Hampshire Butterfly Report - TrustNews August 1990
How did Hampshire butterflies fare in the long hot summer of 1989? That question is answered for all 48 Hants and I.O.W. species in the British Butterfly Conservation Society's Hampshire Report, now available.
The Holly Blue had its best year within living memory and Editor, Adrian Hoskins, had no hesitation in nominating it "butterfly of the year". Any blue butterfly in a garden is almost certainly a Holly Blue. It frequents both town and country and has continued to prosper in 1990. Phenomenally early February sightings were recorded this year - perhaps an indication of global warming. Butterflies are unsurpassed "indicators".
Wall Browns, which had become rare away from Hampshire's coast, staged a comeback inland. Chalkhill Blues also did well: they are common on both of BBCS's new butterfly reserves - at Compton Down and Magdalen Hill Down, Winchester.
But 1989 was a poor year for red admirals, small tortoiseshells and peacocks, normally common in autumn gardens and elsewhere. These species, finding a dearth of nectaring flowers (caused by the drought), went into premature hibernation - often as early as August.
To get your copy of the 1989 Hants Butterfly Report (a handsome booklet sponsored by Southern Water) write to George Yorke, Hughenden, Shawford, Winchester, with a cheque payable to "BBCS Hants Branch" for £1-50 inc. p. & p.