Targets for Success

A single-species transect has been set up at Blaxhall Common, with a route aimed at detecting any extension to the flight area, as well as making a weekly count. See map on p.10/11. In this way, a fair year-on year comparison will be possible for the new colony. In addition, the existing annual count at all monitored sites will continue, and this will allow any impact at the donor sites to be detected. Targets used to judge success have been set:

a. At both donor sites: 2008. A count of at least 90% of the 2006 figure, moderated by any fluctuation noted generally at other Sandlings sites.

2009. A count of 95% of the 2006 figure, moderated as above.

2010 to 2013. Recovery to 100% of 2006 figure.

2014 to 2018. Stable population maintained, subject to seasonal fluctuations & site condition variability.

b. At Blaxhall Common: 2008. Some Silver-studded Blues of both sexes detected and apparently breeding on site. Transect walk established.

2009 to 2013. Transect results show population established and increasing within core area.

2014 to 2018. Transect detects expansion of flight area to furthest extent of heather cover.

A grant from the Connect Fund has supported the translocation project expenses, including the production and distribution of this report in its newsletter format. We are grateful to Suffolk Secrets for their generous support through the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit.