Butterflies - A Very British Obsession

[Jack Harrison]

Charles offered this:

ermmm http://www.mediafire.com/?f9lc50a700m8478

is this iplayer ?

I presume that link is sound only - well that's all I can get.

I'm a very-low grade twitcher, around 250.

Jack

[Pete Eeles]

Press release just issued - will give you a better feel for what to expect.

Cheers,

- Pete

NW Butterflies_Press Notes.pdf

(315.56 KiB) Downloaded 80 times

[LCPete]

Was hoping to see this but just noticed that BBC2 Wales are screening a cookery programme instead by Nigella Lawson
Pete

[Jack Harrison]

BBC2 Wales are screening a cookery programme instead

I suppose the argument might be that everyone eats but not everyone is interested in butterflies.

Some TV providers, eg Sky and no doubt others, allow you to watch programmes broadcast for regions other than your own.

Jack

[LCPete]

Thanks Jack have looked no luck on ours will try i player tomm

[LCPete]

I got the day wrong it is on tonight and is on BBC wales

[Susie]

I loved the first bit with Neil and Matthew Oates. Dunno what was supposed to be eccentric about it, seemed perfectly normal behaviour to me! *







*says Susie, who spent six months rotting a salmon head in an attempt to tempt his Majesty when it was fully ripe (without luck, I'm afraid).

[Pete Eeles]

I thought the entire programme was just excellent. Matthew and Neil came across as perfectly sensible individuals, so I can only assume that some judicious editing was in effect The Grayling courtship was just superb - with quality footage throughout. Those that don't live and breathe butterflies must have been truly amazed!

I also appreciated some of the other perspectives represented, especially those of Clive Farrell and Martin White. They really made me think what needs to be done to encourage the next generation of Lepidopterists and to make a real difference. For example, it's not just about the science, it's also about marketing, promotion and connecting with the public.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Piers]

Neil and Matthew's hi jinx were great fun, and it was nice to see me old mucker Martin White on the box too. Sadly I couldn't really appreciate the rest of the programme as I became so annoyed with the narration ("it's not just any butterfly obsession, it's an M&S butterfly obsession"). Those who know me will be familiar with my legendary patience and tolerance.

In spite of (what was in my most humble opinion) a terrible choice of narrator I also felt that the programme fell far short of the mark and failed to deliver satisfactorily on any count. Sorry Pete, I consider this to have been a missed opportunity for what could have been an excellent, thought provoking and stimulating piece of television.

it's also about marketing, promotion and connecting with the public

I have a real issue with the idea that we now have to market and promote the natural world. The mere fact that we apparently have to do so, and treat nature as a thus far poorly managed brand in order for people to 'connect' with it, indicates that there is a real problem.

Felix.

[Pete Eeles]

Replay here for those that missed it:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wwbm4

Cheers,

- Pete

[Rogerdodge]

I think the program was pretty good - Felix, I agree that it was not what it could have been, but perhaps what we would have wanted wouldn't have appealed to the masses.
It will have got across part of the extraordinary appeal that butterflies have for the enthusiast.
I an sure that when I get into work on Monday -someone will say - "now I see your fascination!"
Pete - I agree that the younger generation have too many distractions. I recall a few years back, when at Durlston, I saw a young couple strolling along the footpath, and pointing out to each other the flowers and butterflies along the track. Their 9 year old son trudged along behind with eyes (and thumbs) only for his GameBoy.
I used to take parties of primary school kids on guided walks on Braunton Burrows. Some of them showed real enthusiasm for the wildlife that was virtually on their doorstep, but had not been pointed out t them before. I have no way of knowing if any maintained the interest into older life, but I like to think they did.
Perhaps this is one way we could all help?
An approach to the head of your local primary school would probably be well received.

[Rogerdodge]

Oh - and can someone tell me more about the bozo doing the unauthorised releases?

[Pete Eeles]

I have a real issue with the idea that we now have to market and promote the natural world. The mere fact that we apparently have to do so, and treat nature as a thus far poorly managed brand in order for people to 'connect' with it, indicates that there is a real problem.

Hmmm - my original response has gone (that'll teach me to post first thing in the morning when I'm half asleep)! Anyway, what I noted was that (as Roger mentions) the next generation seem to have more distractions than we ever did, such as video games, internet, X-factor etc. I'm not sure if this is a real problem but surely helping to foster an interest can't do any harm. The average BC member is certainly over 50, perhaps the AES and Buglife do better.

Cheers,

- Pete

[Piers]

I used to take parties of primary school kids on guided walks on Braunton Burrows.

These days you'd need a CRB check first.

[alex mclennan]

I thought that the programme was a huge disappointment and a missed opportunity to present a strong and robust case for butterfly conservation.
The opening 'purple emperor' sequence was frivolous, almost demeaning.
It must be said that the camera work was superb - the flight shots and time lapse sequences were amazing, but the whole programme was disjointed - did we really want to spend so much time at the Notting Hill Carnival or a tattooist's convention?
The commentary was dull, monotonous and entirely lacking in enthusiasm.
Regarding the 'captive release' section of the programme, we were told that such actions were contentious but never why so.
All in all, a huge disappointment.
I feel like Craig Revill Horwood watching Anne Widdecombe's dancing - 2/10.
Sorry!
Alex

[Piers]

Oh - and can someone tell me more about the bozo doing the unauthorised releases?

Is it worth doing so? sounds like you have made up your mind about him already...

He is a consultant entomologist specialising in British Butterflies. What he doesn't know about the ecology of butterflies such as the Large Heath probably isn't worth knowing, and he has made significant advances in our understanding of such species and their conservation requirements.

Naturally in the programme he was portrayed as some kind of wacko

Felix.

[Rogerdodge]

Felix
I used the term bozo because that was how he came across on the program.
It was obvious that he had extraordinary knowledege of butterfly biology, and his skill at captive breeding is obviously remarkable. The sheer amount of cages in his garden, and the thousands of introductions he boaats of are testament to this.
However, having knowledge and skill doesn't make his behaviour "right".
After all, egg collectors have extrordinary knowledge, and great skill at locating nesting sites.
What they do is still wrong.
I would like to know what he has introduced, and where.
Did he do the marbled frits or map introductions?
I am keen to know, and also prepared to change my "bozo" opinion if it is justified.

sounds like you have made up your mind about him already

Felix - my mind is not made up - I do have an opinion however, but that can change.

[Piers]

After all, egg collectors have extrordinary knowledge, and great skill at locating nesting sites.
What they do is still wrong.

That's an interesting comparison...

Did he do the marbled frits or map introductions?

Good Lord no, none of that nonsense, what he has done is essentially assist certain native species in moving northward, or just established new populations locally, that are unable to do so under their own steam due to the fragmented nature of suitable habitat in the English countryside.

It was not that long ago that the silver studded blue colony at Preese Heath was threatened with extinction. Thankfully of course BC stepped in, but the future of the species at that site was by no means certain. It has also been argued that the isolated nature of the colony means that it's days are numbered anyway. Populations of the species sourced from the area were established elsewhere and continue to this day unaided. Had the Preese Heath colony gone extinct these satalite colonies would be the only source of the stock that we have left; and in time they may still prove valuable in ensuring the future of the colony at Preese Heath.

I am not saying what this man does is right or wrong, I'll leave others to judge.

Felix.

[Paul Wetton]

Bozo or not was he the gentleman who introduced Silver-studded Blue, Dark Green Fritillary and from what I have heard the scottish sub species of Scotch Argus into North Notts close to where he lives judging by the footage on last nights program. I make no judgement.

Overall I thought the program had some brilliant slowmo flight shots and some excellent time lapse footage but also some arty farty here's half a butterfly shots which I dislike intensely. The program was obviously intended for the masses as would be expected for prime time viewing on Beeb 2.

Neil, fame at last. If I'd have known I'd have got you to star in my films.

[Padfield]

... I consider this to have been a missed opportunity for what could have been an excellent, thought provoking and stimulating piece of television.

It could have been that, and you are right, Felix, it wasn't that. It was something quite different.

It was a window on the world of butterflies and butterfly watchers, aimed at those who don't already have the bug. It was accessible, fascinating in a visual and intellectual way, and inclusive. I have a thousand quibbles with the script and details of the content, but on the whole I think the programme can only have served the cause, reaching a wide audience and flagging up 'butterflies' and 'conservation' in their consciousnesses.

I completely understand how it disappointed many people on this forum, but I imagine it excited rather more people who have never signed on here.

Guy