First of the 2023 season

We missed Week 1's butterfly transect because the cool weather was unfavourable for butterflies to be flying. However, Sunday (9th April) was forecast to offer sunshine and warmth and GH, GK and BG decided to do week 2's transect, starting at 11am. Although we had bright sunshine for all of our walk, there was a fresh easterly breeze at times, which was especially noticeable as we crossed Hither Field and Coneyboro Hill. We saw our first butterflies (Brimstones and Peacocks) in the less exposed Fames Rough and then, as we proceeded round our set transect route, we saw a few more of these two species. In all we recorded 17 Brimstones and 5 Peacocks. Not too bad a result for the first count of the new season.
​Over recent years we have included frequent reports of the encroachment of thorn scrub and how it has steadily made our walk around Fames Rough more difficult. But more important still was the fact that the scrub had choked the once butterfly-rich SSSI wildflower meadow. Our requests for the restoration of Fames Rough to its former glory were answered last year when Surrey Wildlife Trust, in conjunction with the Butterfly Conservation Trust, arranged for work groups from both organisations to attack the thorny scrub. The WoodChips have joined the work groups on several occasions. To date, it appears that an area of over a third of Fames Rough has been cleared and further clearance sessions are planned. It's hoped that our members will continue to give their assistance to the task.

Peacock, Fames Rough

Abi was one of the WoodChips who helped in the scrub clearance in Fames Rough.

Survey by Graham H, Graham K and Brian Gardner submitted to Butterfly Conservation (UKBMS).  ​
​Report by Brian Gardner. ​Pics by Graham K and Brian G.
​​Click pics to enlarge.

On the transect in Hill Wood Field: Treacle, Graham Harris and Brian Gardner.