www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi, I'm going to be "down south" in a week or two and am planning to take in the Duke of Burgundies at Buckland Wood, Somerset - an excellent site that has never failed me. I wouldn't mind seeing Grizzled Skipper while I'm in the area. Anyone know if there are any sites nearby. To be honest I think I've actually seen them at Buckland Wood but can't be bothered going through my notes.
Thanks for any help.

Just remembered - bit of a long shot but does anyone have any info on the Wild Boar in the Forest of Dean. Not quite a Lep admittedly.

I have rarely failed to find Grizzleds at Buckland Wood. Often in the left hand enclosure.
I shall be there myself this Saturday morning.
Roger

Buckland Wood on Saturday produced Dingy and Grizzleds and huge number of Green Hairstreaks.
The forestry Commision have felled nearly all the pines around the site (probably good news) but built a sturdy barbed wire fence around the site (bad news) cutting off access to the second Duke site through the woods (below the tower), and I am too old to climb barbed wire fences these days!!!
I saw no Dukes, still a bit early I suppose - perhaps next weekend (weather permitting).
The removal of the pines has taken away a wind break on an already exposed site - hope this is not bad news for anything!?
If anyone knows what is going on there I would be obliged.
Roger Harding

I think this is good news; there is an attempt known as the Neroche Project to extend the existing habitats on the Blackdowns, at least partly at the urgings of the fans of the area's rare butterflies.

http://www.blackdown-hills.net/neroche4.htm

http://www.blackdown-hills.net/Blackdow ... elling.htm

Wow - thanks so much. It really does seem to be good news. The new habit created looks great for PBFs, and might even encourage the return of wood whites that I haven't seen for 4 years.
Great web site this!!!
Roger Harding

Hi Roger,

According to our local BC branch newsletter the Wood Whites have done quite well this year in the Blackdowns, turning up in new locations. Hopefully they will enjoy the new areas of wood-pasture that the project has been creating.

Thanks for that - I can see a good weekend in May coming up!
Roger