After weeks of changeable weather, a sudden burst of heat and sunshine has enabled 4 new butterfly species to emerge this week with the Small Skipper first seen on the 9th of June 2022 at Shirebrook Wood (Ian Hunt) followed by sightings in Belper (Nigel Davidson), Woodside NR, Shipley (Jim Steele) and at Ryder Point (Jenny Emerson & Andrew Smith). This was followed by the first sighting of the Dark Green Fritillary at Longstone Edge on the 14th of June 2022 (Phil Gilbert) when 4 individuals were noted, with 2 in Chee Dale on the 15th of June 2022 (John & Anne Coupland) and a singleton flying strong in Monsal Dale on the 16th of June 2022 (Ian & Joy White). . Then on the15th of June 2022, Dot & Barry Morson were walking on a footpath through grassland just outside Overseal when they saw a Marbled White on the wing there – this species is making a determined effort to move naturally northwards through the County from its colonies in N W Leicestershire and North Warwickshire. Earlier on the 15th of June 2022 Pat and I decided to check out the disease resistant elms that were planted some years ago on the grass verge near the Inner Ring Road in Derby and pleasingly there were 2 White Letter Hairstreaks flying around the top of one of the elm trees, which again confirms that this BAP species still uses the disease resistant elms for their lifestyle. As the appearance of the Purple Hairstreak is imminent, Butterfly Conservation have asked for volunteers to check out sites such as mature oak woodlands and complete a survey sheet for the species – see the attached for details.
Finally, the famous Hoe Grange Quarry Open Day is nearly upon us with the date being the 3rd of July 2022 from 11 am till 4 pm. Longcliffe Quarries have organised that the ice cream van together with their hospitality stations serving drinks and food, and also Butterfly Conservation East Midlands will have a sales stall there. The only difference to the last Open Day is that parking is now at Curzon Lodge just down the hill from the cross roads in Longcliffe – from there mini buses will take visitors straight into the quarry. As usual guided walks will be provided and also the new Information Centre will be open for your interest – please see the link for details of the event. Both Pat and I look forward to seeing friends, old and new, as it is now 3 years since the last event there, which is an important date in the Derbyshire Wildlife Calendar!. Come along and enjoy a free ice cream in a great setting.