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Well it was Worth All the Effort
Field Trip Report - Anchor Meadow 31st May
Just over two years ago 50 people objected to the proposed property development
at Anchor Meadow in Aldridge. Not all were local branch members since Val Weston
also asked some of her colleagues at Barclays Bank to object if they lived
nearby, and they did. This set the wheels in motion within the council, and
after involvement from members such as Peter Newell, Dave Jackson, Mike Williams
and myself, along with Walsall Countryside Services Department an equable
compromise was reached with Bryant Homes PLC. Peter, as the local man, and the
person who first identified Anchor Meadow potential had the honour of leading
the walk.
The day was sunny and hot but because the season was so early I was concerned
the Dingy Skipper flight period might be over. I need not have worried as we saw
20 over the whole complex, the highest numbers ever. Twelve were recorded in the
spare ground adjacent to the Health Centre where the Managing Partner, Dr Denys
Wells is most supportive and has left the area free from the curse of laid
lawns. Another three were on the actual nature reserve that will need the
bramble cutting back this winter as it is crowding out the habitat. Any local
volunteers to help Peter Newell please approach me for contacts, your offer will
be gratefully accepted. And brilliantly, another eight were identified on a
patch of ground that Walsall Council’s Recreation Department gave up to extend
the potential habitat.
Loads of Common Blue were seen, along with a few Small White, Speckled Wood and
two Large Skipper, which at the time of writing, are season firsts in the
branch. Almost equalling the Dingy’s in importance were the day-flying moths
that are relatively common in this urban area unlike in the rural countryside
within our branch. There were swarms of Burnet Companion, good numbers of
Latticed Heath and the odd Cinnabar. Alan Prior identified the micro moth Light
Brown Apple and another with an impossible Latin name which he phoned me with a
day later to correct the spelling. I was totally lost by this stage so it will
remain a mystery. We even had a few Silver Y that had decided to come over from
the continent to see what the fuss was all about on this site. Damselflies were
represented by the Blue-tailed.
Like so many of my articles I would like to end on a personal note. I was
delighted to meet two new faces. They were so enthused at seeing so many new
things for the first time that one has volunteered to help with any scrub
bashing, whilst the other from Perry Barr is now going to get involved with moth
identification and recording after a suggestion from Val Weston. I say this as a
challenge to the large numbers of new members who have recently joined the
branch in the Birmingham area probably after publicity from Alan Titchmarsh. Do
get to see some of the amazing butterflies and moths that exist, you will never
conserve until you have appreciated. Do phone committee members for advice or
assistance. How many of you will lapse your membership by the end of the year if
you have not done anything?
Finally, thanks to all those who wrote to the council, have a pint on me! Please
also approach your employers to ensure that they create habitat around the back
of factories or offices conducive to wildlife. Its quite possible as the new
leaflet from Butterfly Conservation on brownfield and urban sites informs.
Please contact the Regional Officers if you would like some to circulate.
Richard Southwell