BBCS Dorset Branch Events

Dorset Branch organise regular events, including talks, field meetings and work parties. We also arrange trips in the summer for our members to other branches to see butterflies not found in Dorset.

Everybody is welcome to all events, except the few marked "members only".

Most events are free - if there is a charge it will be mentioned in the listing, unless it is an event put together by another organisation, when we may not have received the relevant information.

Field Meeting

Butterflies will not fly unless it is fairly warm and sunny, so if the weather makes you dubious you are welcome to phone the contact listed for each walk.

Some of the walks are on private land which is not open to the public at times other than those stated.

Conservation Work Days start at 10.00am (ending around 3.30pm) and are suitable for all the family except the very young, but children should be accompanied.

Please wear stout footwear and protective gloves, and bring a packed lunch. You are advised to ensure your tetanus injections are up to date.

We will endeavour to update the website in case of changes or cancellations, but please check with the organiser to make sure.

2008

SPRING AT ALNERS GORSE

Friday 7.30 pm Barbecue and Moth Trapping. Overnight camping available
Saturday 4.00 AM for 4.30. Dawn Chorus Walk followed by breakfast at about 6.30 am.
9.00 am Inspection of Moth Traps
10.30 am Refreshments
11.00 am – 1.00 pm Guided Walk to enjoy the early flowers and butterflies.
Park on the verge well to the west of the 30 mph and Hazelbury Bryan village signs and meet at the reserve entrance at map reference ST 737100.
Contact is Nigel Spring on 07981 776767.

NEW COPSE, near BROCKENHURST

Hampshire Branch are hosts to this event which is primarily for the Pearl Bordered Fritillary which sadly now appears to be absent from Dorset. Meet 10.30 am in New Copse Inclosure. Leaving Brockenhurst on the A337 turn right at the Balmer Lawn Hotel onto the B3055 to Beaulieu. After 2 miles look for the entrance to Roundhill Campsite on the right at map reference SU 329024. Turn left opposite this entrance and parking is a short distance on the left. Bring a packed lunch.
Contact is Linda Barker on 02380 270042.

FARM SURVEY – DOWN FARM, SIXPENNY HANDLEY

Martin Green is aiming to re-establish chalk downland habitat on his farm. We have arranged to carry out monthly surveys there during 2008 and this is the first of 2 visits that we are incorporating into our branch programme. Martin will open his museum containing local archaeological finds for us.
Meet 1.00 pm at Down Farm, map reference ST 999149.
Contact is Brian Dicker on 01963 32453.

A FLOWER AND BUTTERFLY WALK - BALLARD DOWN (SWANAGE)

A walk along the lower slopes of Ballard Down to enjoy this chalk downland site with its stunning views and the spring flowers. The lovely Adonis Blue will by now be on the wing. Meet 11.00 am at Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road, map reference SZ 022808.
Contact is Colin Nunn on 01929 439211.

GUIDED WALK - LYDLINCH COMMON

This is a key site for the Marsh Fritillary and our winter work programme here is designed to maintain the habitat for this species.
Meet 2.00 pm at Lydlinch Village Hall map reference ST 743136.
Contact is Colin Burningham on 01935 873219.

GUIDED WALK – MARTIN DOWN

Martin Down is home to a variety of species including Marsh Fritillary, Adonis Blue, Small Blue and Grizzled Skipper which should be in flight at this time. Bring a packed lunch if you are staying for the afternoon part of the walk.
Meet 11.00 am at car park off the main A354 Salisbury to Blandford road, map reference SU 037201.
Contact is Brian Fletcher on 01962 882746.

top of page