Friday 22 May 2020

News: Small Heath butterfly - first this year

Thursday, 21st May 2020

 Anne D-N reported seeing the first Small Heath butterfly on the ditch-side vegetation along the path to Hildersham Wood. 

Looking similar to a small Meadow Brown, the Small Heath is a relatively inconspicuous butterfly, found in grassland and meadows. The first butterflies appear in early May, with successive broods lasting until October. They spend much time fluttering close to the ground, and always settle with their wings closed.

Coincidentally, Andy M also saw several Small Heath butterflies along the grassy edge near the Old Railway Cutting the following day, and took these photos.



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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)