What a lovely sunny introduction to Spring. After all this fine weather, it cannot be long before we have an official drought, despite all the earlier rain.

Certainly the over wintering butterflies have been spotted in reasonable numbers. Lots of bright yellow male brimstones around, and because they are such strong fliers they are likely to appear anywhere - still looking for a lady. However the ladies are much more cautious and do not start flying until three weeks or more after the males. They are creamy white in colour, and at this time of year the most likely white butterflies to be seen. Peacock, small tortoiseshell and red admirals are other types flying, and in the middle of March I found a painted lady that had obviously been here all winter - quite rare! Incoming migrant birds are passing through, headed by the noisy chiff chaff. Other species are around too, and I had a whitethroat in my garden this week, the first I had seen in nearly forty years. Makes up for the several 'lost' species.

The new Greenlink Guide is out, with lots of guided walks and events. Many bird watches all along the coast, including a solid week of events (26th April to 5th May) orchestrated by EDCC at Durlston. One event on 30th at 6.30 PM is run by BoP, and is a look at birds on Hatch Pond. BoP are also running further walks, round Canford Heath (13th at 2.00PM, Gravel Hill lay-by), and Upton Country Park (26th, 2.30PM). Other fairly local walks include Turbary Common (12th at 2.00PM - tel. 269240) and Pamphill(10th at 10.00AM - EDDC via Moors Valley)

Have not had any further details about the 'Clean Up' week for 7th to 13th April. The 13th is also the Great Beach Clean day, when lots of organisations join together to clean large lengths of the Coastline. Earthkind used to organise some of our local beaches, but sadly they seem to have died for want of active support. Contact is Kate Hodder on 261704, if you want to join in.

Still some conservation tasks going on, but the nesting season is with us, and no more large clearing jobs. Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve in action again, (13th April. At 10.00 AM Fontmell Road entrance), and DWT still have work parties to Brownsea Island and on Upton Heath with DWT.

Useful numbers :-

Other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:

http://www.greenlink.co.uk/

http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset

http://www.dorsetbutterflies.com

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