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NEWSLETTER No. 11 - Summer 1984

WEST MIDLANDS BRANCH, BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

A lot of very good work was accomplished over the Winter, although the number taking part was slightly down on the previous year. It was encouraging, however, to see one or two new faces, and the fact that they generally came back for more, suggests that the days were enjoyable ones and that we didn't work people too hard. This year, as well as doing joint work days with other organisations, we had two days when we were totally reliant on our own resources and this highlighted the need for a further supply of suitable tools. We are hopeful of receiving a grant for this purpose, but if any members have useful tools cluttering up their shed which they rarely use we would be pleased to hear from them.

A meeting before Christmas, arranged with the owner by the N.C.C., gave us the opportunity to stress the importance of this Worcestershire woodland in butterfly conservation terms, and in particular to put across what is known of the habitat requirements of the Marsh Fritillary. We are hopeful that the management plan for the wood will ensure the survival of this insect, and, at least in the medium term, we now have the official permission from the owner to continue to monitor the situation and to informally warden that part of the wood where the butterfly is found.

We are still looking for someone to undertake some butterfly research into the habitat requirements of this species (and possibly other Fritillaries) in the Wyre Forest. Concern is generally mounting about the national decline in numbers of the High Brown Fritillary and this unfortunately seems to be the pattern within the region. A national survey is currently being undertaken by the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology at Furzebrook and it would be useful if we could complement this with some local work. Matthew Oates, BBCS Branch Organiser in Hampshire, did some excellent work last year on the Morecambe Bay limestones and this gives a number of pointers. If anyone is interested please get in touch.

Members will be pleased to learn that the only West Midlands site for this butterfly may soon receive the protection that is so desperately needed. We have now heard from the N.C.C.'s Assistant Regional Officer, Chris Walker, that the designation of the site as an S.S.S.I. is now being seriously considered. This is, of course, good news, although somewhat worrying is the information that because of other commitments there may be "some delay in notification". Let us hope that any delay is minimal, there have been too many examples of where landowners have taken matters into their own hands at the first whiff of a S.S.S.I.
In the long run it is possible that as a Society we may be involved in monitoring work or habitat management, dependent of course on the attitude of the owner.

It is perhaps strange that the county with the least amount of open space or countryside in the traditional sense should lead the way in the production of positive policies towards nature conservation. This in our region is most certainly the case with the production of a draft strategy document by the West Midlands County Council, which is a glowing example to other counties of what might be achieved within their own areas. Clearly this is an initiative that has stemmed directly from the efforts of the Urban Wildlife Group and others over a period of time and both we and, in particular, the county nature trusts would do well to learn from their example.

The plan, itself, has six main aims:

1. To ensure that all residents in the county have reasonable access to habitats with wildlife interest.
2. To protect and enhance a basic network of open space and wildlife corridors.
3. To improve the suitability of the county's undeveloped land for wildlife.
4. To protect rare habitats.
5. To protect the habitats of nationally rare species.
6. To improve awareness of the county's wildlife.

Two unusual ideas underpinning much of the strategy is the idea of habitat creation, something which has often been scorned in the past, and the notion of the rights of the public to access to an area of wildlife interest within one kilometre of their homes. Attention is given therefore not just to the protection of existing habitats, but to the creation of new habitats, particularly in those parts of the region which are "urban deserts" with few naturally occurring wildlife areas. Eventually the Plan envisages a network of good sites linked up by wildlife corridors and stepping stones like canals and disused railways. The document stresses the important role to be played by voluntary organisations like the BBCS and devotes a chapter to "Who's who in Nature Conservation" in which the West Midlands branch is listed. All in all the plan makes impressive reading and it is to be hoped that if the West Midlands County Council goes out of existence, as is proposed by the present government, that the good ideas contained will be taken up by its successors.

If anyone is interested in borrowing the plan for a closer examination, please contact the Secretary.

The appeal to members to buy plots of land in the line of the proposed M40 extension brought an overwhelming response, and we have been able to divide all our holdings into two. The legal work to transfer the land is now in hand and those members who have expressed the wish to purchase a plot should receive the necessary paperwork to complete very shortly.

Apparently altogether some 3,100 plots have been sold by Wheatley Friends of the Earth and "Alice's Meadow", as our field has been named, has become a considerable focus for publicity across the world. In all, ten television films have been made, including one for an American station with 70 million plus viewers. Newspaper articles have appeared in at least nine countries, in addition to our own. Members who are about to own part of the field will be in good company. Amongst many Uncle Freds and Grandmas throughout the world are those living in Antigua, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. Clearly the sale has been a great success but it remains to be seen whether the campaign will result in the saving of Bernwood and Otmoor. A decision by the Department of Transport on the final route is expected any time. If the M40 is re-routed, Friends of the Earth hope to turn Alice's Meadow into a worthwhile nature reserve, which is obviously something that all landowners would support. In the meantime landowners are welcome to visit their plots and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area - a peace that could so easily be short - lived unless common sense prevails.

We have been asked by the Nature Conservancy Council to assist in the recording of butterflies on a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) during the Summer. Four priorities have been identified:
1) Bredon Hill, Worcs;
2) Broadway Hill, Worcs;
3) Little Doward, Herefordshire;
4) Area around Pownhope, Herefordshire.

If members can help in this work please get in touch with the Secretary as noon as possible so that the necessary permissions can be obtained (several of the SSSIs in question are on private land). We are also anxious to start a "Pollard Walk" scheme in Monk Wood near Worcester where 30 species have been recorded by Bob Sim over the last 6 years. The N.C.C are looking for additional evidence to support the retention of SSSI status for the wood on entomological grounds. We would like to hear from anyone living sufficiently near to the wood to commit themselves to regular visits through the season. For further details contact the Secretary.