Reptiles have been seen regularly culminating in 13 adders and 2 grass snakes on 23rd April, this corresponded with some warmer weather that brought in the migrants in numbers. In fact, the normally elusive grass snake has been seen on 4 separate dates.

Butterflies, once the weather improved, were reasonably good, but on the transect it was the drab looper moth that excelled. 4 were seen on 26th April, with increasing numbers until the peak of 37 on 20th May. (in past years I have hardly reached this figure in a whole year)

White admiral appeared on the 17th June, but more significantly, on 22nd June, someone showed me a picture of the rare black form ‘nigrina’ something I have never seen here. The amazing looking hazel leaf-rolling weevil was much in evidence with several adults spotted and the rolled hazel leaves that they create were abundant.

The bird ringers had a memorable day on 9th June when 2 kingfishers were caught in the nets, only a few have been ringed here so this was indeed a rare event. A pair of firecrest bred in Inhams Copse as one bird was seen carrying food for young. This is the first confirmed breeding for this species.

Nightjars were once again active in the heathy area of Beggars Bridge Copse, territorial behaviour being observed on the 24th June. 

Volunteers have been busy fence checking and repairing, with 102 work days being recorded for the three months.

Graham Dennis

Basingstoke Area Reserves Officer

07770891126 Graham.Dennis@hiwwt.org.uk