Events

The following includes events to which members of Butterfly Conservation (Lancs Branch), Lancashire Moth Group and members of the public are welcome to attend (unless stated otherwise). It is advisable to check that outdoor events are taking place with the organiser of each event, as detailed below.

Saturday, 6th February
10 am start

Mapmate Training Course,
The Barn, Cuerden Country Park

An Introduction to Moth Recording (a Moths Count event) will take place at Lancashire Wildlife Trust headquarters at The Barn, Cuerden Valley Park, Bamber Bridge. Run by Graham Jones, there will be sessions on identifying moths, using MapMate and the various methods that can be used to record moths, including a session on the different light traps available. Pre-Booking is essential through Graham at gjones[at]lancswt.org.uk and or via the LWT on reception on 01772 324129

To find The Barn, come off the M6 at J28 and take the B5256 eastbound, crossing the A49 at the traffic lights. After one mile (and just as you leave the houses) turn left at the top of the hill onto Shady Lane . Proceed for about a mile past Nell Lane on your left then take the next right down Berkeley Drive . The Barn is on your left after a couple of hundred yards with ample parking beyond.

Thursday, 11th March
7.30pm

The Marvels of Moths & their Changing Fortunes in Lancashire

Talk: "The Marvels of Moths – and their changing fortunes in Lancashire" by Steve Palmer for the ROCHDALE FIELD NATURALISTS' SOCIETY.

Venue: Cutgate Baptist Church, Edenfield Rd. Rochdale
Parking adjacent in precinct - search Multimap or your Satnav on: OL11 5AQ

Price: Members £1, Non-members £2.
Enquiries: 01706 630707 or 01706 814884

www.rochdalefieldnaturalistssociety.co.uk

Friday, 26th March
7pm to 10pm

Lancashire Moth Group Social
The Barn, Cuerdon Valley Country Park, nr Bamber Bridge,

The Moth Group Social will be held on Friday evening from 7pm to 10pm – entry charge £2 per head to cover hire costs. (Tea, Coffee and Biscuits will be available free of charge.) The Lancashire Wildlife Trust welcomes us at their headquarters, The Barn, Cuerden Valley Country Park , near Leyland. Members and guests are invited to bring along books, displays, slides, Powerpoint presentation or CDs with pictures on to show to the group. The speakers will be Richard Burkmar and Graham Jones who will give an illustrated talk on the Sandhill Rustic in Lancashire.

I look forward to seeing as many of you as can make it. Please do make a special effort to bring along photographs or other display material – it would be useful for those with material to get in touch with Steve before the evening to enable assessment of the space and equipment requirements.

To find The Barn, come off the M6 at J28 and take the B5256 eastbound, crossing the A49 at the traffic lights. After one mile (and just as you leave the houses) turn left at the top of the hill onto Shady Lane. Proceed for about a mile past Nell Lane on your left then take the next right down Berkeley Drive. The Barn is on your left after a couple of hundred yards with ample parking beyond.

Sunday, 18th April
10.30am-midday

Belted Beauty Search
(SD413571)

Meet at Potts Corner Car Park (small parking charge may apply) to look for and record numbers of the rare Belted Beauty moth. Last year several hundred were found, in our most successful visit to date. Please come equipped for cold, windy and wet conditions – the search will take place whatever the weather! Organiser Steve Palmer (01772 861570)

Sunday, 25th April
12am-1pm

Green Hairstreak Hunt
Clougha (SD526604)

A north Lancashire event organised by Martin Wain (01524 389361 or mobile 07773 431420) to search for Green Hairstreak at Clougha. A short, gentle, uphill walk (about 150m) to the area where the hairstreaks occur. Walking boots advisable. Meet at the car park on Rigg Lane.

Sunday, 25th April
11am

"Spring Butterflies & Moths"
Flixton (SJ741942)

A walk to see Small Tortoiseshell, Orange-tip, Holly Blue and even Small Copper. After the walk the leader invites you back to his house to see moths caught from the previous night with a tempting offer of tea/coffee and biscuits. The walk is over rough ground so stout walking boots are required. Meet at Ambleside Road, Flixton, Manchester. Bring your own packed lunch if required. Leader: Kevin McCabe - 0161 7486429.

Sunday, 25th April
11am

"Early Spring in East Lancs"
Greenbooth Reservoir

A fairly energetic 3hr or so walk for Green Hairstreak and possible Wall Brown. Meeting at the former bus turnaround in Norden centre on the A680 by the Bridge Inn (Hotel?) SD858146. (Direct bus services run on a Sunday from Rochdale.) Bring a packed lunch. Some walking on open moorland so stout footware required - no facilities. Contact: Richard Greenwood - 01706 351377.

Friday, 7th May
7.30pm-10pm

Butterfly Conservation
(Lancs Branch) AGM

This event, open to Butterfly Conservation members only, will include an illustrated talk entitled "Gardening for butterflies and moths" by guest speaker Dr Richard Burkmar. Venue: The Barn, Cuerden Valley Country PArk near Bamber Bridge. Organiser: Steve Palmer - 01772 861570.

To find The Barn, come off the M6 at J28 and take the B5256 eastbound, crossing the A49 at the traffic lights. After one mile (and just as you leave the houses) turn left at the top of the hill onto Shady Lane . Proceed for about a mile past Nell Lane on your left then take the next right down Berkeley Drive . The Barn is on your left after a couple of hundred yards with ample parking beyond.

Saturday, 8th May
11am

Moorland edge butterflies in Spring (SD676122)

A walk of approx 3 miles taking in 3 or 4 Green Hairsteak sites. Meet at the small "pull-off" car park across from Walker Fold Farm, nr a cluster of cottages on B6402. Boots are needed but terrain is not dangerous - normal care is needed. Packed lunch required. Organiser: Jill Mills - 01204 692787.

Sunday, 9th May
10.30am

Green Hairstreak hunt
(SJ960936)

This trip involves a few short but fairly steep climbs, walks off-path and over rarely used paths as well as walking over tussocks looking for Green Hairstreak and possible Wall Brown (a bit early though). Meet in the Visitor Centre car park, Werneth Low Country Park, Tameside. Packed lunch and a drink recommended - hill climbs can be thirst work in warm weather! Leader: Phil Kinder, Secretary, Cheshire & Peak District Branch of Butterfly Conservation - 0161 430 5107 (home) or 07747 481463 (mobile).

Saturday, 15th May
10am - 3.30pm

"Moths Count" Training Event
Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve

"An Introduction to Moths" at Leighton Moss RSPB reserve nr Carnforth (SD476749), (led by Steve Palmer). All Moth Count events are free but must be booked in advance with Butterfly Conservation. Booking is strictly via Butterfly Conservation on 01929 406009 or nmrs[at]butterfly-conservation.org These free, daytime, classroom based courses are for beginners who wish to take those first steps in understanding about, finding and identifying moths.

Saturday, 15th May (night)

NATIONAL MOTH NIGHT

This is an annual event and anyone who wishes to participate simply records any moths seen and sends the details in to the scheme organisers. If you do take part please send your records to Steve Palmer via email s.palmer12[at]btopenworld.com or to the address at the end of this report including your name, the location (with 6 figure grid ref.), type of trap used, brief weather details and how long you trapped for. If you intend organising an event for NMN do advertise it through the Lancashire Moth Group website. Records are appreciated as soon as possible after the event.

Saturday, 22nd May
10am

Search for Moth &
Butterfly Caterpillars

Explore Hardy Farm, Chorlton, Manchester to target species such as Small Skipper and Gatekeeper caterpillars. If weather is suitable there should be plenty of butterflies and dayflying moths on the wing as well. Meet by the entrance to Hardy Farm, Chorlton (SJ815926), on the righthand side at the very end of Hardy Lane, Chorlton. Leader: Ben Smart - 0161 8819056.

Sunday, 23rd May
10.15 am

Habitat Management
Plock Wood, Yarrow Valley

Himalayan Balsam Bash. Meet Yarrow Valley Visitors centre car park 10.15. SD 570152.

Contact Eddie Langrish Tel 01257 232100. Email edwinlangrish[at]btinternet.com

Sunday, 13th June
10am and 1pm

Moths of Lower Burgh Meadows, Yarrow Valley Visistors Centre

Come and see the moths on show from the previous night's catch on the meadow. Talk on moths 10.30am; includes trap opening, marvel at their beauty! Walk the meadow from 1pm to look for day flying moths and butterflies. Meet at the Yarrow Valley Visitors Centre SD570152. Contact Eddie Langrish Tel 01257 232100, Email: edwinlangrish[at]btinternet.com

Sunday, 13th June
11am-1pm

Warton Crag, Carnforth

Walk to see Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary amongst others. Meet in Warton Crag Quarry car park (SD491725). Walking on the lower slopes of the crag with uneven paths and some steep slopes - stout footwear advised. Further details contact: Colin Peacock 01524 733234.

Saturday, 19th June
12am (midday)

Large Heath Search
Winmarleigh Moss

This walk will specifically target the Large Heath butterfly but many other species of moth and butterfly can usually be seen on this lowland heather site. The walk takes you over some rough terrain on uneven, scrubby ground with some climbing over stiles so please come suitably attired. Organiser: Derrick Smith (01253 356173). As parking near the site is very limited, and on private land, please meet at the Car Park (with toilet) in the middle of Pilling village (SD404483).

Saturday, 19th and Sunday 20th June

RSPB Leighton Moss
Annual Moth Event

The event starts with a moth trapping demonstration on Saturday night from 10pm onwards through the night. On Sunday morning (8am to 10 am), learn more about the fascinating world of moths with experts from the Lancashire Moth Group.

Booking essential for the moth breakfast (running from 8am – 10 am.) Cost: £8 (£7 RSPB members) including cooked breakfast. A drop in session will also be available afterwards from 10 am – 12 noon for anyone not booked on the event who wishes to see what’s been caught.

For further details and booking for the breakfast (essential) please phone the RSPB on 01524 701601.

Saturday, 26th June

Moth Trap Inspection
Fir Tree Farm, Kings Moss

An overnight moth-trap will be set at Fir Tree Farm, Kings Moss (SD505013), or for those with Satnav, postcode WA11 8RG. The contents will be available for inspection on Saturday morning (precise time not yet available). Organiser: Chris Darbyshire. To check nearer the event for time telephone the farm on 01744 894959.

Sunday, 27th June
10am

Fishwick Bottoms, Preston
Talk, Walk and look at Moths

Moths from a previous night's catch will be on show and a talk on these will be given. Followed by a walk at 1pm through the wild flower area to look for day-flying moths and butterflies. Meet at Fishwick Bottom Car Park off London Road, Preston (SD551289). Further details: Eddie Langrish - 01257 232100 email edwinlangrish[at]btinternet.com or Terry Blackburn 01772 906471 email t.blackburn[at]preston.gov.uk

Saturday, 10th July
1.45pm-3.45pm

Summertime Skippers
Marshside RSPB Reserve

A joint walk with West Lancashire Wildlife. Target species will be Small Skipper, Large Skipper and Gatekeeper. Meet at Sefton Council car park, opposite junction of Marine Drive and Marshside Road (SD352204). Telephone: Daniel Flenley 0151 9243921 to confirm attendance.

Sunday, 11th July
1pm

Summertime Meadow Butterflies and Moths

Walk and talk at Yarrow Valley, Chorley. A look at moths caught from the night before with a talk before setting off for a 3 mile walk (good walking shoes recommended). Species expected include: Gatekeeper, Large & Small Skipper, Comma, Meadow Brown, Small Copper etc plus day-flying moths. Meet at Yarrow Valley Visitor's Centre (SD570152). Organiser: James Hide - 01772 865392.

Sunday, 11th July
10.30am

Mid-summer Hairstreaks
Chadkirk Country Estate

A walk to find White Letter Hairstreak (Purple also occur here) and other butterflies on the Chadkirk Country Estate, Romiley. Walking at Chadkirk is largely flat and easy going. The walk is expected to finish about 1.30 pm so packed lunches may be needed.

Meet at the Vale Road car park (SJ937897). Leader: Phil Kinder, Secretary of Cheshire & Peak District Branch of Butterfly Conservation. For further details contact Phil on 0161 430 5107 (home) or 07747 481463 (mobile).

Saturday, 17th July
1.45pm-3.45pm

The Sefton Dunes in Summer
NNR Ainsdale Dunes, nr Formby

Target species will be Dark Green Fritillary, Grayling and Gatekeeper. Meet at Natural England Office (SD301111). Tel: Daniel Flenley 0151 9243921 to confirm attendance.

Saturday, 17th July
12 am (midday)

"Satyr of the Elms"
Stanley Park, Blackpool

A walk to observe buterflies in this urban park but specifically to look for the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly on elms. Meet at the Park Information Centre car park (SD326359) which is at the east end of the drive in from the main gates. Organiser: Derrick Smith (01253 356173).

Sunday, 18th July
2pm

White-letter Hairstreak Hunt
Bradley Lane, Mersey Valley

An afternoon guided walk to find White-letter Hairstreak and other butterflies. Stout footwear recommended to cope with brambles. Meet at the end of Bradley Lane, Sale (SJ783932) - there is some car parking space at the end of the lane at the side of the road. Organiser/guide: Peter Hardy, Butterfly Recorder for Greater Manchester - 0161 9720725 for further details.

Saturday, 24th July
10.00am-15.30

Moths Count Event
Introduction to Moth Recording

An Introduction to Moth Recording (a Moths Count event) is run by Graham Jones of Lancashire Wildlife Trust at The Barn, Cuerden Valley Park, Bamber Bridge. Sessions on identifying moths, using MapMate and the various methods that can be used to record moths, including a session on the different light traps available. Pre-Booking is essential through Graham Jones at Lancashire Wildlife Trust gjones[at]lancswt.org.uk or telephone Reception on 01772 324129.

To find The Barn, come off the M6 at J28 and take the B5256 eastbound, crossing the A49 at the traffic lights. After one mile (and just as you leave the houses) turn left at the top of the hill onto Shady Lane. Proceed for about a mile past Nell Lane on your left then take the next right down Berkeley Drive. The Barn is on your left after a couple of hundred yards with ample parking beyond.

Saturday, 24th July
12pm-2pm

Butterflies of Meadow & Woodland - Beacon Country Prk

Target species include Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Common Blue and general butterflies and day-flying moths of Beacon Country Park. Suitable to those beginning an interest in Lepidoptera or a general interest in natural history. Binoculars are useful for observing butterflies as well as birds!

There are designated paths, tracks and rides swith some slopes and slightly rough ground. Light walking boots advised. Beacon Country Park is West Lancashire Borough Council's main countryside site, consisting over 300 acres of rolling countryside on the slopes of Ashurst Beacon above Skelmersdale.

Meet at the Visitor Centre Car Park (SD505066) by the Ranger Service hut. The entrance to the Country Park Visitor Centre is on Elmers Green Lane off Beacon Lane, which runs between Upholland and Dalton. IT is locally well signposted. If weather forecast looks bad contact the Organiser: Dr Richard Charles - 01257 464604 or mobile 07802 838432.

Sunday, 1st August
1pm

St Anne's Dunes in Summer Starr Hills Nature Reserve

Park north of the New Thursby Nursing Home, Blackpool (SD309307). If the weather looks doubtful telephone the organiser: Barry Dyson on 01253 885144.

Sunday, 1st August
1pm

Yealand Hall Allotments
Silverdale

An afternoon walk to see High Brown and Dark Green Fritillaries and to observe the conservation work being carried out by Butterfly Conservation as part of their Morecambe Bay Limestone Project for High Brown Frits.
(http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/article.asp?Page1d=9&Article1d=124).

Meet at the entrance to Yealand Hall Allotments on Storrs Lane (SD494761). For further details contact: David Wrigley 01524 782962.

Sunday, 8th August
11am

Rakewood, Nr Littleborough,
Rochdale

Meet at the Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre, Rakewood Road, Littleborough (SD940152) - hoping to see Gatekeeper, Wall Brown and Small Heath. Fairly easy walking but stout footwear advised. Duration: about 3 hrs.

The Visitor Centre on Rakewood Road has a small museum, toilets, cafe, refreshment and gift shop. Contact: Richard Greenwood 01706 351377.