Cheers......Lee Slaughter (Fieldtrip Organiser), Cornwall Butterfly Conservation (BC Cornwall Branch).
Cornwall Butterfly Conservation
Butterfly Field Meetings 2014.
Compiled by Lee Slaughter (Field Trip Organiser) since 1993.
Celebrating 22 glorious SUMMERS of Butterfly & Moth meetings across Cornwall and beyond: 1993 - 2014.
Saturday 26th 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 yourself. Walking boots are a must due to steep terrain. Access is through 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.
Sunday 11th May – 10:30am –Perransands/Penhale Sands, nr. Perranporth.
Perransands/Penhale Sands now seem to hold 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 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. Bring a packed lunch.
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.
Saturday 17th 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 has being carried out at this site to ensure the continued existence here of both Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary and the rarer Pearl-Bordered Fritillary. There have been many of the rare Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries and at times in excess of 100 Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary butterflies seen on the wing here in May during our fieldtrips to see these species in past years 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 main parking 50 yards up track on the grass on the left.
For details and directions phone Lee Slaughter on 01726 817505.
Sunday 18th 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.
Sunday 18th May – 10:30am to 3:00pm – Penhale Sands Army Training Camp, Cubert.
“WILD FLOWERS OF PENHALE”. Organised by Restormel Branch of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
A closer look at the wild flowers of Penhale Sands Army Training Camp on this unique marsh and dune area with botanist Ian Bennallick accompanied by Dave Thomas. Bring lunch and guide book. The event is free but BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. This will also be a rare opportunity to have the chance to record the butterflies on the closed M.O.D. training area of these dunes that have no public access.
Leaders: Ian Bennallick and Dave Thomas. Meet at SW783567 by the South gate near Treworthen Farm, Cubert.
For details and to book contact: Dave Thomas on 01726 861093 or davecarp86@hotmail.com
Saturday 24th 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.
Leaders – Rowena & Rob Nicholls. Meet at SX053611, small roadside car park near Gunwen Chapel.
For details and directions phone Rowena & Rob Nicholls on 01726 883227 or 07869 417012.
Sunday 25th May – 11:00am – Predannack Cliffs, nr. Mullion, The Lizard.
Predannack Cliffs, a protected nature reserve, are famous for their spectacular scenery, and also for their flora, including orchids, in the spring and early summer, but this is also a beautiful spot for seeing butterflies. On this field trip we will be looking for Marsh Fritillaries in particular, but others that may be seeking out the rich source of nectar on the clifftops include Small Heaths, Common Blues, Orange-Tips, Small Coppers, and, depending on the weather conditions, the first Clouded Yellows arriving. Doubtless there will also be moths, other invertebrates, birds, and definitely flowers, so bring a camera and a packed lunch as there is plenty to see.
Leader - Amanda Scott. Meet at SW668162, National Trust car park (free) at Lower Predannack. For details and directions, phone Amanda Scott 01209 862792.
Saturday 31st May – 1:00pm – Chapel Porth, nr. St Agnes.
Two years ago our first meeting at this location produced over 75 Green Hairstreaks together with many other species including Silver-Studded Blue, Common Blue, Large Skipper and Small Heath. We will also look for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary which used to be found here. 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 – Jo & Shaun Poland. Meet at SW697495, in Chapel Porth N.T. beach car park.
For details and directions phone Jo & Shaun Poland on 01872 540371 or 07800 548832.
Saturday 7th June – 1:00pm – Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett.
Organised by us for both Cornwall Butterfly Conservation and for Cornwall Wildlife Trust
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 8th June – 10:30am Delabole Quarry, Delabole, Nr. Camelford followed by Cookworthy Moor plantation, Halwill Junction, West Devon.
Delabole Quarry is an excellent site for our fieldtrips and we will be searching for Dingy Skippers which are unfortunately becoming rare in Cornwall usually due to loss of or deterioration of this little butterfly’s habitat. Cornwall Butterfly Conservation is trying to stop the loss of the few remaining colonies in Cornwall & we were successful last year in locating this species here at this location. Many other species of wildlife should be seen due to the unusual habitat. Walking boots essential. After 2 hours (approx) those that wish to can join the leader in following on to Cookworthy Moor Plantation in West Devon to seek out Cornwall’s closest colony of the nationally rare Wood White butterfly. This will involve approximately a (1 hour) 31 mile drive to the Forestry Commission’s woodland complex “Cookworthy Moor Plantation” near Halwill Junction, West Devon and arriving at the main FC car park at SS417016 (turn off north onto the forest car park track from the A3079 road, 2 miles north-west of Halwill Junction) in time for a 2:00pm start. Parking is free and there are a number of areas in the woodlands where the Wood White flies. It is suggested that you bring lunch and plenty to drink.
Leader – Phil Harris. Meet at SX074836 in Delabole Quarry Car Park by visitor centre.
For full details and directions phone Phil Harris on 07754 583101.
Saturday 14th 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 Dave Thomas. 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 Dave Thomas on 01726 861093.
Sunday 15th June – 11:00am Trepoyle Farm, near Bude Canal, North Tamerton.
** With the kind permission of the owners, Mr & Mrs Bill Harper **
A wonderful opportunity to explore this lovely farm in North East Cornwall where we will be hoping to make new discoveries on land not explored for butterflies as far as we know. There is culm grassland as well as ponds & wet grassland & wooded fringes to fields so we will be looking out for the possibility of Marsh Fritillary, Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Narrow-Bordered Bee Hawk-Moth as well as the slim possibility of Wood White which has a large colony just a few miles away near Halwill Junction. Bring a packed lunch & suitable footwear or wellies if it has been wet!
From Launceston take the B3254 towards Bude. After approx 9 miles, turn right for North Tamerton. Follow this road down for approx 2.5 miles where you will see a sign to the left for Trepoyle at map ref-SX294970. Follow the lane for about a mile, keeping right at a fork. At the very end of the lane is Trepoyle farmhouse - (Postcode EX22 6RL).
Leader - Philip Hambly. Meet at Map Ref SX294970 at turn off B3254 or proceed down track to Trepoyle Farm at map ref SX 299981 at the farm itself.
For full details & directions phone Philip Hambly on 01503 220385.
Saturday 21st June – 1:30pm Aish Tor, near Poundsgate, Dartmoor, Devon.
**Kindly arranged by Devon Branch of Butterfly Conservation with Cornwall branch members welcome**
Target species High Brown Fritillary and Dark Green Fritillary. Don’t miss this excellent chance to see Britain’s rarest resident butterfly, High Brown Fritillary, thanks to Devon branch’s kind co-operation with Cornwall Butterfly Conservation.
Leader – John Barkham. Meet at 1.30 pm in the parking area at (SX707714). At the top of Newbridge Hill turn west onto the minor road and the parking area is immediately on your right at the side of the road.
For details and directions phone John Barkham on 01364 653903.
Saturday 28th 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 off the A390 Liskeard - Lostwithiel road at East Taphouse & take the B3359 to Looe and Polperro. After 3.3 miles you will see a sign to the right marked Penadlake. Follow the signs to Penadlake 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 6th 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 C.W.T. was previously the site for the manufacture of dynamite. We usually see significant numbers of newly emerged Dark Green Fritillaries and 100’s of Silver-Studded Blues as well as a wide variety of other butterflies and moths. Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream, and walking boots or rainwear if weather is unsettled.
Leader – Dick and Maggie 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 12th July – 11:00am - Penlee Reserve and Penlee Point, Rame Head, Southeast Cornwall.
This reserve usually has excellent numbers of Marbled Whites which are absent from mid & west Cornwall but often more than 100 can be seen here without much trouble. Small Heath & Dark Green Fritillary as well as Gatekeepers, Large & Small Skippers are always present. Six Belted Clearwing and Thrift Clearwing Moths can usually be found here with the help of pheromone lures so please bring pheromones along if you have them to try & locate these scarce moths. Bring a packed lunch & a drink.
Leader – Leon Truscott. Meet at SX436491 in Penlee Battery Car Park.
For full details & directions phone Leon Truscott on 01752 812023.
Sunday 13th July – 1:00pm – Kelsey Head, nr. Holywell/Newquay, North Cornwall.
Kelsey Head is a coastal Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) comprising of 227 hectares and this headland in north Cornwall and noted for its biological interest. The site contains an Iron Age hill fort and is within the civil parishes of Cubert and Crantock. It starts at Holywell Beach, near Holywell village in the west and ends at the headland of Pentire Point West, near West Pentire, in the east. The site also includes the inlet of Porth Joke as well as the inland areas of The Kelseys and Cubert Common. The South West Coast Path runs through the SSSI and most of the coastline is owned by the National Trust. Butterflies to see: Dark-green Fritillary, Silver-studded Blue, Common Blue, Wall, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Small Heath, different species of moths and dragonflies.
Leaders – Rowena & Rob Nicholls. Meet at SW775600. Drive through Crantock village and shortly after Crantock turn left onto the road to Treago farm & continue to drive through the farm and follow the track until the National Trust car park. Free parking!
For details/directions phone Rowena & Rob Nicholls on 01726 883227 or 07869 417012.
Saturday 19th 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 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. Please bring plenty to drink.
Leader – Dave Conway. Meet at SX128653 by sawmill.
For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.
Sunday 20th July – 1:00pm The Camel Trail at Dunmere, Bodmin.
*This is a joint fieldtrip for Cornwall Butterfly Conservation jointly with "The Friends of the Camel Trail"*
A short talk covering the butterflies of The Camel Trail to start off with followed by a relaxing walk along the lovely Camel Trail. This is a new site for our fieldtrips and we will be targeting Silver-Washed Fritillary butterflies as this locality is known to be good for them. We also intend to search several large Elm trees a little further east along the Camel Trail for White-Letter Hairstreak butterflies as there is a possibility that this elusive species has lain undetected amongst these Elms since last seen at nearby Dunmere Wood in the 1970’s! Please bring binoculars or telescopes if you have them!! We hope also to find other summer flying species of butterflies & day-flying moths. Good walking boots are essential as well as plenty to drink.
Leader – Lee Slaughter. Meet at SX047675 parking at the far end (untarmacked) of The Borough Arms car park at Dunmere.
For full details and directions phone Lee Slaughter on 01726 817505.
Saturday 26th July – 1:00pm St Newlyn Downs, St Newlyn East.
A repeat of last year’s successful inaugural visit to this interesting locality where we hope to make new discoveries and record plenty of Summer butterflies, day-flying moths & Dragonflies. 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. Species we will be looking out for include the Grayling butterfly, the Bog Bush-cricket and the Dorset Heath (a type of heather).
You will need stout footwear, a packed lunch & drink. Parking is very limited so sharing a vehicle would be recommended if you can. Some space is available in the entrance to the old golf club opposite. The following link shows the entrance on the right and parking ahead on the left http://goo.gl/maps/bTUQc
Leaders – Jo & Shaun Poland. Meet at SW836551, (SW8368355209 for absolute accuracy).
For details/directions phone Jo & Shaun Poland on 01872 540371 or 07800 548832.
Sunday 27th July – 11:00am - Braunton Burrows nature reserve, North Devon.
**Kindly arranged by Devon Branch of Butterfly Conservation with Cornwall branch members welcome**
Devon branch of Butterfly Conservation have kindly assisted in sharing this arranged fieldtrip to include anyone from Cornwall Butterfly Conservation who wishes to attend. Small Blues in their 2nd brood should hopefully be seen which is a species sadly absent from Cornwall. This appears to be the closest colony to visit for those in Cornwall wishing to see this, Britain’s smallest resident species. We will explore the area in the company of John Breeds who has been studying the Burrows for over 30years.
Target species Small Blue and Brown Argus plus interesting flora.
Leader John Breeds. Meet at 11:00 am in the Sandy Lane car park (SS463351). There is a car park charge.
For full details & directions phone John Breeds on 01271 817349 or 07773085984.
Saturday 9th August – 1:30pm Branscombe near Seaton, South-east Devon.
**Kindly arranged by Devon Branch of Butterfly Conservation with Cornwall branch members welcome**
Devon branch of Butterfly Conservation have kindly assisted in sharing this arranged fieldtrip to include anyone from Cornwall Butterfly Conservation who wishes to attend. Wood Whites are not recorded currently in Cornwall but here they are usually to be seen with comparative ease and can often be photographed. The coast here is magnificent but does entail strenuous walking in places. Sturdy footwear essential.
Target species 2nd brood Wood White and Dingy Skipper.
Leader – Barry Henwood. Meet at 1:30 pm in the Branscombe Mouth car park (SY207882). There is a car park charge. Any of the several minor roads south off the A3052 road between Sidmouth and Seaton will get you to
Branscombe. From the village centre follow the signed road to the beach.
For full details & directions phone Barry Henwood on 01626 364080 or 07731649861.
Sunday 10th August – 11:00am 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.) and meet near the toilet block at the Southern end of the car park.
Leader – Jim Barker. Meet at SW688132 in main Kynance Cove Car park.
For details/directions phone Jim Barker on 01736 794134.
Sunday 17th 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, 2nd 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. Packed lunch, drink, sun cream & walking boots needed. 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.
Sunday 31st August – 1:30pm Preston Down, Paignton, South Devon.
**Kindly arranged by Devon Branch of Butterfly Conservation with Cornwall branch members welcome**
Devon branch of Butterfly Conservation have kindly assisted in sharing this arranged fieldtrip to include anyone from Cornwall Butterfly Conservation who wishes to attend. Brown Hairstreaks are not recorded currently in Cornwall but here they are usually to be seen with comparative ease and can often be photographed.
Target species: Brown Hairstreak. Small Copper, Common Blue and Clouded Yellows are also to be seen here.
Leader – Amanda Hunter. Meet at 1:30 pm on Preston Down road (SX890624). Exit the A380 Torbay ring road at the Preston Down roundabout (the roundabouts on this section of the road are all named), signposted Preston, into Preston Down road. After 1.2 miles the road bends sharply right then left and immediately on your right; there is a low stone wall and you get a view of the sea. Park at the roadside here. Access to the site is through a gap in the stone wall.
For full details & directions phone Amanda Hunter on 01803 325424.
Saturday 6th September – 1:00pm Lantic Bay, Nr. Polruan.
A fantastic afternoon to be had 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! Walking boots & packed lunch will be needed.
Leader - Paddy Saunders. Meet at SX173517 in Frogmore car park.
For full details and directions phone Paddy Saunders on 01503 262567.
Saturday 13th September – 1:00pm Dean Quarries, nr. Trethance, St Keverne, East Lizard Peninsula.
A great way to round off the butterfly season in Cornwall in 2014 with a new locality on the Lizard peninsula which could hold lots of migratory butterflies & day-flying moths where they can find nectar on the flowers to be found in these abandoned quarries. Our previous chairman, Phil Harris, will guide us into these disused quarries to find what butterflies await us. We are hoping to find Red Admiral, Painted Ladies, Clouded Yellows, Peacocks, Humming-Bird Hawk-Moths & maybe some rarer species with some luck!
Leader – Phil Harris. Meet at SW800205 limited parking at end of lane at Trethance, S-East of St. Keverne.
For full details and directions phone Phil Harris on 07754 583101.
