Hello Everyone, Despite the awful weather so far this month, I am delighted to inform you that we have now got a new butterfly species here in Derbyshire – the iconic Purple Emperor (aka His Imperial Majesty) has arrived in the County when an individual was sighted and photographed on a driveway in Bretby on the 8th of July 2024 (per Sarah Simpkins). Pleasingly Sarah was part of e number of Organisations that took advantage of my ‘Sallows for the Purple Emperor’ project which was a J V between South Derbyshire District Council and Butterfly Conservation East Midlands whereby 600 Sallow whips were planted at over 45 sites in the County, mainly in South Derbyshire.
With the possibility of 3 fine days coming up, could I ask that as many as possible of you great Derbyshire Recorders get out and about to look for this butterfly as its main flight period is July only – areas to look for in the South of the County include Calke Park, Ticknall, Stanton by Bridge, Gresley Wood, Hartshorne Wood and Seale Wood together with Rosliston Forestry Centre.
It really is great when a project comes to fruition – good luck with your surveys. – keep me posted!
