It is nice to look back on a very summery July, and to be glad that many creatures and insects were alive and well, just keeping low till the sun shone.

In particular, I was pleased to see butterflies emerging in quite good numbers, including some of the less well known species. I even saw a silver washed fritillary close to Delph Woods, a species not seen there for years. Other sites in Dorset were also looking good, and in particular the newly opened Reserve at Hazelbury Brian has a lot to offer.

I also visited Brownsea, and took the Nature Trail. One red squirrel was on view, but I have found the best time is late Autumn, when the cones and acorns are on the ground and the squirrels are down there foraging. One sad conflict they have on the island, is that a pair of ravens have nested near the lagoon, and found tern nests and egret nests very rich pickings for breakfast. As the ravens are a protected species, wardens are powerless to take preventative measures.

Did a couple of evening walks on Corfe Hills, and there seemed to be a bumper population of nightjars up there. Only saw a single bat though.Made a rare visit to the seashore (with grandchildren), but all my digging unearthed no treasure, just shells.

Still lots of varied activities to be found in Dorset Coast and Countryside magazine. Telephone 01305 225037 for a free copy in the post. There are quite a number of events along the cliffs and beaches (rockpools, fossils, geology and mini-beasts) and once or twice moths creep into the action.

Events

August walks by BoP are Canford Heath - 7th, 2.00pm, Francis Avenue - and a look at Holes Bay birds and Botany - 22nd, 7.00pm behind Upton House.

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

Prepared for Broadstone.net by
dudley.hull

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