Butterfly Survey 2000

Sadly, the Millennium has not seen the return of butterflies in great numbers, and I have not seen a single Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) in Norsey Wood, nor indeed anywhere else - although a few have been seen by a member in a Billericay garden.  Back in 1991, when I took part in a county garden survey, this was the most common butterfly, exceeding in numbers even the Large White (Pieris brassicae). What has happened to cause this population crash, and can the species recover in the near future? It seems that we can only hope for better years to come.

This is the fourth year I’ve attempted to survey the butterflies in Norsey. It is not a precise exercise, which would mean recording at a fixed time of day, in exactly the same area on a regular daily or weekly basis. It is more a case of trying to take a walk around the Wood when conditions are suitable - sunny, warm and still. Also, I have garnered records from interested members. Therefore no exact numbers are given - singles, a few (3+), several (5+), and numerous (10+).

Single Red Admirals, Speckled Woods and Commas were around, and by the end of the month several Meadow Browns (Maniola jurtina). By July they were numerous and I saw the first Small Skippers (Thymelicus sylvestris) on Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) along the Butterfly Ride, and a single Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus), which I have not recorded for the past three years. A week later there was a minor eruption of them, which was good to see in a thin year. Small Skippers became numerous, and as the Meadow Browns declined in numbers the Gatekeepers (Pyronia tithonus) took over. The Buddleia opposite the Information Centre bloomed well, but briefly, attracting numerous Large and Small Whites, a few Peacocks and Small Skippers, Speckled Woods and single Meadow Browns, Painted Ladies and Red Admirals. All these were reported until the end of August.