Butterfly Conservation - TrustNews Summer 1999
A contribution from the Butterfly Conservation, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Branch
The year started well, with warm, dry weather bringing out Small Tortoiseshells, Brimstones, Peacocks, Commas, and even the odd Red Admiral as early as January. Then a miserable April, June and July decimated many butterfly populations. Gatekeepers, Marbled Whites and Dark Green Fritillaries all did well, but the White-letter Hairstreak and Brown Argus fared badly. In the late summer Red Admirals and Clouded Yellows were seen in good numbers, but Painted Ladies had a second poor year. Surprisingly, one of our most threatened species, the Silver- spotted Skipper, appeared in large numbers at one site.
All this and more can be learned from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly and Moth Report 1998, published by the Hampshire branch of Butterfly Conservation in April 1999. This handsome booklet is edited by well-known Hampshire naturalist John Taverner and generously sponsored by Transco, Hampshire County Council, East Hants District Council, Island 2000 Trust, English Nature, and several individuals. With 64 pages plus a section of colour photographs, the booklet is excellent value. It is sent free to branch members but can be bought by anyone from Jenny Mallett, Great Fontley Farm, Wickham, Hants, P015 6EA, price £4.00 including postage (cheques payable to 'Butterfly Conservation Hampshire Branch,).