The search for Dorset's Duke of Burgundy butterflies - Up Sydling

Red Post Hill, Up Sydling

We are returning to Red Post Hill in the Duke of Burgundy flight period to see if we can find any adults. We carried out emergency habitat management for this butterfly, probably Dorset’s most endangered species. This butterfly is now reduced to six small colonies in the county, all of which require careful management to maintain suitable habitat.

We carried out scrub control on several of these sites during the last winter, hoping we can increase the butterfly’s chances of survival. The work was funded under a Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) grant awarded to Hilfield Friary, in conjunction with the Dorset Branch of Butterfly Conservation and EuCAN CIC.

For this walk, we shall be meeting for a 10am start at the parking place marked on the map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&mid=1PWLHA_sVWOPo-KV4AWQHSco0daPb39o&ll=50.82931230721971%2C-2.5212198648193396&z=15

What3Words for parking place: watchdogs.likening.confronts

then walking down to the worksite below Red Post Hill (marked on the google map). Please bring your refreshments and lunch with you. This event will finish around 2pm all being well. If the weather is unsuitable, we will try to reschedule.

It will help us with the planning (though not essential) if you let us know that you are hoping to join us.