2023 Spring & Summer Butterfly Fieldtrips & Moth Evenings
Note: Events are Free. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please check our website and social media prior to the Butterfly Walk in case of cancellation due to weather condition. Please wear suitable clothing and shoes. Bring water and snacks. Dogs not allowed.
Saturday 29th April – 8:00pm Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth – (Moth Night) A spring moth evening kindly led by Cornwall moth expert, Frank Johns at the home of Keith Wilson. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit on. We will be using the sheet & lamp method and will have each moth correctly identified. Beginner or expert you are very welcome. If you wish to bring friends or colleagues then please contact Keith beforehand to confirm. We may be undertaking a bat survey too during the evening. Leaders – Frank Johns & Keith Wilson. Meet at 8:00pm at Trelusback Farm (shown on the OS map as ‘Trelusback’ at map reference SW712384), which is about half a mile from the western end of Stithians lake and about halfway between Stithians and Redruth. Those with satnav will be able to use the postcode (TR16 6TQ) to get to the end of the driveway to Keith’s house. Drive down the lane where parking is available. For more detailed directions please phone Keith on 01209 860298 or 07972 376982.
Sunday 30th April – 11:00am Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth, TR16 6TQ We are pleased to invite you to a butterfly, fungi & general wildlife walk day at Trelusback. Trelusback contains wildflower meadows, woodland, wetland and a lake. The walk around the Trelusback conservation area will be led by Pauline Penna and Keith Wilson. We are hoping to see late fungi including the rare Bog Beacon fungus. Butterfly sightings in April will of course be dependent upon the weather and a lot of luck. At least we will get fresh air, exercise and quality time with our friends. You may wish to bring a packed lunch if you would like to spend lunchtime chatting to friends & there will be time to have a second walk around the reserve. Please contact Keith Wilson if you would like to bring a friend. Meet at 11-00am at Trelusback Farm (shown on the OS map as Trelusback at grid reference SW712384) which is about half a mile from the western end of Stithians Lake and about halfway between Stithians and Redruth. Those with a satnav will be able to use the postcode TR16 6TQ to get to the end of the driveway to Trelusback. Proceed down this driveway where parking is available. For detailed directions please phone Keith on 01209 860298 or 07972 376982.
Sunday 7th May – 11:00am – Wheal Maid, Poldice Valley, near St. Day Today we will be searching the heathland & the surrounding habitat on the old mining landscape here at Wheal Maid for caterpillars/larvae of the Silver-studded blue butterfly. These are special for Cornwall as most counties have lost their inland colonies of this species. Marcus is studying this species as part of his PhD. and found a number of larvae of this species in 2021 & 2022 & studied their close association & behaviour with ants. Wall Brown & other spring species such as Small Copper, Green Hairstreak, Common Blue & Orange Tip species should hopefully be seen too. Walking boots, drink & sun cream essential. Leader – Marcus Rhodes. Meet at SW75014169 (postcode: TR16 5HU), in the car park at Poldice shown at ‘Poldice Mtb. Valley’ on Google Maps. For details and directions phone Marcus Rhodes on 07790 344131.
Saturday 13th May – 11:00am – De-Lank/Pendrift Downs, St. Breward Pearl-bordered Fritillaries were discovered at De-Lank/Pendrift Downs in May, 1998 by 3 enthusiasts and 25 years later this species of butterfly can still be found here during bright & sunny weather every May but is sadly now only to be found in just 4 localities within Cornwall! We should see plenty of the freshly emerged adult butterflies of this rare & beautiful fritillary. Orange Tips, Brimstones, Speckled Woods, Green Hairstreaks & the first newly emerged Small Pearl-bordered fritillaries as well as Emperor Moths will also be on the wing here now. Walking boots, a packed lunch and drink are required. Leader – Russ Hemmings. Parking is very limited here: Meet at SX099753 (postcode: PL30 4LH), in small parking spaces on right hand side before the De-Lank Quarry entrance near the end of the long track signposted to De-Lank Quarry. Further parking can be found 200 yards or so further back on the side (where space permits) along the track. For details and directions phone Russ Hemmings on 07782 310777.
Sunday 14th May – 11:00am – Perransands/Penhale Sands, nr. Perranporth Perransands/Penhale Sands now hold’s Cornwall’s last remaining colonies of Grizzled Skippers which although highly localised will hopefully be found in suitable looking habitat amongst this vast dune complex. We hope to find the special aberration called ‘taras’ which is usually found at this locality amongst some of the Grizzled Skipper colonies here. Other species found in this location in May include Brown Argus, Wall, Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Small Copper and Orange-tip. Bring a packed lunch. Leader – Phil Harris. Meet at map ref – SW774553, TR4 9PN, in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose village by entrance to footpath onto sand dunes. For details and directions phone Phil Harris on 07754583101.
Saturday 20th May – 12:00noon – Pedn Vounder Beach, Penberth Cove & surrounding coast, Treen, nr. Penzance An excellent locality for our CBMS fieldtrips! We will be searching for newly emerged Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries at this location as well as other spring species. Last year’s fieldtrip here produced more than 50 Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillaries in flight and was a wonderful spectacle! Walking boots, packed lunch, drink & sun cream essential. Leader – Phil Harris. Meet at SW394229 (postcode: TR19 6LF), at Treen car park. For details and directions phone Phil Harris on 07754583101.
Saturday 3rd June – 11:00am – Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett One of Britain’s rarest butterflies, the Heath Fritillary, now solely exists in Cornwall in the specially managed habitat, at its original main Cornish locality at Greenscoombe Woods, Luckett after it originally became extinct here in 2003. After it’s re-introduction to parts of the woodlands in the summer of 2006, it has become re-established and re-colonised it’s former habitat which has been much improved by clearance and regular habitat management work. The butterfly is breeding well in a number of different areas at Greenscoombe Woods and it is always a joy for enthusiasts to visit these woods to enjoy the many Heath Fritillary butterflies that are to be seen throughout June every year. Bring a drink, packed lunch and your camera. Leader –Russ Hemmings. Meet at SX389737 (postcode: PL17 8NJ), in Luckett village car park. For details and directions phone Russ Hemmings on 07782 310777.
Tuesday 6th June – 1:00pm – Breney Common, nr. Lanlivery Joint meeting with Ladock Parish Wildlife Group It is always a delight to visit one of Cornwall’s largest Marsh Fritillary colonies here at famous Breney Common. Good numbers of this species to see together with Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Heath, Orange-tip, Green Hairstreak, Emperor Moths, Silver Hook Moth, Chimney Sweeper Moth and much more! Photography is easy here so bring your camera. Leaders – Rowena & Rob Nicholls. Meet at SX052612 (postcode: PL30 5DU), in small roadside car park where free parking is available near Gunwen Chapel. For details and directions phone Rowena & Rob Nicholls on 07711105485 or ilovecornwall8@yahoo.com
Sunday 18th June – 11:00am – Wheal Maid, Poldice Valley, near St. Day We will be searching heathland & the surrounding habitat on the old mining landscape here at Wheal Maid for newly emerged Silver-studded Blue butterflies. These are special for Cornwall especially as most counties have lost their inland colonies of this species. Meadow Brown Ringlet & other mid-summer species should be seen too. Walking boots, drink & sun cream essential. Leader – Marcus Rhodes. Meet at SW75014169 (postcode: TR16 5HU), in the car park at Poldice shown at ‘Poldice Mtb. Valley’ on Google Maps. For details and directions phone Marcus Rhodes on 07790 344131.
Friday 23rd June – 9:45pm – St. Clement Wood, Idless, Truro (Moth Night) A mid-summer moth evening kindly hosted by one of Cornwall’s foremost moth experts, Frank Johns. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. There will be plenty of summer moths to record. Please bring your own moth trap if you wish. Leader – Frank Johns. Meet at SW824478, TR4 9AA, St. Clement Wood car park (free). For details and directions, phone Frank Johns on 01326 240357.
Saturday 24th June – 11:00am - Perransands and Penhale Sands, nr. Perranporth A mid-summer ramble over Britain’s highest sand dunes complex to see large numbers of freshly emerged Silver-studded Blues. We would also hope to see Large Skippers, Small Skippers, Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Dark Green Fritillary, Scarlet Tiger Moth and Hummingbird Hawk-moth & other scarce moths & plenty of wild flowers. This event always turns up unexpected surprises in moths or butterflies. Please bring plenty to drink, sun protection and walking boots. Leader – Alan May. Meet at SW774553 (postcode: TR4 9PN), in lay-by on edge of road opposite the turning to Rose where there is a limited amount of free parking available. For details phone Alan May on 01209 821936 or 07787 121043.
Sunday 16th July – 2:00pm - Delabole Quarry, Delabole, Nr. Camelford This is an excellent location for our fieldtrips. There should be Marbled Whites on the wing and plenty of other summer butterflies around, particularly on the Buddleia in the sheltered parts of the site. There may be the occasional Clouded Yellow to be seen. This is the oldest working slate quarry in England and at almost 500 feet deep and 11/2 miles around, looking down into one of the largest man made holes in Europe is an impressive view. Good walking boots essential. Leader – Malcolm Lee. Meet at SX0737683645 (postcode: PL33 9AZ), in Delabole Quarry car park by visitor centre (free parking). For details and directions phone Malcolm Lee on 01208 880106.
Friday 21st July – 9:30pm – Trevergy Farm, Cury, nr. Helston (Moth Night) A Summer moth evening kindly hosted at the farm home by one of Cornwall’s foremost moth experts, Frank Johns. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit or kneel on. There should be plenty of summer moths to record including hopefully some migrant moths as well. Please bring your own moth trap if you have one. Leader – Frank Johns. Meet at SW672221 (postcode: TR12 7QY), Trevergy Farm at Cury, near Helston, home of Frank Johns. Plenty of free parking available. For details and directions, phone Frank Johns on 01326 240357.
Saturday 22nd July – 10:00am - Cabilla & Redrice Woods CWT Reserve, Glyn Valley, nr. Bodmin We look forward to seeing many beautiful Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies in this well managed woodland and following the exciting discovery in these woods in 2013 of the ‘valezina’ form of the female of this species, we will be eagerly looking out for this rarity again this year! The bright summer form ‘hutchinsoni’ of the Comma butterfly will be on the wing together with plenty of Ringlets, Gatekeepers, new brood Brimstones, Purple Hairstreaks and Summer brood Holly Blues. There are various day flying moths to be seen here so there may be new discoveries awaiting us. Leader – Dave Conway. Meet at SX128653 (postcode: PL30 4BE); free parking by sawmill. For details and directions phone Dave Conway on 01208 77686.
Sunday 23rd July – 2:00pm – Fellover Brake, Tuckingmill, St. Breward This site has a good colony on Purple Hairstreaks on its low growing Oak trees and there will hopefully be a good chance to photograph this ‘difficult to photo’ species. Silver-washed Fritillary will be on the wing and Dark Green Fritillary & other summer flying species should also be spotted. Walking boots are essential as the site slopes quite steeply and can be quite uneven in place as well as long trousers due to tall bracken on the slopes. Leader – Malcolm Lee. Meet at SX0902377850 (postcode PL30 4PQ), at Gam Bridge For details and directions phone Malcolm Lee on 01208 880106.
Saturday 29th July – 9:00pm Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth – (Moth Night) A summer moth evening kindly led by Rosie Hadden & county moth expert, Frank Johns at the home of Keith Wilson. Please bring a torch, a drink, wrap up well & something to sit on. Please bring your own moth traps if you wish. There should be plenty of summer moths to record and hopefully some migrants too! Leaders – Rosie Hadden, Frank Johns & Keith Wilson. Meet at 9:00pm at Trelusback Farm (shown on the OS map as ‘Trelusback’ at map reference SW712384), which is about half a mile ‘from the western end of Stithians lake and about halfway between Stithians and Redruth. Those with satnav will be able to use the postcode (TR16 6TQ) to get to the end of the driveway to Keith’s house. Drive down this driveway where plenty of parking is available. For more detailed directions please phone Keith on 01209 860298 or 07972 376982
Sunday 30th July – 11:00am Picnic Day at Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, Redruth We are pleased to invite you to a picnic and optional butterfly walks day at Trelusback. Trelusback contains wildflower meadows, woodland, wetland and a lake. If the weather is kind visitors can expect to see a wide variety of butterflies, moths, birds, plants and dragonflies & an opportunity to enjoy a walk with friends in lovely surroundings. Bring your own food/lunch but tea, coffee, toilets etc. will be provided. In the event of rain we can chat to other conservation minded people in a large barn and/or the house. The previous evening moth traps will be run after dark and in the morning the moths will be identified, recorded and released unharmed. Meet at 11-00am at Trelusback Farm (shown on the OS map as Trelusback at grid reference SW712384) which is about half a mile from the western end of Stithians Lake and about halfway between Stithians and Redruth. Those with a satnav will be able to use the postcode TR16 6TQ to get to the end of the driveway to Trelusback. Proceed down this driveway where plenty of parking is available. For detailed directions please phone Keith on 01209 860298 or 07972 376982.
Sunday 6th August – 11:00am - St Newlyn Downs, St Newlyn East We hope to see & record plenty of summer butterflies, day-flying moths & Dragonflies including the Grayling butterfly which is to be found at this inland location. This 286 acre site is a SSSI and a Special Area of Conservation located in the Parish of St. Newlyn East near the wind turbines. It is an old mining area with East Wheal Rose and Wheal Constance mines close by. We will be looking out for the Bog Bush-cricket and the Dorset Heath (a type of heather). You will need walking boots, a packed lunch & drink. Parking is limited. Some space is available in the entrance to the old golf club opposite. Leader – Carly Riley. Meet at SW836551 (postcode: TR8 5AT), in lay-by opposite East Wheal Rose Farm. For details & directions phone Carly Riley on 01637 622870.
Tuesday, 5th September, 10:00am, Killigerran Head, Roseland Peninsula Joint meeting with Ladock Parish Wildlife Group and Cornwall Birds (CBWPS) A new & little known location with lovely scenery for our late summer coastal butterfly walk. Butterfly species that have been seen at this locality in recent years include, Clouded Yellow, Long-tailed Blue, Painted Lady, Small Copper, Wall Brown and other high summer species. Directions: 16 miles from St Austell. Approaching from the east or west on the A390 about 4 miles east of Truro turn onto the A3078 for St Mawes. Continue on the A3078 and then turn left at Trewithian. Follow this road for about 4 miles and just after Porth Creek, park at Porth Farm National Trust car park. (postcode: TR2 5EX). Leaders: Rob and Rowena Nicholls. Meet at SW867329 (postcode: TR2 5EX). For details & directions, phone or email Rob & Rowena on 07711105485 or ilovecornwall8@yahoo.com.