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NEWSLETTER No. 42 -  Spring 1999

WEST MIDLANDS BRANCH, BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

 

Chairman’s Message, Spring 1999

Butterfly Conservation is obviously in the midst of some major changes; David Attenborough has become the new president; Stephen Jeffcoate the new national chairman and I have become chairman of the West Midlands Branch. The national changes are well covered in the latest edition of Butterfly Conservation News, so I think I should begin with a short explanation of how I have become your chairman.

I had been a “sleeping” member of Butterfly Conservation for a number of years i.e. my only involvement was receiving the newsletters. My 1997 membership was due for renewal, and I was uncertain whether I should re-join, when I received a letter from Richard Southwell suggesting I survey a number of tetrads near my home for the Millennium Atlas. Around the same time I met Digby who offered to take me on his Malvern Hills transect. We agreed a date which turned out to be a perfect summer day. We, of course, saw lots of butterflies – High Brown Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral, to name a few. I was truly caught up in it, particularly as, at the same time, I was enjoying surveying my local tetrads. As you can guess, I re-joined Butterfly Conservation.

I tell this story as I think it has considerable bearing on the society and its members. But for a couple of direct contacts with society members I am sure I would not be enjoying my role with Butterfly Conservation today. There must be lots of people out there who have let their membership lapse and have thus missed out on the full enjoyment of Lepidoptera (I say Lepidoptera, as I think moths can bring as much pleasure as butterflies). We endeavour to contact and welcome all new members to our Branch; however if you have not been contacted or would like to become more involved please give me or any committee member a call.

We are trying to be a friendly and enthusiastic society and are keen to involve as many society members as possible in our activities. It is worth pointing out that about half the committee have joined in the past 18 months. On that subject, I would like to welcome the following new committee members: Jim Chance – coordinator for Birmingham; Dave Jackson – coordinator for Staffs and Mark Farmer – the summer events organiser. Mark has already put a great deal of effort into organising this year’s programme which promises to interesting and exciting. I would urge you to attend some of these events which range from visits to local reserves to a trip to Scotland for Atlas recording. One further committee matter, as Phil Hopson stood down at the AGM, I would like record our appreciation of all the work he put in over the years.

As you are aware, this is the last year of recording for the Atlas. Plans are well advanced to have this published at the end of 2000. Please try to fill in the blanks in our area so that we can achieve as comprehensive coverage as possible. It will allow us to identify the priority areas for conservation and provide an invaluable basis for future studies. Richard Southwell or the regional coordinators will be contacting some of you on a local basis. We also enclose with this newsletter information on the recording status to date.

We intend to have a full review of the results and the plans for the year at the Spring meeting on April 24th. Please use the enclosed sheets to record your data as they greatly assist the operators putting the information into the computer.

I must point out as well that this year is the 20th anniversary of the setting up of the West Midlands Branch. In 1979, this Branch was the first regional Branch to be established, and a number of the founders are still actively involved. Both Mike Williams and Ron Hatton are still on the committee – I think they both deserve a special tribute for all their hard work and “endurance” over 20 years. We would like to organise a special event for next year for our 21st birthday – any suggestions?

Before concluding, there is one other person I would like to thank – Digby Wood. Digby has been involved with Butterfly Conservation for many years and in recent years, very active with the West Midlands Branch. His enthusiasm and charm have helped build up the Branch to its present vibrant state. I am pleased to say Digby is staying on the committee and has agreed to a “floating” role, helping wherever possible. I hope I can continue where he has left off.

Ian Duncan