News from Derbyshire

Update 14 - 16th May 2012

Despite there still being a dearth of butterflies in the general countryside it is pleasing to note that a further 2 new species were noted in the County over the last weekend, with a Common Blue seen at Crich Chase Meadows on the 12th May 2012 (Kieron Huston), together with a number of sightings of the Small Copper during the period 12th - 14th May 2012. Records were received from Crich Chase Meadows (Kieron Huston); Clough Wood (Simon Roddis); West Hallam Tip (Pat & Ken Orpe); Longshaw (Helen Naylor); Jim Mart NR (Paul Beard); Eyes Meadow, Duffield (Mick Ball); and Breadsall Cutting (Col Bowler). Also observed during this period were fresh individuals of both the Large White and also the Speckled Wood, whilst the Holly Blue was noted at Allestree (Sue Sharp); Darley Park (Pat & Ken Orpe); Whaley Bridge (Angie & Alan Seymour); and just over the border in Toton, Notts (Marion Bryce).

Thanks, also, to all the recorders who made the effort to check sites for the Dingy Skipper last weekend and consequently this species was noted at a number of locations in the south and east of the County, including Crich Chase Meadows (Kieron Huston); Mercaston (Kath Patrick & Nick Brown); Intake Quarry (Pat & Ken Orpe); Shipley CP (George Cox); Stanton Ironworks (Richard Rogers); Heanor & Stanton by Dale (Paul Townsend); West Hallam Tip (Pat & Ken Orpe); and Swadlincote Woodlands (Andy Large). Hopefully the next 3 weeks will provide some favourable weather for additional surveys to be carried out at more sites so that we are able to monitor the status of this BAP species within Derbyshire.

Finally, thanks also to the many transect walkers who managed to complete their surveys last weekend, as it was the best weather since the transect season started, despite some sites still having a nil result. Surely things can only get better – we hope so, and very soon!!!

Update 13 - 10th May 2012

Since the last Update there has been a sighting of a Red Admiral in the County when an individual was seen at Crich Chase Meadows by Kieron Huston on the 30th April 2012, but the general trend of low butterfly numbers and species continues unabated. However, the first new species to emerge in the County for over a month was noted on the 8th May 2012 when Brian & Jean Hallam saw a fresh Dingy Skipper at Longstone Edge in the Peak District. As it is possible that a high pressure system may actually coincide with a weekend so as to produce a sunny period of weather, it may be that this small BAP species could soon be on the wing at other locations, so it could be worth checking on some of the 'brownfield' sites in other parts of Derbyshire. Meanwhile in the Peak District there could also be sightings of the Wall Brown at some of its favoured locations, so any records of this BAP species would be much appreciated as well.

Update 12 - 3rd May 2012

As expected the Met Office has confirmed that April 2012 was colder than March 2012, and also that it was the wettest April ever, with rainfall being three times the average for this area of the UK, so when the sun finally came out on the 30th April 2012 it was a real bonus to see so many butterflies around. Thanks go to all the recorders and transect walkers who managed to get out on the day and take advantage of the brief break in the weather conditions and then email me their sightings. A total of 9 species were noted including at least 20 Brimstones, many Orange Tips, some Small and Green Veined Whites, Small Tortoiseshells, Peacocks, Commas and Speckled Woods, but the surprise was that of a 'tatty' Holly Blue which was seen in the Darley Dale garden of Rod Dunn. Now this individual probably emerged in late March 2012 so to survive 30 days of cold, wet and windy conditions is quite remarkable for such a small butterfly.

Yesterday (2nd May 2012) we were fortunate to get another warm and mainly sunny day and again the butterflies responded with the same 9 species being recorded, but this time there were sightings of pristine Holly Blue butterflies at Whaley Bridge (Angie & Alan Seymour), Newhall (Andy Large), Langley Common (Kath Patrick & Nick Brown) and Darley Park (Pat & Ken Orpe), so it appears that this species is trying to recover its status in the County this Spring. Additionally yesterday, Steve Orridge reported fresh Green Hairstreak butterflies on the moors above Buxton, so if you are planning a visit to the Peak District this coming Bank Holiday weekend and there is a chance of some sunny weather, then you could well be able to see this species, either on the moors or within some of the limestone dales. In any event, it would be good if you could email me your butterfly sightings.

There are a couple of species that were not seen during April 2012, despite being noted up to the end of March 2012, and they are the Large White and the Red Admiral. No doubt the former species will be seen as soon as we get some prolonged sunshine, but the latter species might not re-appear until we get some migration of them from the nearby Continent, which at the moment looks very unlikely.

As we enter May, it is usual for a number of new species to emerge within the County so hopefully it will not be too long before the following resident species can be seen – Small Copper; Common Blue; Brown Argus; Wall Brown and Dingy Skipper. The last 2 named are both BAP species in Derbyshire and it is really important to check on their status each year, so I would appreciate any sightings of them that you make in the County. The Wall Brown is now virtually confined to the Peak District, whereas the Dingy Skipper can be seen both in the Peak District and on mainly 'brownfield' sites in the rest of the County. I am therefore asking if many of you can participate again in surveying these sites so that we can monitor the existence, or otherwise, of this rare and threatened species.

Butterfly Conservation (East Midlands) has produced a schedule of the sites that were monitored in 2011 so please let me know if you would like me to email you a copy of the document.

Thanks very much in anticipation of your continued help with the project.

Update 11 - 24th April 2012

The heavy snow of the 4th April 2012 together with the subsequent sharp frosts and cool air flow since has had a dramatic effect on the populations of our local Lepidoptera. Since that date it is not too surprising that very few records have been received, and indeed there have been no sightings of 4 species that had previously been seen during March 2012 , namely, Large White; Holly Blue; Green Hairstreak and Red Admiral. The Brimstone was experiencing a good Spring emergence with sightings from over 40 localities in the County but since the change in the weather, there has been only 1 further sighting at Allestree on the 20th April 2012 (Steve Plant). Also, the Comma had been observed from a similar number of localities but, again, there has been only 1 further sighting, this time at Drakelow NR on the 11th April 2012 (Tom Cockburn & Mike Williams).

The remaining species that had been recorded before the end of March 2012 (Small White; Green Veined White; Orange Tip; Small Tortoiseshell; Peacock; and Speckled Wood) are making only brief appearances in the current spell of wet and cool conditions with only brief sunshine between the heavy showers. The maximum counts received of the Speckled Wood butterfly are 4 on the 17th April 2012 at Long Eaton (Marion Bryce), and a healthy 10 on the 22nd April 2012 seen by Simon Beavis on his allotment in Derby. Meanwhile, the harbinger of Spring in the butterfly world, the Orange Tip, is making a determined effort to make its presence felt with records from 35 localities in Derbyshire, and it is such a pleasure to see this species in both gardens and whilst walking in the countryside during this cold April, which may have the distinction of being colder than March during 2012!!!

Finally, the Butterfly Interpretation Board at Carsington Water was officially declared open yesterday by Sally Pepper of the BBC at a ceremony outside the Wildlife Centre. Despite the changeable weather, a film on butterflies and their habitats, (which have been created by Severn Trent Water and the many volunteers there), took place afterwards, and the result is due for transmission on BBC1 TV East Midlands Today this Thursday evening (26th April 2012) between 6.30 pm and 7 pm. One can only hope that the subject receives more time on air than the 15 seconds that was shown last year!!!

Update 10 - 3rd April 2012

Since the last Update a number of very interesting butterfly records have been received, so it is thanks to members of this egroup who take the time and trouble to inform me of what is happening locally during these highly changeable weather patterns that we are currently experiencing.

Further sightings of the Speckled Wood have been received including one on the 29th March 2012 at Nottingham University Main Campus (Marion Bryce), together with individuals seen on the 30th March 2012 at Holymoorside (Bob Merritt) and Darley Park (Pat & Ken Orpe), and finally sightings at both Ilkeston (Mick Pollard) and West Hallam Tip (Pat & Ken Orpe) on the 1st April 2012. A further Red Admiral was noted at Kelstedge on the 28th March 2012 (Karen Wright) and another Holly Blue was recorded in the Botanical Garden area at Nottingham University on the 30th March 2012 (Marion Bryce).

Two new species have emerged before the end of March – one was expected, and the other was a new County record. The Large White was noted at Kirk Ireton on the 30th March 2012 (John Matkin) and at Thurvaston on the 31st March 2012 (John Abrehart), but the complete surprise was the emergence of the Green Hairstreak on the moors in the Peak District. Derek Whiteley informed me that a member of the Sorby NHS in Sheffield (David J Morris) had seen 8 of this species flying around bilberry on the 28th March 2012 at Ronksley Moor in the Upper Derwent Valley – this being the first ever March record for this species in Derbyshire that I am aware of. Then followed sightings of the Green Hairstreak at Lantern Pike near Glossop on the 1st April 2012 (Frank Bell), both these records beating the previous earliest date of the 6th April (2007). Also, Barry Shaw (B C Cheshire Recorder) emailed me to say that this species had been recorded in that County on both the 27th & 29th March 2012 – again another first March record for a County.

So as you retire to bed later tonight just spare a thought for those little tough critters that are hoping to survive a snowstorm on the high ground in the Peak District – life can be really tough!!!

Update 9 - 30th March 2012

What an amazing spell of sunny and warm weather we have just experienced in Derbyshire during the last ten days, with the temperatures varying here in Derby from 2c to 22c during the same day!!! No wonder our wildlife is somewhat confused for the time of year, but it didn't prevent reports of additional butterfly species seen within the County.

First of all, the Speckled Wood was noted at Glossop on the 22nd March 2012 by Dave Mallon, and this was followed by sightings on the 27th March at Darley Dale (Rod Dunn) and the 29th March at Allestree (Steve Plant). This species was then followed by the Holly Blue which was first seen at Creswell Crags on the 25th March 2012 (per Kieron Huston), then the next day by Peter Faulkner at Two Dales, followed by a sighting at Darley Park (Ken Orpe) on the 27th March and finally at Mickleover by Mike Thompson on the 29th March 2012. A confirmed Green Veined White was seen on the 26th March 2012 at Matlock Bath (Pat & Ken Orpe) followed by another at Drakelow NR on the 28th March (Tom Cockburn). But the real surprise for many observers (including myself) was the appearance of so many Orange Tips for March, which commenced on the 25th of the month at Haddon Hall (Kieron Huston) and was carrying on up till today (30th March 2012). The areas of the County where they was noted include Creswell Crags, Darley Dale, Two Dales, Whaley Bridge, Jim Mart NR, Clay Cross, Ogston, Conksbury, Cressbrook Dale, Ramsley Moor, Whatstandwell, South Normanton, Allestree, Findern, Midway, Drakelow and Swadlincote Woodlands – a truly remarkable range for so early in the year. The areas of the County where the Brimstone has been sighted recently is also very impressive with records from Lathkill Dale, Carsington Water, Darley Dale, Hilcote, West Hallam Tip, Spondon, Whatstandwell, Willington GP, Weston Underwood, Thurvaston, Burnaston, Mackworth, Mickleover, Overseal, Drakelow, with maximum counts of 5 individuals seen on the 25th March 2012 at Forbes Hole NR (Marion Bryce) and also on the 26th March 2012 at Creswell Crags (Kieron Huston, Nick Brown & Tim Brooks). A further 2 records for the Red Admiral have been received since the last Update – Tony Warren saw an individual at Codnor Park Reservoir on the 17th March 2012, and Colin Bowler saw one in his garden in Mickleover on the 27th March 2012, so it is pleasing to note that at least ten of this 'over-wintering' species have survived the last winter here in Derbyshire. What is even more surprising is that a Humming Bird Hawk moth was seen by Rod Dunn on the 27th March 2012 at Darley Dale – I wonder if it was the same individual that was seen at Cromford on the 10th March 2012? Thanks again to the members of this egroup for making this report possible, and for the emails that were received from the following additional recorders during the last 6 days (Max & Christine Maughan; Viv Evans & Michael Glendenning; Alan Jones; Sue Jones; Nikki Mahadevan; Helen Naylor; Angie & Alan Seymour; Simon Roddis; Ray Walker; Sue Sharp; David Howson; Martin Hall; Dave Drury; John & Aline Roberts; John Abrehart; Petra Hedges; Caroline Wakefield; Keith Walker; Dot & Barry Morson; Dave Clay; Ian Wilson; Mike Williams; Alan & Karen Roe – with apologies if I have missed anyone).

The first of April sees the commencement of the butterfly transect recording season so it is great to report that at least 5 new transects will be commenced this year in the County. So many thanks to all the recorders who have volunteered to either carry on from last year or who have agreed to get involved this year. Four new sites are as a result of a decision by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to carry out this important survey work on their nature Reserves (Millers Dale Quarry; Chee Dale; Avenue Washlands and the new Shipley NR). However, the Lathkill Dale transect is short of a couple of volunteers to carry out survey work this year at this Natural England site in the Peak District, so if you would like to become involved in the work, then please send me an email and I will put you in touch with the relevant person.

Finally, a joint venture between Severn Trent Water and Butterfly Conservation (East Midlands) has enabled a Butterfly Interpretation Board to be erected this week in front of the Wildlife Centre at Carsington Water (see attached photo). Since the reservoir was first opened, many volunteers have helped to carry out butterfly transects at this important site, which is at the junction of lowland Derbyshire with the Peak District uplands. A total of 24 species of butterflies been recorded there during the last 18 years and these, together with a further 6 species that could well arrive in the near future, have been illustrated on the board. So, next time you visit Carsington Water take time to check it out, and, better still, send me some more butterfly records from the site, or any where else where you happen to be in Derbyshire!!!

Update 8 - 24th March 2012

Since the last Update the weather has been a mixture of cold nights and mainly sunny days but the countryside is fairly devoid of butterflies at the moment possibly because the life cycle of the emerging spring species is being held back due to the night temperatures. Nevertheless, a very early Orange Tip was noted on the 11th March 2012 at Allestree Park (Mick Day) and on the same date, a Green Veined White was seen at Hoveringham, Notts by Richard Penson. However, no further sightings of these 2 species have been noted since that date. A few more Small Whites have been noted from the South of the County at Midway (Mike Williams), Mickleover (Max & Christine Maughan) and Allestree (Sue Sharp). A further Red Admiral was seen at Findern on the 20th March 2012 (Brian & Jean Hallam) and the remaining records have been of the 4 hibernating species (Brimstone; Peacock; Comma and Small Tortoiseshell). Thanks go to the following additional recorders who have submitted sightings to me during the last 12 days (Sue Jones; Nick Brown; Kath Patrick; Simon Roddis; Dave Williams; Angie & Alan Seymour; Andy Large; Paul Townsend; Margaret Spencer; Gerald Williams; Trevor Taylor; Colin Bowler; Marion Bryce; Dave Clay; Mick Pollard; Ray Walker; - apologies if I have missed anyone).

With the promise of more fine weather to come in the next few days, hopefully we will see the appearance of more butterfly species, including Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Large White, and in the Peak District, the possibility of a first ever March record of the Green Hairstreak.

Update 7 - 12th March 2012

Before the spring equinox arrives, it is usual at this time of the year for us to experience a spell of mild and sunny weather in this part of the UK, and Sunday the 11th March 2012 certainly lived up to expectations. It was very pleasing to receive so many emails from recorders, many of whom experienced the thrill of seeing their first butterfly of the year. All 4 of our hibernating species were noted during the day with records for the Brimstone coming from Findern, Long Eaton, Drakelow NR and Allestree Park, together with sightings of the Peacock from Long Eaton, Drakelow NR, Allestree, Mickleover, Kedleston Park and the Longshaw Estate in the far north of the County. The Small Tortoiseshell was seen at Mickleover, Findern, Chelllaston LNR, Coton in the Elms and Allestree Park whilst the Comma was noted at Carsington Water, Kedleston Park, Chellaston LNR, Long Eaton and Drakelow NR. (since the last update, thanks go to Colin & Nici Bowler; Nick Brown & Kath Patrick; Richard Rogers; Lisa Booker; Mark Sherwood; Brian & Jean Hallam; Mike Williams; Tom Cockburn; Alan & Angie Seymour; Derek Whiteley and Felicity Jackson, with apologies if I have missed anyone).

Unfortunately very few Red Admiral records have been received recently, with Ken Hughes sighting one in his garden in Draycott on the 28th February 2012 and Kieron Huston noting another individual whilst walking along the Cromford Canal near Ambergate yesterday (11th March 2012). Also, today, just over the County border in Nottinghamshire, Marion Bryce saw 2 individuals of this species on the main University Campus in Lenton, Nottingham.

The first record of a butterfly in Derbyshire to emerge from a pupa this year comes from Brian Hobby of Kirk Hallam when, on the 7th March 2012, a Small White flew round his computer room, presumably having entered his house last Autumn as a caterpillar and deciding that it was an ideal place to prepare for a quick start to life in the Spring. This was followed yesterday by a further Small White flying in the Allestree garden of Sue Sharp, which suggests an imminent general emergence of this species is due very soon in the County. If the fine weather continues, other species that could well emerge this week include Green Veined White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and, for me, the harbinger of Spring, the Orange Tip.

A very interesting sighting was received from Richard Taylor this week who informed me that Peter White had a Humming Bird Hawk Moth flying around his spring plants in his garden in Cromford on the 10th March 2012. This is further evidence that this superb day flying migrant moth is now increasingly 'overwintering' in our County, similar to the current situation with the Red Admiral butterfly.

On a final note, the 'Elms for White Letter Hairstreak' project is now attracting media coverage and I have attached an article that appeared in today's edition of the Derby Telegraph outlining the scheme, together with a list of the places in the County where disease resistant elms are currently being planted. It is hoped that other wildlife groups, local authorities etc will join the 'crusade' to help one of our rarest resident butterflies, which in 2011 was noted from only 12 localities (see the attached distribution map), despite thorough searches at sites where they were previously seen. As the species is not easy to observe, it is intended to carry out a visit to one of its favoured sites which happens to be in the centre of Derby, probably on a Sunday morning in late June 2012, when the butterfly should be on the wing. I will inform members of this egroup of the place and date nearer to the event as it will be very much a last minute decision based on weather conditions prevailing at the time.

Update 6 - 2nd March 2012

Since the last Update there have been a few sunny days which have tempted out additional numbers of our hibernating butterflies with a Brimstone seen on the 23rd February 2012 at Millfields, Carsington Water (Petra Hedges), 2 Peacocks at Drakelow NR on the 24th February 2012 (Tom Cockburn) and a Small Tortoiseshell on the 25th February 2012 at Kelstedge (Karen Wright). However, the first 2 days of March 2012 has seen quite a surge of sightings in the County and the pleasant surprise is that the Brimstone has been seen at a number of sites including Carsington Water (again) (Lisa Booker), Overseal (Dot Morson), Findern (Brian & Jean Hallam) and Ilkeston (Martin Hall). Also records have been received for both the Small Tortoiseshell and the first records this year for the Comma on the 1st March 2012 in the Whaley Bridge garden of Angie & Alan Seymour. I also saw a Peacock in Darley Park on the 1st March, but today (2nd March), Pat and I were pleased to see a Red Admiral basking on some gravel in our garden in Allestree. This is the first sighting of this species in the County since the 15th February 2012 and it is possible that the severe cold and snow of the first 2 weeks of February 2012 has had quite a detrimental effect on 'overwintering' numbers of this species in this part of the UK.

A joint venture that started in January 2012 between both the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation (East Midlands) to fund and promote the planting of disease resistant elms in the County is gathering pace and it is great to report that various wildlife groups in Derbyshire will be planting their trees on Nature Reserves and public spaces commencing this weekend. The project is aimed to protect one of the rarest resident butterflies, the White Letter Hairstreak, which is totally reliant on elm for its survival. If you belong to a Community Group, a Parish Council or a local Natural History Group, then Derbyshire County Council has 'Greenwatch Action Grants' available until the end of the month, with grants of up to £500 per project, in order to benefit the local environment and enhance the Biodiversity in the County, such as the Elms for White Letter Hairstreak project. If you would like details of the scheme, please send me an email and I will forward the link to you.

Update 5 - 24th February 2012

It is really pleasing that the first 'spring like' day of the year produced a number of butterfly sightings in the County yesterday (23rd February 2012). After a cloudy start here in Derby, the promised blue skies started to emerge around lunch time and, with the temperature rising to around 18C, Pauline Mycock had the perfect start to her 'butterfly year' when, at 12.30 pm, she saw a male Brimstone flying in her garden at Breadsall Hilltop. She said that it gave her 'a lift' and I think we all know what a good feeling it is to see your first butterfly of the year, and better still when it is a perfect male Brimstone!!! Further records followed during the day, with Mike Williams seeing a Peacock at Findern Marina, and Andy Large seeing both Brimstones and a Small Tortoiseshell in the wooded areas around Rosliston in South Derbyshire.

Earlier in the month Paul Townsend reported a Red Admiral at Dronfield on the 15th of February 2012, so the only expected species yet to be recorded in Derbyshire this month is that of a Comma, unless, of course, you know something different!!!

Update 4 - 5th February 2012

With the first heavy snowfall of the Winter now upon us, it is pleasing to note that BBC TV is going to show a 3 part series to remind us of warmer days ahead, hopefully sooner rather than later. The series is called 'Bees, Butterflies and Blooms' and the intention is to show us how we can assure the future of pollinating insects by planting suitable shrubs, flowers etc. The first programme is to be shown on BBC2 at 8 pm on Wednesday 8th February 2012.

Meanwhile, the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) is proposing to carry out butterfly transects at a number of their Nature Reserves, starting in 2012. In order to help volunteers, I have agreed to hold a 'teach in' at the Belper offices of the DWT on the 27th February 2012, commencing at 11 am. If you are interested in volunteering for this important project, then, either turn up on the day, or send me an email so that I can forward it on to the correct contact. The transect season starts on the 1st April and there is usually a rota for the volunteers so that the survey work is organised to suit individual commitments. After all, what could be better than walking through the spectacular Derbyshire countryside knowing that you are contributing to the knowledge of our local butterflies?

Update 3 - 11th January 2012

Despite the mild spells of weather that we experienced earlier this month, there has been very little butterfly activity in the County, with the exception of an early Small Tortoiseshell seen on the 10th January 2012 in the Belper garden of Dave Evans. Also, a Red Admiral was seen flying around an office at County Hall in Matlock by Brenda Dunn on the 26th January 2012 and it promptly flew out of an open window, no doubt looking for some nectar nearby. What was a very interesting record of another Red Admiral, over the County border in Leicestershire on the 16th January 2012, was an individual flying in the garden of Eliot Taylor at Glenfield when the temperature was only 3c, following a sharp overnight frost. This is certainly the lowest temperature that I have heard of a butterfly flying in the wild and it shows that these strong flying insects can possibly extend their range in to the Arctic Circle in northern Norway.

As a final note on the 2011 butterfly season here in Derbyshire, records that have been received show that 6 species were seen at their earliest date (and 2 species equalling the previous earliest date), and 5 species were seen at their latest date (with again 2 species equalling the previous latest date). Of particular interest was the first appearance in the County of both Common Blue and Brown Argus (migrating version) in April, together with the first sighting of Dark Green Fritillary in the Peak District during May. Later in the year, the warm and sunny Autumn ensured that there was a partial second brood for both the Dingy Skipper and the Brown Argus (Peak District Race), although both species were in very low numbers. The season finally ended with sightings of both Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell in late December 2011.

Next Sunday (5th February 2012), the BBC1 TV programme 'Countryfile', together with the help of members of Butterfly Conservation, will be showing a feature on the Brown Hairstreak butterfly in the Blackdown Hills on the Devon/Somerset border. Unfortunately, this species does not occur in Derbyshire but we do however have small colonies of the White Letter Hairstreak (WLH) butterfly, whose existence is entirely due to elms. Unfortunately, this species is under pressure at the moment due to further losses of elm trees within the County as a result of the resurgence of Dutch Elm Disease. The latest national distribution map for the WLH clearly shows that there has been a dramatic reduction in colonies of this rare insect to the south of 100km grid line SP, which runs through the City of Leicester. Recently, the local group of Butterfly Conservation together with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT), and also Derby City Council, have joined forces to finance the purchase and planting of disease resistant elms in the County so as to try and help the situation. Following a recent meeting at the University of Derby, a number of other wildlife groups and local authorities pledged support for this important project, so it is pleasing to report the interest and commitment from like minded groups in Derbyshire. If you, or your wildlife group, would like to become involved then please send me an email and I will be pleased to forward your request on to the organiser at the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Finally as we enter February, and probably our coldest spell of weather for this winter, it is worth remembering the 6 Peacock butterflies seen hibernating by Alan Roe on the 22nd January 2012 in a tunnel on the Calke Estate – the must have known what was heading our way weather-wise!!!

Update 2 - 11th January 2012

With all the media coverage of the early emergence of many wild flowers and wildlife generally in the UK, together with the local evidence of the early arrival of Spring, it is pleasing to report the first 2012 sighting of a butterfly here in Derbyshire. Martin Hall noted a Red Admiral at 11.30 am this morning, which was seen flying around a garden in Ilkeston, which possibly could have been the same individual seen by him on the 24th December 2011 at the same locality. Interestingly, this latter date is the latest County record for this species, whereas today's sighting is 1 week later than the earliest County record, which stands at the 4th January (2007).

Any further early butterfly sightings would be appreciated, especially of the Comma, whose earliest County date is the 18th January (2000).

Update 1 - 1st January 2012

It comes as no surprise to report a couple of butterfly sightings over the Christmas period due to the exceptionally mild and relatively sunny weather that we have just experienced, despite there being only a maximum of 7 hours of daylight now. Felicity Jackson had the pleasure of seeing a Small Tortoiseshell outside her kitchen door basking in the sun on Christmas Day, and on the 27th December 2011, Simon Roddis saw another Small Tortoiseshell flying in his garden at Darley Dale. Both these sightings are later than the previous County record for the species, which was the 23rd December (2009).

As most of the 2011 butterfly records have now been received, it is possible to advise on the overall status of some of the more interesting species within Derbyshire, and it is no surprise to report that the Ringlet had another exceptional year with records coming from over 120 localities, compared to only 32 back in the year 2000. The continuing thorough surveys for the Dingy Skipper in the County resulted in sightings from over 60 localities in 2011 (similar to 2010), and well in excess of the 28 squares in 2000, which was of course prior to the project commencing. Interestingly, one of our BAP species (the Small Heath) is managing to maintain its status in Derbyshire with records from 83 squares in 2011, compared to 81 in 2010, and 85 in the year 2000.

The two butterfly species that have spread into the County since the New Millennium are still making steady progress on their migration NW across Derbyshire, with the Essex Skipper reported from 31 localities in 2011, and the Brown Argus sighted at 29 localities during the year, despite some poor weather during the peak flight period in the summer. However, our resident Brown Argus in the Peak District has had a very poor year with total numbers seen down to less than 100, and these sightings coming from only 15 localities, so let's hope for a vast improvement in weather conditions during July and August 2012.

Unfortunately, despite thorough searches by many of the contributors to this egroup, the Wall Brown appears to have now become restricted to the Peak District, with the highest counts coming from 'rocky outcrops' on the 300 metre contour. The latest distribution map for 2011 indicates that this species is on the 'high risk' register and was seen at only 25 localities, compared to 110 in the year 2000. During this period numbers of insects seen has also crashed from around 700 to less than 100 in 2011.

On the migrant scene, both the Painted Lady (33 squares) and the Clouded Yellow (5 squares) had another poor year in the County, but the Red Admiral appears to be going from strength to strength and has now virtually become a Derbyshire resident, whose population is 'topped up' each Spring. In fact this species was seen at over 200 localities during 2011 and was noted during every month of the year, including sightings on every day during the 4 months between July and October, and on at least half the days during November. This confirms its status as certainly capable of 'overwintering' in this part of the UK, no doubt as a result of global warming, considering that 2011 was the second warmest on record and that 7 of the warmest years ever have occurred during the last decade.

Thanks very much again for sending me your butterfly sightings during 2011 – the recording network here in Derbyshire is second to none, and with your help, I look forward to carrying on monitoring these fascinating insects during 2012.