First the big disappointment of the month. I run a small conservation group that works on the Broadstone Heath local reserve. Last Friday, some of us turned out to see the nightjars on Corfe Hills Reserve. We
waited and waited and....... but only the distant trilling was heard, and apart from a fleeting glimpse of one bird, nothing was seen. Previous years have been exciting, but this year... no joy! We did find a very shiny glow-worm, but not much consolation.

The recent spell of hot weather has done wonders for the butterfly population, with the grassland and second brood species all doing well. The immigrants - mainly Clouded Yellows and Painted Ladies are still very scarce.

I have recently been to Somerset to see the re-introduced Large Blue, and also a trip to see Purple Emperors. Both successful Quite a few dragonflies to be seen, and I shall be doing a stint on Upton Heath this week, trying to count numbers.

Seen a lot of roe deer around lately, and they can be a problem in gardens round the edge of Broadstone. Only legal solution is a very high fence.

Many activities for children this month. Avon and Durlston Country Parks (DCC), and Moors Valley (EDDC) particularly active. There is a fun day at Upton Country Park (Wed 7th,10.30 am, 672625 for details) and BoP wardens are leading walks at Upton Country Park (Wed 21st, 2.00pm) and Barrow Down (Wed 28th, 7.00pm)

The Greenlink Guide (http://www.greenlink.co.uk) has around 70 events for this month. There has to be something that you will enjoy.

Useful numbers are listed below:-

Dudley Hull

for Broadstone Net

See the Broadstone Environment main page for information on this organisation.

Say you saw it on "Broadstone NET"