Alners Gorse Open Day March 9th 2008

by Paul Butter

We were very lucky that despite terrible weather forecast for Sunday, the morning turned out sunny and warm, with temperature of 9oC at the 10.30 start.

Twelve people were in attendance with six local inhabitants who were keen to know what Butterfly Conservation was up to at Alners Gorse. Many of these had responded to our advert’ in the Blackmore Vale Magazine.

We started by showing examples of various moths caught on the reserve the previous night, quite a few of which were photographed before flying off. A list of species is on the website, but the highlights were the two Notable species, Blossom Underwing and Lead-coloured Drab. The total moth list for Alners Gorse is now 441.

Copies of our map-based management plan were distributed so everyone could refer to the different areas where Nigel Spring and his management teams have done such a lot of work. The cut-in bays of bramble down the entrance track were noted, the whole track being more opened up since the original photographs. The felling of conifers and thinning of the small oaks was explained in terms of improving the meadow habitat, particularly for Marsh Fritillary. Clumps of Devils bit Scabious were noted and the life cycle of the Marsh Fritillary was explained.

Opening up of rides within the wooded areas was also explained as essential to increase the ground flora and nectar plants within the woods. The life cycle and sensitive habitat requirements of the White Admiral were explained, pointing out the need to keep areas of heavy shade required for the larvae.

Although no butterflies were seen despite the sunshine, we did see an adult frog as well as large amounts of frog spawn in the pond. Several Buzzards were seen flying overhead and Green Woodpeckers were both seen and heard.
Thanks especially to Bridget and Lawrie de Whalley and to everyone who came along for what turned out to be a very pleasant Sunday morning.

Click here for list of moths.