Butterfly & Moth Field Meeting 2012

I am delighted to attach the confirmed list of Butterfly & Moth Field Meetings for Spring & Summer 2012 in Cornwall. I have compiled this list for Cornwall Butterfly Conservation (Butterfly Conservation Cornwall Branch).

Please feel free to attend one or more of these or pass on or publicise these events in whatever publication you feel suitable that may inform anyone interested in learning more about Cornwall's Butterflies. There is no charge to attend any event and you/anyone attending does not have to be a member of Butterfly Conservation.

This is my 20th year of compiling the county's fieldtrips/meetings for Cornwall Butterfly Conservation and this year we can offer 27 different events, most of which are arranged by Cornwall Butterfly Conservation. The Moth events are arranged by Cornwall Moth Group and we are indebted to them for allowing us to include their events in our listings.

Have a good season for 2012.

Stay lucky,

Lee Slaughter (Fieldtrip Organiser),

Cornwall Butterfly Conservation.

Cornwall Butterfly Conservation Butterfly and Moth Field Meetings 2012.

Compiled by Lee Slaughter – Field Trip Organiser

Celebrating  20  glorious years of butterfly & moth meetings

across Cornwall.

Saturday 21st April – 10:30am – Murrayton Monkey Sanctuary, Millendreath, nr Looe.

This is a special early visit to the Millendreath to Seaton coastal footpath to search for Britain’s earliest flying Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterflies. Yes; you can see the Pearl-Bordered Fritillary in April in Cornwall given reasonable weather! This unique habitat, some of which is an ancient landslip, provides the ideal microclimate needed for this species to be on the wing up to 3 weeks earlier than elsewhere in Cornwall so don’t miss this opportunity to see this for yourselves. Walking boots are a must due to steep terrain and bring food & drink too! Access is through strictly private land at Murrayton Monkey Sanctuary which will be closed so all attending should be ready to be guided through to the cliff path by the leader at 10:30am from the Monkey Sanctuary car park. Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green-Veined White, Small Copper, Holly Blue, Orange Tip & possible Dingy Skipper will hopefully be seen today.

Leader - Paddy Saunders. Meet at map ref - SX285546; Murrayton Monkey Sanctuary Car Park.

For full details and directions phone Paddy Saunders on 01503 262567. 

Saturday 28th April – 11:00am – Marsland Nature Reserve, Gooseham Mill, nr. Morwenstow, North Cornwall.

The warden of this excellent nature reserve is Gary Pilkington who was a founder member and former chairman of Cornwall Butterfly Conservation. He will give a conducted tour of his reserve which will include a large colony of Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterflies for which parts of this reserve are specifically managed. Other spring flying species should be seen. You will need stout footwear & packed lunch & drink. Due to very limited parking, attendance is strictly limited to just 10 people and those wishing to definitely visit must phone Lee Slaughter on – 01726 817505 to reserve a place. Cars should be shared or parked at a pre-arranged place to enable car sharing to park next to the reserve as parking limited to no more than 3 cars.

Leader – Gary Pilkington (warden).  Meet at map ref – SS231172.

For details & exact directions phone Gary Pilkington on 01288 331266 and Lee Slaughter (to book your place) on 01726 817505.

Saturday 5^th May – 11:00am –Perransands/Penhale Sands, nr. Perranporth.

Perransands/Penhale Sands hold Cornwall’s best colonies of Grizzled Skippers which although highly localised will hopefully be found in suitable looking habitat amongst this vast dune complex. We hope to possibly find the special aberration called ‘taras’ which is sometimes found at this locality amongst some of the Grizzled Skipper colonies. Other species which should be found include Brown Argus, Wall Brown, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Small Copper and Orange Tip.

Leader – Paul Browning. Meet at map ref – SW774553 in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose village by entrance to footpath onto sand dunes.

For details and directions phone Paul Browning on 01736 763677.

Sunday May 6^th – 10:00 onwards -   'A Day for Nature' at Stithians Lake which is situated between Falmouth and Redruth.

'A Day for Nature' sponsored by SW Lakes is an event in which RSPB, BTO, CBWPS,CWT, SW Lakes, Cornwall Bat Group, Cornwall Mammal Group and ourselves, Cornwall Butterfly Conservation are participating.   
It will include stalls/stands in the Conference Rooms near the Water Sports Centre between the hours of 10-00am and 4-00pm, a raffle, a bird ringing demonstration will take place during the morning subject to the weather, a joint bird/ butterfly walk ( time to be advised ) and an opportunity to meet and make friends with other conservation minded people.
Our website will be updated when further details are available but in the meantime Keith Wilson our Membership Secretary will help with your questions and give directions. Keith can be contacted by email at trelusback_farm@hotmail.co.uk or by telephone 01209-860298 and 07972-376982.

Saturday 12^th May – 2:00pm – Bunny’s Hill, nr. Cardinham, Bodmin Moor.

Bunny’s Hill is an easily accessible site and is one of the best places in Cornwall to see the Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterfly at close quarters. Much habitat conservation work is being carried out here to ensure the continued existence of both Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary and the rarer Pearl-Bordered Fritillary. There were in excess of 100 adult butterflies on the wing here last May during our fieldtrip of these species so there is much expectation for this year’s fieldtrip! Please do bring your camera as photography is comparatively easy at this locality. Brimstones are usually seen together with Small Heath, Holly Blue, Orange Tip and possible Dingy Skipper. There is plenty of parking available.

Leader – Lee Slaughter.  Meet at map ref – SX117675 at fork in road, with further parking 50 yards up track.

For details and directions phone Lee Slaughter on 01726 817505.

Saturday 19th May – 2:00pm – Fellover Brake, Tuckingmill, St. Breward.

This site still holds one of Cornwall’s finest 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.

Leader – Phil Harris.  Meet at SX089779, in small lay-by at Gam Bridge.

For details and directions phone Phil Harris on 07754 583101.

Saturday 26^th May – 1:00pm – Breney Common, nr. Lanlivery.

Our annual visit to probably Cornwall’s largest Marsh Fritillary colony. Good numbers of this species should be seen together with Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Small Heath, Brimstone, Green Hairstreak and always a few interesting moths too! Photography is almost always easy here so do bring your camera and walking boots.

Leader – Phil Boggis.  Meet at SX053611, small roadside car park near Gunwen Chapel.

For details and directions phone Phil Boggis on 01726 66124.

Sunday 27^th May – 11:00am – Predannack Head, South of Mullion.

A cliff walk to hopefully view one of the best sites recently discovered in Cornwall for the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly plus other interesting late Spring butterflies. The lengthy walk also includes a flooded quarry where dragonflies could be seen. Length of walk about 3 miles so ensure you have packed lunch & plenty of drink & sun cream as well as suitable clothing in case of inclement weather.

Leaders – Frank Johns, assisted by Lawrie & Helen Oakes. Meet at SW668162, National Trust Windy Ridge car park at 11:00am or just before.

For details and directions phone Frank Johns on – 01326 240357.

Sunday 3rd June – 11:00am – Chapel Porth, nr. St Agnes.

Our first meeting at this location last year produced over 75 Green Hairstreaks together with many other species including Silver Studded Blue, Common Blue, Large Skipper and Small Heath. The shallow seepages & boggy runnels along the valley just behind the cafe at Chapel Porth are in good shape for observing dragonflies.  Walking boots, drink & sun cream essential. Terrain is steep and rough in places and the views are stunning!
Leaders – Shaun & Jo Poland lead their first ever field trip! An event not to be missed

Meet at SW697495, in Chapel Porth N.T. beach car park
For details and directions phone Shaun or Jo Poland on 01872  540371, or 07800 548832

Saturday 9^th June – 1:00pm – Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett.

Organised jointly for both Cornwall Butterfly Conservation and for Cornwall Wildlife Trust (who are celebrating their 50 year anniversary since its formation in 1962, this year).

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. We are grateful to local recorder and expert on this species, Richard Vulliamy who will lead us around, showing us the best areas to observe them. The butterfly is breeding well in a number of different areas at Greenscoombe Woods and it is always a joy for enthusiasts from Cornwall, Devon and often much further afield to visit these woods to marvel at the many Heath Fritillary butterflies that are to be seen throughout June every year. Bring a drink and your camera. 

Leader – Richard Vulliamy.  Meet at SX389737 in Luckett Village car park.

For details and directions phone Richard Vulliamy on 01579 370411.

Sunday 10^th June –11:00am Bosigran, nr.Rosemergie (engine houses), 8 miles west of St Ives

A superb and energetic walk along the most South-Westerly coastline of England which, given good weather, should yield excellent numbers of Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries, Small Heaths, Green Hairstreaks, Meadow Browns, possibly Silver-Studded Blues & Dark Green Fritillaries. Other possibilities include migratory Clouded Yellows, Painted Ladies, Humming Bird Hawk-Moths and other migratory species. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and good walking boots.

Leader Phil Harris. Meet at SW421364, in car park besides B3306 road just east of Rosemergy.

For full details and directions phone Phil Harris on 07754 583101.

Friday 15^th June – 9:30pm Lower Cabilla Wood, Glyn Valley, nr. Bodmin (C.W.T.Reserve).

Organised by Cornwall Moth Group. All Cornwall Butterfly Conservation members and other interested people are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing and recording scores of beautiful summer flying moths which should include the large & impressive Hawk-Moths. There are always many moths to be seen in this wood so there may be new discoveries awaiting us.

Leader – Phil Boggis.  Meet at SX129653 in sawmill car park at entrance to reserve.

For details and directions phone Phil Boggis on 01726 66124.

Saturday 16th June – 2:00pm Perran Sands 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, a sun hat, sun protection and good walking boots.

Leaders - Lee Slaughter and Phil Boggis.  Meet at SW774553 in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose.

For details and directions phone Lee Slaughter on 01726 817505 or Phil Boggis on 01726 66124.

Sunday 17^th June –11:00am Porkellis Moor, Wendron, Nr. Helston.

An interesting walk through this habitat that is being restored with targeted conservation work aimed at encouraging more species of butterflies, moths and dragonflies to inhabit this damp area. The Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary has been recorded here along with Ringlets, Small Heaths, Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Large Skippers and good numbers of several species of dragonflies including the nationally scarce Small Red Damselfly. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and wellington boots as there are quite a few wet areas where we will walk.

Leader - Jack Keeping. Meet at SW689325.

For full details and directions phone Jack Keeping on 07817 251075.

Friday 22^nd June – 9:30pm – Watergate, West Looe Valley, Looe.

Mid-summer mothing for the Scarce Merveille Du Jour Moth.

Organised by Cornwall Moth Group.

The sedentary Scarce Merveille Du Jour moth has almost certainly continuously bred in the West Looe Valley on Oak trees since shortly after the last Ice Age!  It is proposed to re-visit a site a few miles up the West Looe valley from Kilminorth woods at Watergate (SX234545) where there is a distinct possibility that the Scarce Merveille du Jour moth may still be lurking undiscovered. There are some mature oaks near to the water’s edge on the footpath leading south. The moth light will be on from dusk until late but meet at 9:30pm. Expect to see & record many dozens of summer flying moths at this meeting! Bring a torch as no artificial lights nearby.

Leader - Phil Boggis.  Meet at SX234545. Plenty of parking is available up the lane from the West Looe River’s grassy floodplain.

For full details and directions phone Phil Boggis on 01726 66124.

Saturday 23rd June – 11:00am – Poldice, St Day.

A repeat of last year’s successful maiden field trip to this very interesting locality. We will be searching heathland on old mining landscape at St Day for newly emerged Silver-Studded Blues of the ‘heathland’ type. These are special to Cornwall as most counties have lost their colonies of this species. Grayling & other summer species such as Large Skipper & Ringlet should be seen too. Walking boots, drink & sun cream essential.

Leaders – Phil Harris and Keith Wilson.  Meet at SW737426, in lay-by at Poldice.

For details/directions phone Phil Harris on 07754 583101, or Keith on 01209 860298.

Friday 29^th June – 9:30pm – Pontsmill, nr. Penpillick Hill, St. Blazey, Par.

Mid-summer Moths at Pontsmill.

Organised by Cornwall Moth Group in conjunction with “The Friends of Luxulyan Valley”. All C.M.G. and Cornwall Butterfly Conservation members as well as anyone interested in moths are welcome at this meeting.

A moth evening of recording together with Cornwall Moth Group and “The Friends of Luxulyan Valley”. This event will begin at dusk and you should bring Wellies and a torch. Plenty of parking is available in the main Pontsmill car park. Past mothing events here have recorded over 125 different species of moth for one night’s recording! The larger species of Hawk-Moths should be seen at this meeting too! It will finish after Midnight  but you can leave before if you want.

Leader - Phil Boggis.  Meet at SX073561 in the car park at the end of the single track road.

For details and directions phone Phil Boggis on 01726 66124.

Saturday 30th June 2.00pm ‘Lethytep’, Penadlake, Lanreath - SX175588.

Philip & Faith Hambly invite all Cornwall Butterfly Conservation members & friends to view their Wildlife area where there will be a covered area to eat lunch. Hot drinks + toilet will be available. At 2:00pm there will be welcome from Philip, who will inform visitors about the Wildlife area with its walks & lakes. It is to be hoped that many mid-summer species of butterfly will be flying. Cornwall Butterfly Conservation will also have displays on show and have literature for sale etc. 

To get to Lethytep, turn south just before or just after Middle Taphouse on the A390 Liskeard - Lostwithiel road. Look out for the brown sign to Animal Land and follow this. There will be further small signs directing you the correct way.

Leader - Philip Hambly. Meet at SX175588 in field next to house; (parking for 100+ cars). 

For full details phone Philip Hambly on 01503 220385

Sunday 1st 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 Cornwall Wildlife Trust, was previously the site for the manufacture of dynamite. We usually see significant numbers of newly emerged Dark Green Fritillaries and hundreds of Silver-Studded Blues as well as a wide variety of other butterflies and moths. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream, and good walking boots or rainwear if weather is unsettled.

Leader – Dick Goodere.  Meet at SW579396 by the gate, in front of the large chimney at the entrance to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust area.

For full details and directions phone Dick and Maggie Goodere on 01736 753077.

Saturday 7^th July – 1:00pm Delabole Quarry, Delabole, Nr. Camelford.

This is an excellent site for our fieldtrips and we are grateful to Dave Conway for leading this meeting for our group. Previous visits made here by several Cornwall branch members 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. Walking boots essential.

Leader – Dave Conway.  Meet at SX074836 in Delabole Quarry Car Park by visitor centre.

For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Saturday 14^th July – 2:00pm Godolphin Woods, West of Helston

Don’t miss this excellent chance to see Purple Hairstreaks at this wonderful location. Come & support Carly Hoskin as she leads her 1^st field meeting for butterflies. It may be productive to stay here until early evening as more Purple Hairstreaks fly later in the day if the weather is warm. Bring adequate food & drink, binoculars and your camera.

Leader – Carly Hoskin. Meet at SW603321 by white gate of Blowing House.

For details and directions phone Carly Hoskin on 01326 563462. 

Sunday 15^th July – 1:00pm 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 together with the bright summer form ‘hutchinsoni’ of the Comma butterfly with plenty of Ringlets, Gatekeepers, new brood Brimstones and Summer brood Holly Blues. There is always various day flying moths to be seen in this wood so there may be new discoveries awaiting us.

Leader – Dave Conway. Meet at SX128653 by sawmill.

For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Saturday 4^th August – 11:00am Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth, TR16 6TQ.

Cornwall Butterfly Conservation Members ‘Open Day’.

A great locality which contains wildflower meadows, woodland, wetland and a lake. If the weather permits, visitors can expect to see a wide variety of butterflies, moths, birds and, dragonflies. Cornwall Butterfly Conservation is very indebted to Keith Wilson for hosting this event, who also keeps rare breeds poultry at the farm. This is an opportunity to meet and socialize with other members. If you can, bring a guest or two and introduce them to the delights and wonders of butterfly and wildlife conservation! Our branch members have assisted with conservation work & habitat restoration work this winter to return some of the land to suitable breeding habitat for a range of species and to attract nectaring species too!

A barn will be available for chatting, eating, coffee etc. A BBQ will hopefully be running as well if the weather is good. Please bring a packed lunch plus a cake or something sweet to share with other members and our guests. New members will be made very welcome; please introduce yourself to Keith, Jo or one of the other committee members.

Leader – Keith Wilson.  Meet at 11:00am at Trelusback Farm (shown on the OS map as ‘Trelusback’ at map reference SW712384), which is about half a mile ‘from the western end of Stithian’s lake and about halfway between Stithians and Redruth. Those with “satnav” will be able to use the postcode (TR16 6TQ) to get to a red ‘phone box at the end of the driveway to Keith’s house. Proceed down this lane and the barn we are using is about 200 yards past the sandschool and bungalow.

For more detailed directions (or if you get lost) please phone Keith on 01209 860298 or if no reply 07972 376982 or phone Jo Poland on 01872 540371.

Sunday 12^th August – 11:00am Kynance Cove, nr. The Lizard.

Be prepared for a beautiful walk at this famous locality for Lepidoptera. We would certainly hope to see most of the following species: Grayling, Dark Green Fritillary, Clouded Yellow (including ‘Helice’), Small Heath, 2^nd brood Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Common Blue, Wall Brown, Gatekeeper, 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.) and meet near the toilet block at the Southern end of the car park.

Leaders – Dave Spencer & Jack Keeping. Meet at SW688132 in main Kynance Cove Car Park.

For details/directions phone Dave Spencer on 01326 314533 or Jack Keeping on 07817 251075.

Friday 17^th August – 9:00pm Loe Bar Beach, Porthleven, Nr. Helston.

This is the first time we have ever had the privilege to be taken to the only known location in Great Britain of the Sandhill Rustic Moth subspecies ‘Luperina nickerlii leechi’. Adrian Spalding, who has studied in great detail the full life history and ecological requirements of this unique subspecies of moth, will show us the adult moths in their natural habitat on the fine shingle beach of Loe Bar where it was not discovered until 1974. You should wrap up well & bring a good torch as there is no nearby artificial light. Due to the sensitive nature of this site, those wishing to attend will need to reserve a place with Adrian Spalding himself by phoning him at work on 01872 272711.

Leader – Adrian Spalding. Meet at SW652236 down narrow track which leads to the south east end of Loe Bar Beach as far as cars can drive where there is small narrow car park at Chyvarloe (north of Gunwolloe).

For details/directions (and to reserve your place) phone Adrian Spalding on 01872 272711 (during the day).  

Sunday 19^th August – 10:30am Gwennap Head and Porthgwarra.

This locality is situated within 4 miles of Lands End, the most South-Westerly point on the English mainland and should produce an abundance of butterflies. We should see Grayling, Dark Green Fritillary, Clouded Yellow (including ‘Helice’), Small Heath, 2^nd brood Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Common Blue, Wall Brown, Gatekeeper, Painted Lady and Red Admiral. This has been a transect here since 2010 and the land is being partly managed by the RSPB for the Chough. Please bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and good walking boots. Park in Porthgwarra car park where there is a cafe & toilets. Pay & display car park in operation.

Leader – Jim Barker.  Meet at SW372218 in main Porthgwarra car Park.

For full details and directions phone Jim Barker on 01736 794134.

Saturday 8th September – 1:00pm Lantic Bay, Nr. Polruan.

A great way to round off the butterfly season in Cornwall with a highly scenic walk around Lantic Bay east of Polruan where we would hope to see many late summer butterflies & day-flying moths. This may be the best opportunity to see Clouded Yellow butterflies this year if any migrating butterflies came across the English Channel this season. Painted Ladies, Red Admiral, Wall Brown, Speckled Wood and possibly rarer species may be seen if we are lucky! Good walking boots & a packed lunch will be needed.

Leader Paddy Saunders. Meet at SX173517 in Lansallos car park.

For full details and directions phone Paddy Saunders on 01503 262567.