The Suffolk Argus
Butterflies at Ipswich Golf Club by Neil Sherman, Conservation Officer for Ipswich Golf Club Ipswich Golf Club, a privately owned 27 hole course to the east oflpswich, may not immediately strike you as a haven for butterflies. Images of manicured turf and bunkers full of clean, white sand, so typical of the American courses seen on television may fill your mind. Yes, to an extent these exist, but take yourself away from the playing service to the land either side of the fairways - the rough. Over two thirds of this 250 acre site is thus designated, and is managed in a sympathetic way for all wildlife, including butterflies. 27 species have been recorded here (so far!). The main habitat present is heathland, with its mosaic of heather, acid grassland and gorse. Species found here include the Silver-scudded Blue, a small colony of which can be found on the I 7'hfairway, right next door to Purdis Heath SSS! which has a very strong population. Also found here are numerous Green Hairscreaks fluttering round the Gorse and Broom. Larvae can be found feeding on the young growth. Other heathland species include Grayling, Small Heath and the very common Small Copper. Some open areas of the heath have unfortunately been taken over by scrub oak trees, but a glance into the canopy in July and August should reveal the Purple Hairscreak,
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which is very numerous here. One tree near the clubhouse was covered in them a few years ago: numbers have dropped back now. Finding the butterflies at ground level is not unusual here: they are often knocked from the trees by the sprinkler system, or seen flying round lower branches in the afternoons. Last year (I 999) I found one on the ground on the 22 nd June, the earliest Suffolk record to dace. Two species have colonised the site in recent years: the Brown Argus, which can be found in open grassy areas where Storksbill is present, and the Speckled Wood, which can now be found in most of the woodland areas on the site after the first records in 1998. The Brimstone is a very rare visitor here: in the 8 years I have been associated with the site I have only ever seen 3. Steps have been taken to rectify this by planting 50 buckthorn bushes under the 'Buckchorn for Brimstones' scheme. All plants have survived well, but no Brimstones have found them yet! So you can see golf courses can be valuable wildlife habitats if managed appropriately. Hopefully we are setting an example to other clubs that golf and the environment can work in harmony for the good of all wildlife as well as butterflies.
by RobParker The Role of Species Re-introductions (Thoughts from the Suffolk Branch) 1. We believe in having a National/HQ Butterfly Conservation policy for reintroductions, and are generally happy with che present code, although a few minor observations are offered at Annex A. We wish HQ to play a role in advising other organisations on (or against) re-introductions in specific situations. We are ready to do likewise within Suffolk, following the same policy line.
2. We want to see increased butterfly diversiry in Suffolk, as well as greater numbers of the existing resident species. We are presently monitoring the results of the Silver-studded blue "link-up" colony re-established at Aldringham Walks, but are not actively pursuing any fresh re-introduction programmes, though we are keen to strengthen populations and restore historic distribution patterns if the right circumstances can be found. We are in favour of habitat modification to encourage natural re-colonisation of "lost" species, but oppose attempts to introduce species which have never been recorded from the County.
Green Hairstreak
by DouglasHammersley
3. We would support properly planned reintroductions that meet reasonable criteria ofhaving a fair prospect of success,whether implemented by the Branch or by some other conservation organisation, provided that a licencewas obtained following due consultation with BC Conservation Office. We unequivocallyoppose unlicenced releasesin circumstances that do not meet the guidelines.
Re-introductions
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4. We do not support the liberation of captive-bred stock by individuals attempting to strengthen a local population, but would prefer to know about such attempts, rather than to find that such individuals were making clandestine releases. We discourage such releases, but do not often get notification of advance intent.
5. This Branch has had recent experienceof A pre-planned release by another Wildlife organisation, made after consultation with us. In this case, Silver-scudded blues were established for a season or two at least, and we hope they will succeed, despite our earlier scepticism.Random sightings of non-resident species, such as Swallowtail and Marbled white, were probably the result of releases.As for the unexpected appearance, and probable breeding of Queen of Spain fritillaries at _.-= • - ~ _ Minsmere, we hope ,- • • • / ·• their arrival was natural, and will be ~ •' , •.; overjoyed if they 1 ~ 11''.,/ • • become properly ~ .~• established.
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by BerylJohnson
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