Chalton Down, Old Idsworth. On 30th June, the spell of hot weather continued when my father and I visited Chalton Down. Here the temperature reached 27.5 degrees during an hour and a half walk. Marbled Whites, Meadow Browns and Small Skippers were the most abundant species. Fresh Ringlets and Gatekeepers were seen in the scrubby areas. A total of 3 Dark Green Fritillarys were seen including one which made a rare stop to feed on a Knapweed. A surprise was a pair of mating Small Skippers which decided to land on the page of my notebook!
Totals: Brimstone 2M 1F, Large White 15, Small White 22, Common Blue 1M 1F, Gatekeeper 11, Marbled White 36, Meadow Brown 37, Ringlet 19, Dark Green Fritillary 3, Silver-washed Fritillary 1M, Small Skipper 26. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Browndown South, Gosport. The gate to the MOD training area was open and, according to the notice, Browndown (South) remains open to the public up to and including Friday 4th July but closed over the weekend. Seventeen species recorded on a walk from 1045-1330 when the temperature reached 25 deg C abated somewhat by a refreshing south-easterly breeze off The Solent. Grayling was not seen which surprised somewhat after the fine temperatures of the week. They surely can't be far away now! However, the day belonged to Purple Hairstreak; at least 34 seen in various conditions, the vast majority on the low oaks although also seen on other more established trees along the main path. The insects were largely keeping out of the sun which was also out of the wind; most were feeding while others toyed with each other as a female laid her egg. Little triangles of grey were everywhere and I have never seen so many of this species previously. It is always good to see Painted Lady and one was seen feeding on blackberry blossom. Total: Small White (63); Large White (19); Meadow Brown (8); Gatekeeper (28)' Common Blue (M)(2); Small / Essex Skipper (39); Ringlet (2); Marbled White (10); Small Heath (9); Small Copper (7); Small Skipper (1); Painted Lady (1); Comma (1); Essex Skipper (1); Purple Hairstreak (34); Red Admiral (1); Peacock (4); Speckled Wood (F)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Purple Hairstreak Photo © Francis Plowman | Female egg-laying Photo © Francis Plowman | Pairing or squabbling? Photo © Francis Plowman |
Grayling at Browndown South. An early tour of Browndown South this morning yielded 6 purple hairstreak (at least two were females) and three grayling, the latter in front of the old rifle range. My first visit, the ease of photographing purple hairstreak is a revelation. In addition, there were several small copper, a couple of peacock and multiple whites. [Posted by Geoff Dymott]
Broxhead Common. After visiting two sites in Alice Holt Forest, where my father and I had successfully seen several Purple Emperors, the target colour was blue as a visit was made to Broxhead Common to search for Silver-studded Blues. Here the temperature reached 27.5 degrees. After several weeks of no rain the small pond was reduced to just a quarter of its full size. On the muddy edges 3 Small Whites were taking moisture. Total of two Marbled Whites were seen flying near to the pond. In a few scattered areas male and female Silver Studded Blues were seen, the females quite fresh. Totals: Small White 4, Gatekeeper 1, Silver-studded Blue 5M 4F, Marbled White 2, Small Skipper 1. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Abbotts Wood Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. After visiting Straits Inclosure, my father and I visited Abbotts Wood Inclosure where the temperature reached 27 degrees. Here over 40 Silver-washed Fritillarys were seen. A fresh male second generation Holly Blue was seen imbibing from the path and later laded on nettles. One small Oak tree supported a total of 10 Purple Hairstreaks, while Meadow Browns were more abundant than Ringlets. A female Silver-washed Fritillary landed on the track to take minerals and was ambushed by a male who chased her for over 10 minutes into the undergrowth, where a second male also tried to join the chase too. A single male Purple Emperor was seen at 13.33, 13.34 and 13.35. Two males were seen chasing each other at 14.21 followed by a sighting of a single remaining male at 14.23.
Totals: Brimstone 1M, Large White 6, Small White 17, Holly Blue 1M, Meadow Brown 27, Ringlet 18, Comma 2, Peacock 1, Purple Emperor 2, Red Admiral 3, Silver-washed Fritillary 43, White Admiral 3, Large Skipper 6, Small Skipper 3. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. On 29th June while visiting my father, I paid a visit to Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest. Here a total of 11 species were seen for the first time personally in 2025, viz, Purple Hairstreak, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Ringlet, Comma, Peacock, Purple Emperor, Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral, Large Skipper and Small Skipper. Arriving at 10.25am the weather was cloudy temperature was 21until leaving at 13.00 the temperature reached 26 degrees. Ringlets were abundant with 168 recorded in company with Meadow Browns. Fresh male Gatekeepers were found, while 7 White Admirals were flying among the bramble blooms.
As the temperature began to increase Purple Emperors began to appear with two males chasing each other at 10.58, followed by a sighting of a male at 10.59, while three appeared in the air at once at 11.02. A male landed on the track at 11.05 and remained on the ground for a few minutes for photo opportunities, witnessed in company with Hazel Pratt. A male flew past me at low height at 11.24 then later landed on the ground at 11.29. Near the site of the former first deer tower, a further Purple Emperor flew around Sallows and Oaks at 11.56, later flying low past me at 11.58. At one point another male Purple Emperor chased the other male in the same area at 12.01, reappearing on its own at 12.04. At the far end of the main track another male was flying around the Oaks at 12.15. Returning down the main track I was rewarded with further ground sightings of the Purple Emperor at 12.37 where the male was tempted onto my father’s finger and then again at 12.41.
Totals: Brimstone 1M, Large White 8, Green-veined White 6, Small White 20, Purple Hairstreak 19, Gatekeeper 11, Marbled White 1, Meadow Brown 37, Ringlet 168, Comma 5, Peacock 3, Purple Emperor 7, Silver-washed Fritillary 23, White Admiral 7, Large Skipper 13, Small Skipper 26. [Posted by Richard Symonds]
Browndown (North) Gosport. Since the 'old red flag was flying high' over Browndown South, it was a return to the northern sector a week after my last circulation there. Any disappointment of not covering the former site was quickly dispelled with early sightings of White-letter Hairstreak atop the few remaining elms (adjacent to main entrance) and then some fascinating close encounters with White Admiral! From 1030-1315 (21-24 deg C) under blustery skies and occasional gloom the perambulation realised 19 sightings, my best for 2025. Purple Hairstreak was also noted and that in tall and established oaks but clearly the upper branches were windswept and those insects seen were almost within reach - but not as accessible as those at Browndown South! Total: Small Skipper / Essex Skipper (53); Small Skipper (2); Marbled White (8); Gatekeeper (14); Large White (11); White-letter Hairstreak (2); Small White (19); Meadow Brown (11); Ringlet (4); Red Admiral (1); Speckled Wood (9)(1F); Comma (9); White Admiral (5); Green-veined White (F)(2); Large Skipper (3); Small Copper (1); Peacock (5); Purple Hairstreak (3); Essex Skipper (1); Common Blue (M)(1)(F)(1). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| White Admiral Photo © Francis Plowman | Purple Hairstreak (glimpse of!) Photo © Francis Plowman | Peacock Photo © Francis Plowman |
Sightings at Woolmer Forest. I cycled round the perimeter track to a spot between Holywater and Passfeld.I saw 2 SilverWashed Fritillaries which weren't inclined to settle an issue I've been having with butterflies throughout this year.Glimpsed a White Admiral over the ranges fence.Though I managed to photograph a Marbled White resting while the sun was obscured.Also noted Ringlet, Large Skipper, male Brimstone and Red Admiral. [Posted by Jim Smith]
Briddlesford Copse, IoW. This predominantly oak woodland, @1 km2 in area, traversed by numerous narrow rides, was purchased by the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species towards the end of the last century to conserve its population of dormice. In its original state, it was perhaps the island's stronghold of the White Admiral, but on this occasion only 5 were seen, including one ab. nigra. The decline may simply be a legacy of the previous summer's weather, or the numerous coupes recently created to favour the mice. Moreover, the honeysuckle was in poor condition, wilted by the drought. 10 Silver-washed Fritillary were seen, as many females as males, in pristine condition, but the bulk of the butterfly population comprised the almost innumerable Satyrinae, mostly Meadow Browns and Ringlets, with some jaded Speckled Woods and 2 Marbled Whites. Devoid of cruciferae, only a few Large and Green-veined Whites were noted, the whole feasting on the masses of bramble lining the rides. Purple Hairstreaks would surely have ranked as common had time allowed to stand and stare. A single Comma completed the tally. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
A visit to Kevin Ross's reserve in N. Baddesley. Last week, on 19th June to be exact, I had the highly enjoyable experience of visiting Kevin Ross, and receiving a guided tour of his private nature reserve in North Baddesley, just north of Southampton. Kevin's reserve sustains a thriving ecosystem supporting a very wide range of plants, wild flowers, invertebrates, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Largely given over to grassland, this area also features a pond, now nearing completion, with adjoining established woodland to the north, immediately bordering on Kevin's land. The reserve supports a wide range of butterflies, including Small Skipper, Large Skipper, and Essex Skipper, all very numerous on the day of my visit, together with Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Heath, several species of blues, Marbled White, Large White, Small White, and Green-veined White, and other expected grassland species, with White Admiral, Peacock, and Dark Green Fritillary also observed. The reserve will also be of interest to herpetologists, as it is home to significant numbers of Adders, with Slow Worms and Grass Snake also present. The numerous small paths around the reserve also include many hiding places for reptiles, and we saw a number of Adders as we walked around. A fascinating couple of hours, and I should like to thank Kevin for showing me around, and for his notable contribution to conservation in this area of Hampshire. Kevin is always happy to welcome interested visitors and can be contacted by email at spark.ky@hotmail.co.uk [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Small Skipper Photo © Michael Jameson | Large Skipper Photo © Michael Jameson | Essex Skipper Photo © Michael Jameson |
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. From 1340-1520 a perusal of part of the area in warm sunshine (22 deg C) brought thirteen species to book. First year sightings of Purple Hairstreak and Gatekeeper added to the enjoyment. The former were seen flying high above two very large and established oaks and well outside the range of a macro lens! Total: Small White (15); Ringlet (7); Large White (8); Comma (24); Marbled White (15); Small Skipper / Essex Skipper (41); Common Blue (M)(2); Meadow Brown (39); Red Admiral (2); Peacock (11); Purple Hairstreak (3); Gatekeeper (1); Speckled Wood (5). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Marbled White (female right) Photo © Francis Plowman | Gatekeeper Photo © Francis Plowman | Meadow Brown (female right) Photo © Francis Plowman |
Fort Brockhurst, Gosport. It took just one hour from 1220 to circulate the outer woods and glades of Fort Brockhurst (22 deg C, cloudy but warm conditions). Plenty of bird-life on and around the moat with some spectacular floral displays including lillies and even Pyramidal orchids. Thirteen butterfly species were recorded with Small Copper being a surprise and absent White Admiral a disappointment. Total: Small White (11); Large White (9); Small Skipper / Essex Skipper (41); Small Skipper (1); Comma (6); Ringlet (7); Small Copper (2); Marbled White (8); Meadow Brown (20); Speckled Wood (11); Large Skipper (1); Common Blue (M)(2); Peacock (5); Essex Skipper (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Small Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman | Small Copper Photo © Francis Plowman | Speckled Wood (male) Photo © Francis Plowman |
Browndown South + North. A circular walk from home in overcast but very warm conditions taking in Browndown South, North and the Alver Valley. Four White Admirals in the oak copse at the edge of Browndown North were a nice suprise - they seem to be increasing here in the last few years. The highlight though was the Purple Hairstreaks in Browndown South. Easily into double figures in the stunted oaks and one in particular very obliging in opening its wings. Otherwise fairly quiet with the usual Meadow Browns, Marbled Whites, Peacocks etc. I couldn't find a Grayling in the South or North - perhaps a little early? [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Purple Hairstreak - Browndown South Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Purple Hairstreak - Browndown South Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
White-letter Hairstreak progress. First female White-letter Hairstreak seen at Great Fontley, easily recognized by the longer 'tails'.
First Ringlets also seen, along with good numbers of Comma, many nectaring on the copious bramble blooms, and a few summer brood Peacocks. WLH numbers seem to be high generally, with encouraging reports from Christchurch and Hertfordshire. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Stunning Purple Emperors at Straits Inclosure. Despite unseasonably strong westerly winds, it seemed worth making a further visit to the Straits Inclosure today, where Purple Emperor emergence is continuing apace. During several hours spent on the main gravel track, a number of very fresh specimens were noted settling on the gravel and imbibing minerals. This exceptionally highly coloured male was amongst the finest I've seen anywhere, and neither photo does justice to the depth and lustre of his majestic sheen. Another rewarding visit spent in the company of this iconic species. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Purple Emperor (M) Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson | Purple Emperor (M) Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson |
Old Winchester Hill. 18 species seen this morning on a walk around Old Winchester Hill in partly cloudy conditions. These included a male Adonis Blue at the bottom of the car park slope, 2 Silver-washed Fritillaries in the woodland near here and plenty of Dark Green Fritillaries.
Butterflies seen:
4 Small Skipper and 1 Essex Skipper identified, plus 20 unidentified Small Skipper / Essex Skipper; 1 Brimstone, 1 Large White, 10 Small White, 1 Small Copper, 1 Adonis Blue, 6 Red Admiral, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Peacock, 1 Comma, 18 Dark Green Fritillary, 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, c100 Marbled White, c100 Meadow Brown, 6 Small Heath and 12 Ringlet. [Posted by Mark Rolfe]
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| Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Mark Rolfe | Dark Green Fritillary Photo © Mark Rolfe | Ringlet Photo © Mark Rolfe |
Purple Emperor at Micheldever Woods. Purple Emperor observed on the ground at Micheldever Woods for more than 10 minutes at 14.30 while doing my transect. Seen at the first log/bench from the carpark on the righthand track. Also one rather tatty White Admiral and a Small Skipper. [Posted by Paul Warren]
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| Photo © Paul Warren | Photo © Paul Warren |
Martin Down. An early morning visit to Martin Down today - more for orchids than butterflies but couldn't resist a few photos of Dark Green Fritillary and Marbled White. Both of these must have run into 3 figures in a 2-hour circular walk - they were literally everywhere. A site that never disappoints. [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
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| Marbled White - Martin Down Photo © Mark Wagstaff | Dark Green Fritillary - Martin Down Photo © Mark Wagstaff |
Havant Thicket. We had a slow walk along the main footpath this morning from 1030-1230. We recorded 4 male Purple Emperor, 2 White Admiral, 3 Silver-washed Fritillary, 14 Ringlet. [Posted by Barry Collins and Margaret Collins]
Moth Trap in my garden. Highlights from my moth trap in my garden at Leigh Park. A worn Striped Hawk, 2 Elephant Hawk, Poplar Hawk, Lunar-spotted Pinion, Leopard moth, Buff-tip, 11 L-album Wainscot, Four-spotted Footman, Beautiful Carpet [Posted by Barry Collins]
Further WLH sighting. 4pm this afternoon, 26C, Boarhunt Mill Race elms, White-letter Hairstreaks seen sparring over 'Morfeo' elm. WLH now found on all five plantings undertaken 2001-2005 in response to WLH Objective 5 in BC's South Central Action Plan 2000* to determine whether the new DED-resistant cultivars could host the butterfly:
Great Fontley (Reading Beds clay)
Nelson, Ports Down (chalk)
Boarhunt, Wallington valley (alluvium)
Horsea Island (brickearth)
Defence Munitions Gosport (London clay)
* Hants., IoW, Dorset, & Wilts. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Monks Walk, Frater Fields & Woods, Gosport. My first Summer circuit of this area (south and north of Heritage Way) recorded 12 species. Two hours from 1120 (24.5 deg C, cloudy, warm and even some light rain) came to a swift halt when heavier rain threatened and later descended! Five weeks ago in the enclosed 'navy' field I recorded a single female Common Blue so it was very pleasing to find in the same field a recently emerged male. Some really fresh Ringlet were found and the most identified of the Skippers was Essex Skipper. Total: Large Skipper (1); Small Skipper / Essex Skipper (21); Essex Skipper (6); Small Skipper (1); Large White (4)(1F); Small White (15)(1F); Comma (14); Meadow Brown (7); Ringlet (6); Marbled White (15); Common Blue (M)(2); Red Admiral (2); Speckled Wood (3). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Ringlet Photo © Francis Plowman | Common Blue male Photo © Francis Plowman | Marbled White female Photo © Francis Plowman |
Purple Emperor emerging at Straits Inclosure. Today's early rain showers moistened the forest gravel tracks at the Straits Inclosure, Alice Holt Forest, to useful advantage. Despite largely overcast skies, four newly emerged Purple Emperors (all males, as to be expected this early in the emergence period) were tempted down onto the main path leading from the entrance in short order. In fact, the first was seen within seconds of my arrival, and before I had even alighted from my cycle, far less got the camera out and prepared! Once landed, however, these butterflies remained on the ground, taking mineral salts, for as much as 20 minutes at a time, allowing for reasonably close approach and some pleasing underside shots, though given the fairly average lighting conditions, I was unable to obtain good images of the upper sides, capturing the legendary purplish iridescence, on this occasion. There will certainly be more specimens still to emerge, so the coming two weeks may well afford this seasons' best opportunities to see and photograph these amazing insects in fresh condition at this famous site. [Posted by Michael Jameson]
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| Purple Emperor (M) Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson | Purple Emperor (M) Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson | Purple Emperor (M) Straits Inclosure Photo © Michael Jameson |
Browndown North (Alver Valley Country Park). Fifteen species recorded on a pleasant walk (1350-1610, 27 deg C, sunny/breezy). I wanted to check if White Admiral was still to be found and delighted to find three. Too early for Grayling and the windswept heath produced no sightings. After three years of failing to record Silver-studded Blue here I was not surprised that this species now sadly seems absent from this site. Total: Small Skipper / Essex Skipper (45); Essex Skipper (6); Small Skipper (5); Meadow Brown (13); Marbled White (10); Small White (6); Large Skipper (2); Peacock (2); Comma (6); Speckled Wood (5); White Admiral (3); Red Admiral (3); Green-veined White (1); Large White (1); Silver-washed Fritillary (1); Ringlet (2). [Posted by Francis Plowman]
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| Comma Photo © Francis Plowman | White Admiral Photo © Francis Plowman | Essex Skipper Photo © Francis Plowman |
Botley Wood and Whiteley Pastures. It was a bit cloudier than expected on this morning’s circuit around Botley Wood and Whiteley Pastures so there weren’t huge numbers of butterflies around but it was a case of quality over quantity. It wasn’t long before the first Ringlet and Silver-washed Fritillary were encountered along the sub-station access road. A short while later I had a brief view of a Purple Emperor disappearing over the trees by Toby’s Pond. It was as I was descending along the main track from Ridge Copse that I disturbed a male Purple Emperor from the ground in front of me. Fortunately, after circling around me a few times, it settled back down and this stunning insect was watched for around half an hour as it fed and made a few low flights over the track.
Butterflies seen: 1 Small Skipper, 4 Large Skipper, 1 Brimstone, 4 Small White, 2 Purple Emperor, 1 White Admiral, 1 Red Admiral, 6 Silver-washed Fritillary, 1 Marbled White, 3 Speckled Wood, 25 Meadow Brown, 4 Ringlet.
Also 3 Golden-ringed Dragonfly, 6 Emperor Dragonfly, 2 Black-tailed Skimmer and 1 Beautiful Demoiselle. [Posted by Mak Rolfe]
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| Photo © Mak Rolfe | Photo © Mak Rolfe | Photo © Mak Rolfe |
White Admiral out in numbers at Yarmouth.. The White Admiral was very prominent in Bouldnor Forest today. Over a very hot and still lunchtime in the forest, numerous sightings were made along with just two Silver-washed Fritillary. Growing numbers of Marbled White now too. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
White-letter Hairstreak: better and better. After recording 5 White-letter Hairstreak at Great Fontley, gorging on the emergent broad-leaf lime (T. platyphyllos) flowers between 12.30 and 13.30, we adjourned to the Wallington valley at Boarhunt, where the butterfly was discovered sparring above the 'Morfeo' elm on the riverbank, and later, on the 'Ademuz' elm at the end of Gravel Hole Copse - the first reported sighting of the hairstreak on this particular all-European cultivar. Other species seen were mobs of Meadow Brown on the profusion on bramble flowers, 2 female Small Skipper, and 6 Marbled White. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Hairstreaks at Axmansford. At least 7 Purple Hairstreak zipping around some roadside oaks at Axmansford yesterday evening. This is their kind of weather! [Posted by Andy Bolton]
Old Winchester Hill. 200+ Meadow Brown, 48 Dark Green Fritillary, 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, 60 Marbled White, 1 Painted Lady, 2 Brimstone, 6 Comma, 6 Red Admiral, 2 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Large Skipper, 4 Small Skipper, and 2 Peacock. Other species seen but not counted were Large White and Small White, etc. There were also 2 Red Kite, 2 Buzzard and 3 Ravens. [Posted by Barry and Margaret Collins]
Southleigh Forest. My first male Purple Emperor was patrolling the vicinity of an assembly oak from 12:45 today. Also present at least 3 Silver-washed Fritillary, as well as Large Skipper, Ringlet , Purple Hairstreak, Marbled White and Meadow Brown. [Posted by Peter Gammage]
Whiteley Pastures. Not a good day for photos sadly but if anyone is considering visiting this lovely site then I can report the following between 0900-1030 this morning:
White Admiral x2, double figures for Silver-washed Fritillary (not settling at all in the heat), Purple Hairstreak x2 low down (but annoyingly on the underside of the oak leaves!). Otherwise all the usuals with lots of Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Small Skipper plus bonus (very fresh) Red Admiral. Insect wise there were Golden Ringed dragonflies and Broad Bodied Chasers plus Beautiful Demoiselles and a couple of very large Hornets. A very worthwhile trip and likely to improve in this glorious weather [Posted by Mark Wagstaff]
Silver-washed Friillary and White Admirals at Yarmouth.. Four White Admiral seen today in Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth.Three of which were observed taking minerals on the bridleway. Also a male Silver-washed Fritillary busily nectaring on bramble flower while being aggravated by several Meadow Brown. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
Portsdown Hill. Summer butterfly numbers are slowly starting to build at Portsdown Hill, where I spent 2 hours this afternoon, mostly on the upper slopes between Cliffdown Gardens and Portsdown Technology Park. Conditions were hot, sunny and calm, 24C. The most abundant species by far was Marbled White - I counted 79, almost all freshly emerged males. Meadow Browns are still in quite low numbers, with only 13 seen. Other species included 3 Speckled Woods, 1 fresh male Dark Green Fritillary, 3 Red Admirals, 2 female Brimstones, 1 Small White, and 2 Common Blues. [Posted by Adrian Hoskins]
North Baddesley Sightings. Today on my reserve at North Baddesley first of the season White Admiral and Marbled White. [Posted by kevin ross]
WLH aloft. Same perch as yesterday at Great Fontley, but later in the day (4.20pm), one male White-letter Hairstreak enjoying the sunshine and absence of wind. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
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| Male WLH atop Japanese elm Photo © Andrew Brookes |
Aberrant Meadow Brown, Harmony Woods, Andover. A walk around Harmony Woods, an area of reclaimed farmland on the outskirts of Andover, gave me my first Small Skippers (5) and Marbled Whites (15) of 2025, but the butterfly of the day was this aberrant Meadow Brown, fortunately it hung around long enough for me to take a few pictures. [Posted by Kevin Haggar]
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| Aberrant Meadow Brown showing pale hindwings Photo © Kevin Haggar | Showing underside of hindwing Photo © Kevin Haggar | Second view of upper side Photo © Kevin Haggar |
Statement to branch members from Head Office. The future of the Hampshire Branch
On June 9th staff and volunteers in Hampshire came together to discuss the current situation with the Branch and the way ahead for our work in Hampshire. We met for an hour then headed to Magdalen Hill Down for a picnic lunch and walk led by Fiona Scully, who has now been confirmed in a permanent role as Reserves Officer.
We talked through the significant amount of work still happening in the county; we have (at least!) 297 volunteers in the county who carry out a wide range of activities, including recording and monitoring, compiling the Branch E-Newsletter and updating the Branch website as well as key leadership roles such as Transect Co-Ordinator, WCBS Champion, Walks Leaders and County Recorders. And, of course, practical work on our reserves continues, led by Fiona and supported by a vital team of practical conservation volunteers, livestock lookers and recorders.
We are truly grateful to all volunteers who have contributed to our work in the county and to those who continue to do so. At a difficult time for charities across the UK and a worrying time for nature, your support is more important than ever and every act of kindness makes a difference.
Looking ahead, we are very aware of the challenges that all our Branches in the UK have been facing in recruiting to committee roles. Across the voluntary sector, participation in volunteering has declined 45% over the last 10 years and the appetite for volunteering in a committee role has halved. Therefore, in discussion with Andy Barker (Transect Co-Ordinator, former Branch Chair and Trustee) we have agreed to proceed in Hampshire without a Branch Committee. Instead, volunteers will continue to lead activities as they currently do and staff will set up new locally targeted volunteer groups as needed, such as survey groups or for habitat management work off-reserves. This will allow us to focus our time where we can make the most difference on the ground, helping butterflies, moths and the environment in Hampshire.
Kate Barrett, BC Head of Volunteering
Email: kbarrett@butterfly-conservation.org [Posted by Jon Holden-Dye]
WLH debut at Great Fontley. A pair of White-letter Hairstreaks seen sparring above an ACCOLADE (Japanese elm hybrid) at 3pm this afternoon in full sun and moderate southerly breeze. Other sightings comprised about 20 Meadow Browns plus 2 Marbled Whites on the grasses. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Castle Shore Park, Portchester. Afternoon stroll across this former concrete works capped with chalk rubble, produced Marbled White (10), Meadow Brown (3), Small White (2), Common Blue (1), Holly Blue (1), Brimstone larvae (4). The soil is poor, giving rise to a variety of leguminous species and Ox Eye daisies, currently a riot of colour. [Posted by Andrew Brookes]
Small Skippers at Yarmouth.. A sunny but breezy afternoon in Bouldnor Forest,Yarmouth today and apart from several Meadow Brown there were three Small Skipper. The earliest date I have recorded this species. [Posted by Peter Hunt]
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| Photo © Peter Hunt | Photo © Peter Hunt |
WLH out at IBM Lake. My first White-letter Hairstreak of the year was in the top of the usual elms to west of entrance roundabout to IBM Lake/Lakeside, Cosham. Looking back at my notes for the site, not the earliest ever for me, which was a day earlier - 3rd June 2011. A single Marbled White, few Meadow Browns and a Red Admirals too. [Posted by Tim Doran]