We are pleased to note that high numbers of Silver-studded Blues have been recorded from several sites. The top number was 500 recorded at Lower Common at Three Legged Cross (north of Ferndown) on 31 July. Following this was 215 recorded at Higher Hyde (near Bere Regis) with 215 on 21 July, plus 120 at Slop Bog (near Ferndown) on 11 July.
The season for this species is nearly over and to date we have had 2,397 Silver-studdeds recorded on this website – there will more to come when the transect and other results filter through to us at the end of the year. Previous years’ totals:
2023 – 3,765
2022 – 2,484
2021 – 2,683
2020 – 3,051
In a year when butterfly (and other insect) numbers have been depressingly low, this is good to see, and it is especially good that it’s a site near the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation where a lot of people can see this gem of a butterfly, and not in the more remote rural parts of the county.
Silver-studded Blue. Photo: Chris Bandfield
Hi. I’m a member from Weymouth. I have a friend visiting the area on Sunday with his wife by train. He asked me if I knew anywhere in and around Weymouth where he could see Lulworth Skippers. He’s also a Butterfly Conservation member from Surrey. I only know of Tout Quarry on Portland but without a car it will be difficult for him. Unfortunately I’m not going to be around that day. It is late in the season now and I did say he’s probably too late now but he says you can see them up to September.
Does anyone know anywhere local to the town? I thought of Redcliffe possibly though I don’t know.
Thanks, Andy Jackson [email protected]