Monday 12 August 2024

Chalkhill Blue butterflies on Fleam Dyke trip

27th July 2024 - seven NatureWatch members joined the ANW trip to Fleam Dyke this year - in search of Chalkhill Blue butterflies. And we weren't disappointed. Despite the breeze, which kept to butterflies near the ground, good numbers (30-50) of this iconic species were spotted along the length of the path between Bedford Gap and the A11. Perhaps not the 'clouds' of butterflies seen in previous years, but good numbers nevertheless.

Other butterfly species seen along the dyke included Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Essex Skipper, Peacock, Marbled White, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Comma, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White and Large White, as well as a few Cinnabar Moth caterpillars on Ragwort.

Other species seen included: Buzzard, Hobby, Red Kite, Chiffchaff, Green Woodpecker, Brown Hare and Common Darter.

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Essex Skipper

Essex/Small Skipper

Meadow Brown

Peacock

Red Admiral

Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper

Marbled White

Cinnabar Moth caterpillar

ANW group [photo: David F]

ANW group [photo: David F]

ANW group

[Photos Andy M, unless otherwise stated]
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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)