Buttersteep Forest, Ascot , Berkshire
Aims: to see a range of summer dragonflies and damselflies with the possibility of Brilliant Emerald, and Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly which was recorded on the site last summer.
We are determined to see more dragonflies this year and will especially be looking for Black Darter, after our visit in disappointing weather in 2024.
The site is managed for local nature and worldwide conservation by Marwell Wildlife.
We will be guided by Tony Mundell, formerly of RAE and the original proposer of Site of Special Scientific Interest status for Eelmoor Marsh.
A joint meeting of BDS Hants, Surrey, Berkshire Group with Butterfly Conservation, Surrey branch, led by Francis Kelly, an expert in both.
Wildwood is an abandoned golf course with numerous “water features”. 24 species of Odonata have been recorded across 18+ ponds. Also look out for the very rare Brown Hairstreak butterfly.
A SSSI site managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust with many species including White-legged Damselfly.
This is an extensive site with heather, pine woodland and a lake within Ashdown Forest.
We hope to see Brilliant Emerald at this woodland glade site. We walk on well made but muddy paths to Warren Heath – 4 miles there and back. Hiking boots recommended (and possibly gaiters against ticks.) 100m over rough heath to one pond. Bring a packed lunch to eat by ponds to see what flies past. No facilities on site.
Possible coffee & cake afterwards at ‘Cuppies and Cream’ in Hartley Witney.
Our first visit to this extensive site, managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. The main area of interest will be The Moors reserve – a complex of habitats including watercourses and bogs; wellies recommended! Previous records for July include a good range of species, with the possibility of Lesser Emperor. After lunch, weather and time permitting, there may be the opportunity to explore Spynes Mere further north.
A joint meeting of BDS Hants, Surrey, Berkshire Group with Butterfly Conservation, Surrey branch.
Along with the early-season Hairy Dragonfly, Wood White and Skipper butterflies should also be present.
A visit to Staines Moor SSSI to search for Hairy Dragonfly, seen in 2023 but not photographed, Large Red Damselfly (only one recent record, in 2020) and other early-season species, led by Sue Webber & David Hepper.
Our annual social meeting, hosted by Bill & Chris at Bordon, for HSBG members.
We’ll be planning our Field Meetings for 2025, discussing species, sites, research, conservation and possibly even foreign trips.