Devil's Ditch/Dyke nr. Newmarket

[Trev Sawyer]

Hi Pete et al,
I note that the site called Devil's Ditch (a.k.a. Devil's Dyke) near Newmarket has Small Blues down as a resident species... I am not sure they do exist there (maybe historically, but I wasn't aware there were any there now?). I post this here as maybe JackHarr or NickB may know more(?), and to try to make sure the details are correct for this venue. I certainly think anyone visiting the Ditch with hopes of seeing a Small Blue would be disappointed and it may be prudent to remove them from the list of species found there if we can clarify the situation... Maybe someone with relevant knowledge can let us know the official answer?
NB: It is called Devil's Ditch on the UKButterflies website to prevent confusion with the venue of the same name (Devil's Dyke) near Brighton.

Cheers,

Trev

[Trev Sawyer]

... I have checked with Sharon Hearle from our local branch of Butterfly Conservation and she tells me that despite much searching, Small Blue has not been spotted at this venue for 4 years. I was actually surprised that records were that recent, but it looks like the species may now have disappeared
So Pete, not sure what you want to do about the listing on this website - at best, the species should probably be given one star for the venue. Alternatively, for accuracy of information, it may even be best to remove it entirely in case someone travels there from afar on what would now appear to be a wild goose-chase. Whaddayareckon

Trev

[Pete Eeles]

... I have checked with Sharon Hearle from our local branch of Butterfly Conservation and she tells me that despite much searching, Small Blue has not been spotted at this venue for 4 years. I was actually surprised that records were that recent, but it looks like the species may now have disappeared
So Pete, not sure what you want to do about the listing on this website - at best, the species should probably be given one star for the venue. Alternatively, for accuracy of information, it may even be best to remove it entirely in case someone travels there from afar on what would now appear to be a wild goose-chase. Whaddayareckon

Trev

Well - if you go in and rate the site, the changes will filter through

Cheers,

- Pete

[Trev Sawyer]

Thanks Pete...
I've put in a rating for Small Blue (0 stars) and White Letter Hairstreak (1 star).

Cheers (and Merry Crimble)

Trev

[Pete Eeles]

Thanks Trev - now "live"

Merry Crimbo 2U2.

Cheers,

- Pete

[NickB]

Yes - sadly no Small Blue in Cambridgeshire. DD had them listed; but I am surprised that the last records are only 4 years ago since I and many other BC members have regularly transect walked and visited the DD in this time and never heard of any confirmed reports for years. It does look suitable for Small Blue and it is somewhat of a mystery that they should have just disappeared in the last 10 years, not just from here but also from the nearby Roman Road and Gog Magog hills.
The Cambs&Essex BC Branch DID visit the Gog Magog Golf course to look for Small Blue earlier this year, since they were also reportedly last seen there about 5 years ago; the habitat on the golf course is very good for grass (naturally) but not too good for butterflies and no Small Blues were found nor any suitable habitat with Kidney Vetch.
The nearest place is Totternhoe in Bedfordshire, tho' the local Nature Trust has bought an old chalk pit in Cherry Hinton which would be ideal for a reintroduction....
N
It is Devil's Dyke - see link
http://www.cambs-essex-butterflies.org. ... .php#Devil
PS Wall Browns are mentioned, but again, I wouldn't hold my breath.....
WLH are at the public car-park on the elms nr the gap in the Dyke

[Trev Sawyer]

Thanks Nick,
Yes, I've always known it as Devil's Dyke myself, but I think for the purposes of this website, it was called Devil's Ditch for the reasons mentioned at the top of this thread. My yearly fix of Small Blues does now involve a trip to Totternhoe. Cambridgeshire can't afford to lose many more species - still hoping the Grizzled Skippers are hanging on at the soon (-or-not-so-soon) -to-be-opened Guided Bus route (ex Over Railway Cutting).... But hey, don't get me started about that place

Trev

[Matsukaze]

If your local Wildlife Trust gets a taste for reintroducing blue butterflies then the chalk pits at Cherry Hinton are very interesting. They are a known historic site for the Mazarine Blue and I have vague recollection of reading of the Large Blue in association with them as well.

[NickB]

It is always interesting to look at old records + they throw up the fact that many species were widespread in past years + but they also continue sightings that were possibly due to breeders and introductions by dealers intent on selling their continental specimems as UK. I have also heard of Large Blue at Therfield over in Hertfordshire 150 years ago and Cherry Hinton certainly held Small Blue in the 1990s. Mazarine Blue would be cool....