CORNWALL BUTTERFLY & MOTH SOCIETY 2019 FIELDTRIPS/EVENTS.

[lee3764]

“Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society”
Butterfly & Moth Field Meetings 2019.
Compiled by Lee Slaughter (Cornwall’s Butterfly & Moth Field Trip Organiser).
Celebrating 27 glorious SUMMERS of arranging Butterfly & Moth
meetings across Cornwall and beyond - 1993 - 2019.


Friday 26th April – 8:45pm – Goonhilly Downs Nature Reserve, Lizard Peninsula, (Moth Night).

A spring moth evening kindly hosted by one of Cornwall’s foremost moth experts, Frank Johns. Target species: Emperor Moth. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on and do bring an Emperor Moth pheromone lure if you have one! There should be plenty of spring moths to record with a particular reference to Emperor Moths! Please bring your own moth trap/light too if you wish.
Leader – Frank Johns. Meet at map ref SW728212, (postcode: TR12 6EA), Goonhilly Downs car park (free).
For details and directions, phone Frank Johns on 01326 240357.

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

***PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THE WEATHER FORECAST IS NOT GOOD FOR THIS EVENT THEN YOU MUST PHONE THE LEADER BEFORE 9:00AM (PAUL BROWNING) TO CHECK IF THIS MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE DAY (5TH MAY).***
Perransands/Penhale Sands now hold’s Cornwall’s last remaining colonies of Grizzled Skippers which although highly localised will hopefully be found in suitable looking habitat amongst this vast dune complex. We hope to find the special aberration called ‘taras’ which is usually found at this locality amongst some of the Grizzled Skipper colonies. Other species found here include Brown Argus, Wall, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Small Copper and Orange Tip. Bring a packed lunch.
Leader – Paul Browning. Meet at map ref – SW774553, (postcode: TR4 9PN), in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose village by entrance to footpath onto sand dunes.
For details & directions phone Paul Browning on 01736 763677.

Sunday 12th May – 11:00am – De-Lank/Pendrift Downs, St. Breward.

Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries were discovered at De-Lank/Pendrift Downs in May, 1998 by 3 enthusiasts and more than 20 years later the butterfly can still be found here during bright & sunny weather every May. Dave Conway, who lives locally & has been exploring this area since the early 1970’s, will lead us around different parts of the sites in the hope of seeing the freshly emerged adult butterflies of this rare & beautiful fritillary. Orange Tips, Brimstones, Speckled Woods, Green Hairstreaks & Small-pearl bordered fritillaries as well as Emperor Moths will also be on the wing here now. We will have an Emperor Moth pheromone lure with us to attract Emperor Moths during the visit. Walking boots, a packed lunch and drink are required.
Leader – Dave Conway. Parking is very limited here: Meet at SX099753, (postcode: PL30 4NQ), in small parking spaces on right hand side before the De-Lank Quarry entrance near the end of the long track signposted to De-Lank Quarry. Further parking can be found 200 yards or so further back on the side (where space permits) along the track.
For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.
Saturday 18th May – 11:00am – Fellover Brake, Tuckingmill, St. Breward.

This site still holds one of Cornwall’s few remaining 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. Bring packed lunch & drink.
Leader – Robbie Robinson. Meet at SX089779, (postcode: PL30 4PQ), in small lay-by at Gam Bridge.
For details and directions phone Robbie Robinson on 01579 321586.

Saturday 25th May – 11:00am –Meeth Quarry, Meeth, Nr. Hatherleigh, Devon.

A return visit to this location after our inaugural fieldtrip here back in 2016. Meeth Quarry has a superb population of the nationally rare Wood White butterfly! We hope to also see Green Hairstreak & Dingy Skipper butterflies. Bring a packed lunch & plenty of drink.
Leaders – Dave & Hilary Phillips. Map 191 Land Ranger map ref - SS540080 Meeth Quarry is on the southern edge of the village of Meeth, Devon on the A386 between Hatherleigh and Great Torrington. If travelling north on the A386 (from the A30), Meeth is approx 4 miles after Hatherleigh, and the reserve access road is on the left, shortly after passing the Meeth village sign. If travelling south on the A386, continue through the village of Meeth, past The Bull and Dragon pub on the right. The reserve access road is on the right, before leaving the last houses in the village. (Nearest postcode: EX20 3ER).
Follow the access road for half a mile and the car park is on the left which is free & has toilet facilities.
For details & directions phone Dave & Hilary Phillips on home phone for preference 01288 354364; or mobile, (limited signal and ok for text and when out and about) on 07971 444623 (nb not sure what the signal is like at Meeth).

Sunday 2nd June – 1:00pm – Breney Common, nr. Lanlivery.

It is always a delight to visit one of Cornwall’s largest Marsh Fritillary colonies here at famous Breney Common. Good numbers of this species should be seen together with Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Small Heath, Orange Tip, Green Hairstreak and hopefully Emperor Moths and other moths too! Photography is easy here so bring your camera.
Leaders – Rowena & Rob Nicholls. Meet at SX052612, (postcode: PL30 5DU), in small roadside car park where free parking is available near Gunwen Chapel.
For details and directions phone Rowena & Rob Nicholls on 07711105485, 01726 884600 or 07596 159940.

Saturday 8th June – 10:30am – Garrow Tor area of Bodmin Moor.

An excellent discovery by Dave Conway some years ago of a healthy colony of Marsh Fritillaries in a traditional moorland habitat was confirmed to still exist in 2015 by Rob Nicholls & again in 2018. A guided tour of this virtually unknown & isolated locality should prove rewarding & challenging. Target species Marsh fritillary. Stout walking boots/footwear and clothing appropriate to the moors advised, plus water as we will be away from facilities for some time. The parking is outside of the De Lank Waterworks, just pull off the tarmac track to enjoy free parking.
We then walk in a northerly, then easterly direction for about 1.5 miles over easy moorland grassland; no climbs, just gentle slopes. 3 mile round trip - no alternative routes. Free parking.
Leader – Rob Nicholls. Meet at map ref SX 13148 76701, (postcode: PL30 4NN)
For details and directions phone Rob Nicholls on 01726 884600 or 07596 159940.

Sunday 9th June – 11:00am – Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett.

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. The butterfly is breeding well in a number of different areas at Greenscoombe Woods and it is always a joy for enthusiasts to visit these woods to marvel at the many Heath Fritillary butterflies that are to be seen throughout June every year. Bring a drink, packed lunch and your camera.
Leader – Robbie Robinson. Meet at SX389737, (postcode: PL17 8NJ), in Luckett Village free car park.
For details and directions phone Robbie Robinson on 01579 321586.

Saturday 15th June – 1:00pm Perransands 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, sun protection and walking boots.
Leaders – Lee Slaughter and Alan May. Meet at SW774553, (postcode: TR4 9PN), in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose where there is a limited amount of free parking available.
For details phone Lee Slaughter on 01726 817505 or Alan May on 01209 821936 or 07787 121043.

Saturday 22nd June – 11:00am Pullabrook Woods/Drakeford Bridge, Bovey Valley Woodlands, Dartmoor, Devon followed by Aish Tor, nr. Ashburton.

The nearest White Admiral breeding colony to us in Cornwall and the easiest place to see them in Devon. Join us on an out of county adventure to see Britain’s most graceful flying butterfly. Bring a packed lunch and then we will move to Aish Tor in the afternoon for High Brown Fritillary, Dark Green & Silver Washed Fritillaries.
Leader – Dave Gibbon. Meet at 11:00am at Drakeford Bridge Car Park ( SX789801) (postcode: TQ13 9SR).
Parking at Aish Tor for afternoon excursion is: - parking area at (SX707714). (Nearest postcode: TQ13 7PX). Off the B3357 at the top of Newbridge Hill turn west onto the minor road and the parking area is immediately on your right at side of road.
For details and directions phone Dave Gibbon on 01752 666231 or 07904 129309.

Friday 28th June – 9:30pm – Pontsmill, Luxulyan Valley, Nr. St. Blazey (Moth Night).
Mid-summer Moths At Pontsmill.

A moth evening of recording at the Pontsmill area of the Luxulyan Valley. This event will begin at dusk and you should bring a torch and wrap up well. Plenty of easy and free parking in the main Pontsmill car park. Past moth recording events at this location have bought in a list exceeding 125 different species of moth for one evening’s recording at a single locality including such rarities as Blomers Rivulet moth!
Leader - Phil Boggis, Meet at SX073562 (postcode: PL24 2RR) in the free car park at the end of the single track road.
For details and directions phone Phil Boggis on 01726 66124.

Sunday 30th June – 11:00am Pentire Head, Newquay,

A new location for our society to explore with expert butterfly guide, Philip Harris who rediscovered the Silver-studded blue butterfly here in good numbers during last year’s hot summer. There may be other discoveries to be made at this beautiful location with stunning views! There is a car park which does charge according to amount of time you spend here.
Leader – Phil Harris. Meet at SW787614 (postcode: TR7 1PJ) in Pentire Headland car park which is at the end of Pentire Avenue.
For details and directions phone Phil Harris on 07845 984426.

Wednesday 3rd July – 10:00am Seaton Valley and Seaton Seafront, Nr. Looe.

We hope to see Silver-Washed Fritillary butterflies, Marbled Whites & other woodland butterflies as well as Dragonflies too! There are various day flying moths to be seen & Six Belted Clearwing Moths will be searched for with pheromone lures so please bring your own pheromone lures if you have some. This is also an excellent site for orthoptera, with Speckled and Great Green Bush-crickets, as well as Long-winged Cone-heads. The strictly coastal Grey Bush-cricket is present in good numbers on the coastal slope among the Clearwing moths & this location currently holds Britain’s only known year round resident colony of Clouded Yellow butterflies, with the form ‘helice’ being frequently seen.
Leaders – Russ Hemmings and Malcolm Lee. Park at SX303545, (postcode: PL11 3JT), Seaton pay & display car park where there is a parking charge or limited free roadside parking if there are any spaces. Meet at park entrance near public toilets at 10:00am.
For details and directions phone Russ on 07782 310777.

Friday 5th July – 9:30pm start: St Andrews Pond (Par), Par, Cornwall (Moth Night).
“Friends of St Andrews Wetland Reserve Moth Night”; part of the Bioblitz weekend & a Par Carnival event.

Organised by 'Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society' in association with - “Friends of St Andrews Wetland Reserve” and Par Carnival.
A mid-summer moth evening kindly hosted by local moth enthusiast, Russ Hemmings with help in organising & moth identification by Lee Slaughter, Phil Boggis and assisted by ‘Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award’ volunteer Robert Slaughter. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. There is the prospect of recording many different species of moths, including Hawk-moths, here over a few hours and it is hoped that there will be some good migrant moths arrive at the moth lights. Please bring your own moth trap if you have one!
Leader – Russ Hemmings. Meet at SX075544 (postcode: PL24 2LU), in St Andrews Pond free car park halfway along St Andrews Road, Par.
For details and directions phone Russ Hemmings on 07782 310777.

Saturday 6th July – 1:00pm Dunmere Woods, Bodmin.

We hope to see Silver-Washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreaks, Commas and other summer butterflies. We intend to search the open rides of these woodlands to see what other species of butterflies & moths may inhabit this woodland complex. There used to be Elms in these woods during the 1970’s & if we can locate any Elms, it may be worth checking in the hope of locating White-letter Hairstreak which were recorded here during the 1960’s & 1970’s.
Leader – Russ Hemmings. Park at pull in by gate near bus stop just before r/hand turn to B3266 at Mount Charles. Map ref SX041689: (postcode: PL30 3AA), where there is limited free roadside parking.
For details and directions phone Russ Hemmings on 07782 310777.

Saturday 6th July – 9:00pm Plymbridge Woods, nr. Plymouth, Devon (Moth Night).

This is an open public meeting held jointly with Devon Moth Group, the National Trust and Devon Biodiversity Records Centre.
Everyone is welcome to sample the delights of Devon’s moths on a summer’s evening. There is plenty of room for those with their own moth traps to bring their own equipment to a varied habitat of ancient woodland and riverside meadow.
Leaders: Dave Gibbon and Chris Acraman.
Meet at Plymbridge Woods N.Trust car park at SX523586 (postcode: PL6 8AW) on Plympton side of the river. Directions: From A38 Marsh Mills roundabout take B3416 into Plympton, follow to roundabout & turn left into Glen Road & then left again at next roundabout onto Plymbridge Road. Follow to the end of the road.
For details phone Dave Gibbon on 01752 666231 or 07904 129309.

Sunday 14th July – 10:00am Cabilla Wood, Glyn Valley, nr. Bodmin (C.W.T.Reserve).
Organised by Restormel Branch of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

This event is organised for CWT, but the leader, Dave Conway, has kindly stated that members of Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society are very welcome to attend this walk.
A walk around one of the finest ancient woodland in Cornwall with local wildlife expert Dave Conway. Our target species is the Silver-washed Fritillary also Commas, Ringlets, Gatekeepers and Dragonflies.
Leader – Dave Conway. Meet at SX128653, (postcode: PL30 4BE), by sawmill car park.
For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Saturday 20th July – 11:00am 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 and following the exciting discovery in these woods in 2013 of a ‘valezina’ form of the female of this species, we will be eagerly looking out for this rarity again this year! The bright summer form ‘hutchinsoni’ of the Comma butterfly will be on the wing together with plenty of Ringlets, Gatekeepers, new brood Brimstones, Purple Hairstreaks and Summer brood Holly Blues. There are various day flying moths to be seen here so there may be new discoveries awaiting us.
Leader – Dave Conway. Meet at SX128653, (postcode: PL30 4BE), by sawmill where parking is free.
For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Saturday 20th July – 9:00pm Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth – (Moth Night).

A summer moth evening kindly hosted at the home of Keith Wilson. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit on. Please bring your own moth traps if you wish. There should be plenty of summer moths to record and hopefully some migrants too!
Leader – Keith Wilson.
Meet at 9:00pm 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, (postcode: TR16 6TQ) to get to a red telephone box at the end of the driveway to Keith’s house. Drive down lane; the barn we are using is 200 yards past the bungalow.
For more detailed directions please phone Keith on 01209 860298 or 07972 376982

Sunday 21st July – 11:00am Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth, TR16 6TQ.

We are pleased to invite you to a BBQ and optional butterfly walks day at Trelusback.
Trelusback contains wildflower meadows, woodland, wetland and a lake. If the weather is kind visitors can expect to see a wide variety of butterflies, moths, birds, plants and dragonflies & an opportunity to enjoy a walk with your friends in lovely surroundings.
A BBQ, tea, coffee, toilets etc. will be provided. In the event of rain we can chat to other conservation minded people in a large barn and/or the house. The previous evening’s moth traps will be checked in the morning and the moths will be identified, recorded and released unharmed.
Meet at 11-00am at Trelusback Farm (shown on the OS map as Trelusback at grid reference SW712384) which is about half a mile from the western end of Stithians Lake and about halfway between Stithians and Redruth, (postcode: TR16 6TQ) to get to a red telephone box at the end of the driveway to Trelusback. Proceed down this driveway and the barn we are using is 200 yards past the bungalow.
For detailed directions please phone Keith on 01209 860298 or 07972 376982.

Saturday 27th July – 1.00pm - Godolphin Woods, Nr. Godolphin, Helston.

A lovely walk through Godolphin Woods with our leader Carly Riley, who has frequented these woods since her childhood. We should see many of the Purple Hairstreaks that inhabit & breed on the oak trees here. There is lots of other interesting wildlife to be found within these woods.
Leader – Carly Riley. Meet at SW600324 (postcode: TR13 9RE) in the car park which is on the right at the bottom of the track.
For details & directions phone Carly Riley on 01637 498462.

Sunday 28th July – 11:00am Rosenannon Downs, near St. Wenn, Bodmin.

In recent times the exciting discovery of an inland colony of Graylings on Rosenannon Downs by a member of our group “Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society” has bucked the national trend of mass extinction of inland populations of this species that now exists very much as a coastal only species in Britain. There may also be Dark Green Fritillaries flying over these downs also. Please wear good walking boots and bring plenty to drink.
Leader – Robbie Robinson & Dave Conway. Meet at SW958670 (approx postcode: PL30 5PJ) 1KM North of Rosenannon Village where there’s parking for cars on the roadside.
For details/directions phone Robbie Robinson on 01579 321586 or Dave Conway on 01208 77686.

Saturday 3rd August – 1:00pm St Newlyn Downs, St Newlyn East.

We hope to see & record plenty of Summer butterflies, day-flying moths & Dragonflies including the Grayling butterfly which is to be found at this inland location. This 286 acre site is a SSSI and a Special Area of Conservation located in the Parish of St Newlyn East near the wind turbines. It is an old mining area with East Wheal Rose and Wheal Constance mines close by. We will be looking out for the Bog Bush-cricket and the Dorset Heath (a type of heather).
You will need walking boots, a packed lunch & drink. Parking is limited. Some space is available in the entrance to the old golf club opposite.
Leader – Carly Riley. Meet at SW836551 (postcode: TR8 5AT) in lay-by opposite East Wheal Rose Farm.
For details/directions phone Carly Riley on 01637 498462.

Friday 9th August – 9:00pm – Tehidy Woods, Camborne (Moth Night).

A high summer moth evening kindly hosted by one of Cornwall’s foremost moth experts, Frank Johns. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. There should be plenty of Summer moths to record. Please bring your own moth trap if you have one!
Leader – Frank Johns. Meet at SW642437, (postcode: TR14 0HE), Tehidy Woods car park.
For details and directions, phone Frank Johns on 01326 240357.

Saturday 10th August – 10:30am – Kynance Cove, nr. The Lizard.

Be prepared for a beautiful walk at this famous locality for Lepidoptera. We hope to see most of the following species: Grayling, Dark Green Fritillary, Clouded Yellow (including ‘Helice’), Small Heath, 2nd brood Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Common Blue, Wall Brown, 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. unless we can negotiate free parking beforehand with the N.Trust which we have done so for the past few years) and meet near the toilet block at the Southern end of the car park.
Leader – Alan May. Meet at SW688132, (postcode: TR12 7PJ), in main Kynance Cove car park.
For details & directions phone Alan May on 01209 821936 or 07787 121043.

Saturday 24th August – 8:30pm Plymbridge Woods, nr. Plymouth, Devon (Moth Night).

This is an open public meeting held jointly with Devon Moth Group, the National Trust and Devon Biodiversity Records Centre.
Everyone is welcome to sample the delights of Devon’s moths on a high summer’s evening. There is plenty of room for those with their own moth traps to bring their own equipment to a varied habitat of ancient woodland and riverside meadow.
Leaders: Dave Gibbon and Chris Acraman.
Meet at Plymbridge Woods N. Trust car park at SX523586 (postcode: PL6 8AW) on Plympton side of the river.
Directions: From A38 Marsh Mills roundabout take B3416 into Plympton, follow to roundabout & turn left into Glen Road & then left again at next roundabout onto Plymbridge Road. Follow to end of road.
For details phone Dave Gibbon on 01752 666231 or 07904 129309.

[David M]

That's a mouth-watering itinerary, Lee. Should be on the Cornwall Tourism Site in all honesty. Plenty of desirable species to see and I'm sure some beautiful scenery as well.

Good luck with it all.

[Allan.W.]

I agree with David ,Lee an excellent itinery ! just wish we were down your way this summer ,although sadly I think its going to be next summer now ,still a few plants and dragonflies ,I,d like to find in your neck of the woods !! Thanks again for the help last year .
All the best Lee ! Regards Allan.W.

[lee3764]

That's a mouth-watering itinerary, Lee. Should be on the Cornwall Tourism Site in all honesty. Plenty of desirable species to see and I'm sure some beautiful scenery as well.

Good luck with it all.

Thank you very much for your kind comments David. You would be welcome to attend any event we host of course & they are all FREE.

All the best,

Lee Slaughter (Co-Founder member & Trustee of Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society).

[lee3764]

I agree with David ,Lee an excellent itinery ! just wish we were down your way this summer ,although sadly I think its going to be next summer now ,still a few plants and dragonflies ,I,d like to find in your neck of the woods !! Thanks again for the help last year .
All the best Lee ! Regards Allan.W.

Thank you very much for your kind comments Allan. You would be welcome to attend any event we host of course & they are all FREE.

Must meet up again when you are next in Cornwall. Glad you had a great time last Summer & of course I was happy to help in any small way.
Keep up with your Small Copper aberrations mate!

All the best,

Lee Slaughter (Co-Founder member & Trustee of Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society).

[essexbuzzard]

David, splendid scenery is guaranteed, especially at some of the coastal locations here!

Best of luck with those trips, Lee, especially with the Pearl-bordered and Marsh Fritillaries! Sadly we will miss them again, as we are not due to visit until July. A great itinerary.

[lee3764]

Hi Mark......Would love to see you in July if you can make it. Hope you are well? All the best, Lee.

[lee3764]

Anyone is welcome on our 'Cornwall Butterfly & Moth Society' fieldtrips!