use the contents page to navigate around the report (hold ‘ctrl’ then click on the subject header).

 

The Bulletin summarises the work carried out by Butterfly Conservation and our partner organisations over the course of the year and the resulting advances in our understanding of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species, both moths and butterflies, including information on distribution, habitat requirements and management. This year’s edition includes updates on conservation efforts for a broad selection of highly threatened moths and butterflies across the UK as well as articles about Lepidoptera recording, Butterfly Conservation reserves, Butterfly Conservation Europe and National Moth Night. There is also a selected Bibliography covering publications of interest in 2008 and 2009 (added 30 Apr).