Butterfly Surveys

A number of FOLK volunteers undertake butterfly surveys on the Hill and Common.  The reasons for undertaking such surveys are given below, followed by a report on results of the survey work annually from 2014.

Background

Following entry into Higher Level Stewardship scheme and the change to “extensive” grazing on Charlton Kings Common, it was considered to be important to monitor changes to the flora and fauna to ensure that the management now being applied to the site is improving rather than degrading the habitat. To this end a botanical survey was instigated in 2012 and the following year, 2013, a butterfly monitoring scheme was introduced to complement this.

Purpose

To establish what (diversity and abundance), where (location with reference to habitat type) and when (flight periods) butterfly species are present across easily accessible areas of the whole site over a number of years.

Method

The area has been divided into 4 for the purposes of the survey:

  1. Leckhampton Hill
  2. Brownstone Quarry
  3. Charlton Kings Common to the west of Windass Hill, and
  4. Charlton Kings Common east including the Cowslip and Hopkins fields.

Each area has been subdivided into sections, roughly equating to habitat type, through which a fixed route is walked by volunteers. For each section, the butterflies seen close to the recorder (within 2.5 metres) are recorded and counted by species. Surveys are done between April and September, ideally every week or two, but dependent on there being surveyor availability and suitable warm and/or sunny weather conditions.

Information Obtained

The surveys so far have established where on the site adult butterflies of each species can be found. This has provided guidance as to areas that would benefit from particular habitat management, and corridors are being opened up to ease movement of species across more of the site.

Summaries of the surveys undertaken annually from 2014 are included below.

Surveying in 2022

In this year, 69 surveys on 40 different days were undertaken by 4 volunteers with between 14 and 22 completed in each of the survey sections.  There were just 3 periods in which none were undertaken (1-8 Apr, 16-23 Aug and 24-30 Sept): the first two due to unsuitable weather during that week and the latter as the season came to a somewhat premature end (only 2 butterflies counted in the previous period).  In total 3899 butterflies were counted between 1 April and 30 September, with an additional 7 in March.

During the 3rd week June numbers proliferated from 51 to 784, in the main due to 8 surveys being completed, peaking in the 2nd week July (5 surveys), falling back  dramatically thereafter.  In the same June period species increased from 11 to 18, but continued to rise to 21 in the 3rd week in July.

Despite the periods of very hot and sunny summer weather, the number of butterflies counted on each survey completed in peak flight time were some of the lowest in the period 2017 – 2022 (see chart below).  This is probably explained by the butterflies resting in the shade reducing the likelihood of them catching the eye of the surveyor through movement when conditions are cooler. Years  before 2017 are not comparable due to the inclusion of the Hopkins field in the surveys since then.

Skippers. (Hesperiidae)

Small Skipper and Essex Skipper (not separated for counting purposes) as well as Large Skipper numbers were below average, in part no doubt due to the difficulty of identification whilst they are in rapid darting flight in hot weather.  Dingy Skipper just about held their own though the number counted was just half that of 2014.

Whites.(Pieridae)

Brimstones, always more common in the 1st generation, were few and far between in the second generation with only 3 recorded (see chart below).

The other whites – Small, Large and Green-Veined – were probably more numerous than the surveys suggest due to the difficulty of identification as all recorded their worse years bar 1.

Orange Tips, an early emerger, did not do well especially when considering the number of surveys completed (21)  during their usual peak flight period averaging just less than 1 per survey.

Hairstreaks, Coppers & Blues. (Lycaenidae)

Green Hairstreak numbers held up in their best haunts, but were missing from several areas where they have previously been sighted though 1 new place was added.

Both 1st and 2nd generation of Small Copper were seen in very small numbers as usual.

Small Blue, which has a partial 2nd generation, were only seen during the 1st at the highest level since surveying began in 2013.  There has been a noticeable increase (personal observation) in the presence of the larval food plant, Kidney Vetch, in recent years which may account for this.

Brown Argus continues to be a cause for concern with numbers reducing from a high of 39 in 2019 to just 13 in 2022.

Common Blue did slightly better (156) after a couple of poor years but is still well below the peak count of 490 in 2018.

Chalkhill Blue did badly with only 7 sighted.  A relatively later emerger, it may well have suffered because of the heat and drought and most likely this will have affected  the survival of its food plant Horseshoe Vetch and therefore next year’s generation as well.

Holly Blue had an exceptionally good year and all 35 seen were in the 1st generation.  Unusually, none from the second generation were recorded.

Fritillaries, Nymphalids and Browns. (Nymphalidae)

14 (most likely migrants) of both Red Admiral and Painted Ladies were counted – surprisingly low numbers despite the long periods of southerly winds.  Similarly there was no widespread influx of Clouded Yellow reaching this part of the country with only 1 spotted on 20th September.

Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock emerged very early and were recorded in March.  However the former appeared to have suffered in the subsequent cold snap as only 3 others were seen in April and May, recovering to 36 in the summer generation whereas 30 of the latter were counted in April and May, with only 7 later in the year when they are usually as or more numerous.

Comma recovered from the all time low in 2021 and was at the 10 year average.

Dark Green Fritillary also bounced back to an all time high of 50, but Silver-washed Fritillary had another poor year.  Marsh Fritillary was sighted on Charlton Kings Common, the first recorded on the site but off the survey route.   This is a species that has been expanding its range in recent years though it is not known whether this is by natural colonisation or unauthorised releases of captive bred stock.  Charlton Kings Common had been surveyed by Butterfly Conservation a few years ago to ascertain whether it would be suitable as a reintroduction site.  However it was rejected as it was considered to be too cold early in the season when the overwintering larva emerge for success to be guaranteed (because of the northerly aspect of the slope) despite having good quantities of the larval food plant Devil’s bit Scabious.  It will be interesting to see whether there are any sightings in 2023 and if so whether it manages to establish a colony despite earlier misgivings.

Speckled Wood (263) was the 2nd highest recorded and 18% higher than the 10 year average.

Marbled White, whilst more common than in the previous 2 years was 12% below.

Gatekeeper emerged during the very hottest weather and this may well have reduced the numbers seen which were the lowest since 2013 when the surveys were not as extensive.

Ringlet and Meadow Brown, usually on the wing until late August and mid September respectively, were last seen on 29 July and 11 August, a month earlier than the norm, no doubt due to the weather conditions prevailing during their flight period.

Small Heath numbers were at their lowest since 2016, split into 2 generations each year, though the 2nd is only partial – being much smaller than the first.

Over the years, there is no obvious correlation between the number of 1st generation adults in each area with those in the 2nd as one might expect.  This is most clearly seen in the comparison of results for Charlton Kings Common east side for 2018 and 2020 in the chart below.

Only in one area, Charlton Kings Common West and in one year – 2018 – were the numbers seen in both generations the same (35), otherwise the 2nd generation is on average just 22% to 30% of the 1st.

Metalmarks. (Riodinidae.)

Duke of Burgundy – Because of prevailing weather conditions and the early emergence of the butterfly, the start of the flight period was missed, resulting in reduced numbers.  For the first time since 2017, none were seen in the Cowslip Meadow and there is the possibility that was due to the ground works extending the water supply to the Hopkins field.

2023

Hopefully, surveying will continue in 2023, not least to determine the effects on population numbers and distribution due to the change to the grazing regime and the extensive clearance of gorse by contractors.  Overall, there should again be an increase in flowering plants providing nectar for all invertebrates and with luck larval food plants for them as well.  However the 1976 drought and heatwave had a devastating effect on butterfly survival and it took many years for populations to recover.  Thankfully 2022 was not quite as bad due to the few showers that did slightly revive desiccating plants but it remains to be seen how the resident butterfly fauna has coped.  More information on ‘Butterflies heatwaves and drought’ can be found at

https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/butterflies-heatwaves-and-drought?_

Surveying in 2021

Once again, a dedicated team of butterfly surveyors spent very nearly six months identifying individual butterflies seen on the Hill between March and September 2021. The surveyors noted the numbers observed and the location of each sighting. In all, they completed ninety six surveys across the different defined sections of the site. This report sets out the initial findings.

There was an early start to the season, with two surveyors venturing forth on 30 March when 16 butterflies were sighted. Two weeks of cold weather followed at the beginning of April when conditions were unsuitable. Otherwise, at least one survey was undertaken every week until the second week in September, with the highest number (twelve) being completed in the last week of May. The last five butterflies of the season were seen on 22 September. The cool early season weather seemed to affect not only the spring flying species but also the high summer ones, which emerged later than in all but one of the previous years. (The 96 surveys were carried out on 52 different days, with 3848 butterflies counted in total. On three of the days no butterflies were seen.)

At this stage, the following observations can be made:

  • Skippers: Small/Essex, Large and Dingy continue to decline in abundance
  • Whites: numbers for the three very similar species (Small, Large and Greenveined) always vary greatly year on year. As usual, a far greater number were seen than could be recorded because of the difficulty of identification (i.e. distinguishing between them) rather than actual abundance. Brimstones and Orange Tips, however, were at about nine-year average levels. Just one Clouded Yellow was seen.
  • Green Hairstreak: a trend seems to be emerging possibly showing a cyclical rise and fall in the population. After  two good years, the number reduced by a third to 14.
  • Blues: only two Small Blue were seen, a disappointing total given that at other sites numbers were above  average. After a very poor year in 2020, Common Blue numbers (137) recovered slightly, but are still well below the peak of 490 in 2018. Brown Argus, never common, were around the nine-year average. Chalkhill Blue did well with the second highest count of 31.
  • Comma: only 6 were seen: the lowest number in my records.
  • Fritillaries: after a series of poor years, Dark Green numbers bounced back above the nine-year average, whereas Silver-washed went in the opposite direction.
  • Browns: in the last couple of years, Marbled White, Meadow Brown and Ringlet numbers on the Leckhampton Hill plateau area have reduced substantially. Whilst the rotational management (grass cutting) done on this section of the hill was considered to be a likely cause, further analysis of the records shows this does not necessarily appear to be the case.  The decline follows a fairly similar trajectory across the whole site – see the charts below – and so is more likely due to other environmental factors.
  • Duke of Burgundy: Although not seen across Charlton Kings Common quite so widely as in some years, the  total numbers recorded during timed counts away from the regular survey routes were steady.

Despite the higher number of surveys completed, 2021 saw the lowest number of butterflies recorded since 2016. This appears to be an actual decline in numbers rather than due to the variable number of surveys undertaken as shown in the charts below.

2022 will bring two developments that should start to see more flowers – and so more nectar – becoming available to the butterflies, bees and other invertebrates. Firstly the change in the grazing regime will mean that the cattle will not be on the Hill during the late spring and summer when the wildflowers are out. Similarly, the enhanced scrub (gorse) clearance being undertaken by contractors (under the terms of National Grid grant funding) should allow more of the underlying grass and wildflowers to recover.

Hopefully the combined impact of these two factors will enable thriving populations of all invertebrates to become established more widely across the site as a whole. So surveying will continue for the next couple of years in order to record any variations in butterfly abundance and distribution prompted by these projects.

Surveying in 2020

Despite (or perhaps because of) the Covid-19 lockdown, surveying ‘during exercise’, started earlier than usual (25 March) and perhaps because of the unseasonably warm and settled weather in April and May, it has been undertaken on a more regular basis.   It is encouraging that there seems to have been a good survival rate of the hibernators (Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstone, Comma and perhaps more surprisingly Red Admiral) despite the dismally wet winter, which used to be considered more detrimental to survival than the cold.

By the time of writing (mid May) most of these early emergers had gone to be replaced by such species as Small Heath, Common Blue, Dingy Skipper and Speckled Wood.   Duke of Burgundy – a priority species for local conservation – was first seen on 23 April, a full 2 weeks earlier than normal here.   Three of the others mentioned were also up to a week earlier than usual.   Generally, though, the overall impression is that numbers are currently low, though so far, all species we expect to see here have been sighted somewhere on site with the exception of  Wall.   All that is needed now is some gentle rain to revitalise the plants and refresh the nectar sources.

Finally, thanks must go to all those who have helped with the recording, despite the frustrations inherent in the process due to weather and ground conditions.

Surveying will continue through 2020. If you would like to add your records or help in any way, please get in touch

Results of the Survey in 2019

Below you will find an overview of the survey results followed by what has been learned so far.

THE SURVEYS

Despite unfavourable weather conditions, especially in April, on the whole each of the species emerged in line with the average date from the last 7 years. The season started early with the first survey being undertaken on 30th March when a single specimen each of Brimstone and Peacock (both of which hibernate over winter) emerged into the warm spring sunshine.   In April, however, only 2 brief periods proved suitable for the surveys and further difficulties arose during the week or so of cold and inclement weather in June.  For all these challenges, surveys (with some covering more than one area) were completed on 48 different days. In all, 5559 butterflies were recorded.  The best year surveyed was in 2014 (6902 sightings) and the worst (3129 sightings) was in the year of our first survey, 2013, when shorter routes and different methodology applied. (Note: These figures have not yet been adjusted to account for the differing number of surveys actually undertaken each season.)

GOOD NEWS FOR THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY

This 2019 total of 5559 butterflies sighted includes the additional number (35) of Duke of Burgundy recorded about 20 to 50 yards from the usual survey route.   There is some evidence that this butterfly, which is part of the Back from the Brink project, is doing well on our site.  When the first surveys were done in 2013 it was only recorded in one section of the designated route.  That increased to 3 sections in 2014, 7 in 2018 and 9 in 2019, showing that they are now seen more widely across Charlton Kings Common.  Moreover, instead of the singletons often counted in the earlier years, 3 or 4 at a time are now likely to be encountered.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

Whilst there were winners and losers, most have varied year-on-year over the seven years for which these records have been compiled, with no obvious correlation between species.  Examples such as the Large Skipper have fluctuated from a low of 28 (2013) to a high of 273 (2014) with 129 in 2019.    Large White in contrast has gone from 336 in 2013 to 25 in 2019 with the average in between of 85, and Gatekeeper 73 to 283 for the same years.

HEADLINES

  • Green Hairstreaks have risen from a low of 3 in 2016 perhaps reflecting poor early season weather to 29 in 2019 possibly because of the observers’ increased experience of their likely locations.

  • The influx of migratory Painted Ladies has been well documented elsewhere, and was reflected in the results – 70 being recorded against the previous high of 9.
  • Numbers of Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock continue to give cause for concern, being just a quarter of the number sighted in 2014.
  • Generally, the ‘Browns’ did well, with 1379 Meadow Brown (highest recorded), 1262 Ringlet (3rd highest) and 874 Marbled White (2nd highest).
  • After an absence of 4 years, it is heartening to report that 1 Wall was seen and photographed, though not in any of its previous haunts. As this was away from what might be considered prime habitat for it, it begs the question – was it resident or a captive-bred release?  Sadly, there is no way to be sure unless someone owns up to the latter.
  • After 3 lean years, the Dark Green Fritillary fared a little better, and was seen more widely over the whole site, albeit in low numbers.
  • Small Blue numbers are holding up at a low level, but there has been a small and gradual increase in the number of Brown Argus, up from 11 in 2013 to 39 in 2019. As it can be difficult to tell the difference between Brown Argus and female Common Blue unless they are very co-operative, this could just be down to the increased experience of the recorders.
  • One curious result among all our records is the almost total absence of the Small Heath from the grassland above Bridge car park (1 seen in 2016) and in the top section of the Hopkins field (1 in 2018). It is possible the key grasses (Fescues and Bents) which are favoured for breeding do not appear in these areas.  A full botanical survey would be needed to confirm this was the reason.  This is a butterfly in decline in the wider countryside as the habitat it favours (well-drained soil where the sward is sparse, fairly short and dominated by fine-leaved grasses) is becoming scarcer.  On our site, though, it seems to be holding its own, with numbers in the last four years fluctuating between 292 and 416 with a high in 2014 of 682.

  • The Marbled White is however recorded in the 2 areas mentioned above, though one might have expected it to have been absent for a similar reason, as its larval foodplant is also a fine-leaved grass – Red Fescue – that is thought to be essential to caterpillar development. It is probably the most accurately counted butterfly on the site, due to its unmistakeable appearance and thus is seen throughout almost all the rest of the site.

LEARNING

the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme led by  Butterfly Conservation and three other organisations has published the national results for 2019.  This has allowed us to compare our findings with those seen nationally.

Below some particularly relevant headlines have been picked out from the national report and are compared with local observations.

  • Nationally, just over half of UK butterfly species showed higher population levels in 2019 compared with 2018. Locally a similar picture emerges with 18 (56%) recorded at higher numbers, 11 (34%) lower and 3 (10%) unchanged.
  • The summer flying species which benefited most across the country included Marbled White, Ringlet, Dark Green Fritillary and Meadow Brown. Again this echoes what we found locally.
  • Three spring flying species were found to be doing well nationally – Brimstone, Duke of Burgundy and Orange Tip.  The first two species also appeared in larger numbers locally.  However in contrast to the national trend,  the Orange Tip declined here by 33% against a national increase of 63%.   This local decline, though, must be set against strong numbers seen in 2018 and in fact the number observed here in 2019 was at the local 7-year average. So this one-year fall does not give cause for concern at present.
  • The Common Blue fell sharply in the national data with numbers down by 54%. By contrast, in our local survey the Common Blue suffered a less dramatic reduction in numbers: down 32%. Despite this drop, however, numbers of Common Blue here remained  well above the local 7 year average.

  • The Dingy Skipper is no longer in long term population decline on the national scale. This is encouraging as it is one of the priority species which has been the focus of intensive conservation efforts in recent years by Butterfly Conservation and partners.  The Dingy Skipper is still present on the hill, but locally is not thriving, with numbers falling from a high of 95 in 2014 to 27 in 2019.

Preferred  territory is extremely variable

Many butterflies have very specific needs, which can make the job of designing measures to help them flourish particularly challenging.  The principle needs include having the right food sources available to them and the aspect of the land.

Two locally seen butterflies illustrate this perfectly.  The Dingy Skipper has a distinct preference for the more sheltered and/or warmer parts of the site, and is most commonly seen on the Leckhampton Hill scarp slope above Hartley Lane (38% of sightings), Brownstone Quarry (19%), the lower slope of the eastern side of Charlton Kings Common between Windass Hill and the golf course (10%) and the Cowslip Meadow (9%).   In marked contrast the Common Blue is generally much more widely and evenly distributed across the whole site only not recorded in 2 out of 34 survey sections.

LOOKING AHEAD

National data makes clear that, over time, there has been a worrying decline in UK butterfly numbers and that positive human action is needed to halt or even reverse this trend.  Various studies have indicated that the spread of butterfly populations is greatly assisted by linking pockets of ground in which endangered species are likely to thrive. So, the planning of FOLK‘s management work is being strengthened to achieve a further increase in the connectivity of individual patches of suitable habitat in the hope that this will encourage and enable the butterflies to spread ever more widely across our site.  Some of this work was done in February 2020 in an area frequented by Duke of Burgundy butterflies.

Finally, thanks must go to all those who helped with the recording, despite the frustrations inherent in the process due to weather and ground conditions.  Surveying will continue in 2020.

Results of the Survey in 2018

This year a stalwart band of 7 surveyors spent in total approximately 85 hours undertaking 57 surveys on 51 different days between 14 April and 27 September 2018.   I thank them all for their time and dedication to the task – due to their efforts we are now beginning to get a much better idea of the effects of the management on the site, though of course the weather probably plays a greater role in the short term as to the butterflies’ abundance.

INTRODUCTION

Generally, the season got off to a slow start as the temperature at the start of April remained too low to encourage the emergence of hibernators.  Even the first day on which the temperature in Cheltenham rose to 15°C proved not good enough for any butterflies to be recorded; and on two later occasions the same unlucky recorder drew a blank.  The total number of butterflies recorded this year was 4048, (see chart below) down by 305 (7%) from 2017.  At first glance this seems disappointing given the high summer weather conditions when most people had the impression of it being a good butterfly year.

However, this number was observed despite ten fewer surveys being undertaken (see chart below).  The average number of butterflies seen during each individual survey was 65 in 2017 rising by 9% to 71 per survey in 2018.  As not all survey routes cover the same distance on the ground and the number of surveys undertaken on each route is not the same year on year, these factors could also have affected the average number recorded this year as butterfly densities vary greatly between the different routes. All in all, perhaps the figures are a little more encouraging, although perhaps not strong enough to indicate that the active management of the site has yet achieved a marked improvement in the habitat for invertebrates.

As well as the smaller number of surveys, the drop in the observed butterfly total for 2018 may also have been affected by:

  • the late start and early finish to the season;
  • a couple of periods in peak flight time when no surveys were completed (see Note 1 below); and
  • the weather.

The latter affects the counts in two ways: the high temperatures can make butterflies so active that positive identification of very similar butterflies difficult and so they are excluded from the counts. (See the table below) This is particularly true for species such as Skippers (Large and Small/Essex), Whites (Small, Large and Green-veined) and Browns (Meadow/Ringlet).  Conversely, some will avoid flying in the very highest temperatures.  For a more detailed analysis of the weather effects, please see the article at https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/cold-comfort.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Small / Essex skipper 80 265 146 94 124 50
Large skipper 38 273 181 128 166 115
Meadow brown 420 978 977 523 595 618
Ringlet 454 1511 718 906 1324 805
Totals 992 3027 2022 1651 2209 1588

Note 1: i.e. the end of May and mid August. In all other years, missing weeks have occurred earlier and/or later in the year. It should be noted that the three butterflies noted in 2018 in mid-August were casual records of Chalkhill Blues seen during a walk rather than a survey.

MAIN FINDINGS

Three species (Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Heath) have overlapping flight periods with two generations a year – mid May to start July and mid July to start September.

Here you might expect some correlation in their numbers year on year.  However there is clearly more to it than this, as illustrated in the charts below.  Whilst Common Blue and Brown Argus generally have larger 2nd generations than 1st, this is not always the case as in 2015 and 2016 for the Common Blue, when there were some of the coldest daytime temperatures in June and July (See Chart 7).  For 2018, it does suggest that the good conditions during and after the first flight period (the warmest May to July in all years) did influence the breeding and survival rate resulting in the largest 2nd generation populations so far recorded.  However 2014 was also a numerous year for 2nd generation Common Blue, even though this was not so clearly influenced by early season conditions which were not as hot.  Small Heath only has a partial 2nd generation, with some eggs laid in the 1st developing quickly and emerging as adults the same year, but others delaying to emerge the next.  Even so, more than normal seem to have completed their life cycle in weeks rather than months.  It will be interesting to see what effect that has in terms of numbers in the first generation in 2019.

The main winners in 2019 were Small White, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Small Blue and Silver-washed Fritillary, albeit with the last three still in low but increasing numbers.  Numbers of Duke of Burgundy were the highest so far recorded, but this was due to additional effort with timed counts undertaken slightly away the normal survey route but through prime habitat, undertaken as part of the Back from the Brink project.  Records of Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Dark Green Fritillary continued to decline or stay at reduced levels in line with national trends. (See table below).

 

No of each species seen 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Small / Essex skipper 80 265 146 94 124 50
Large skipper 38 273 181 128 166 115
Dingy skipper 22 95 40 51 14 17
Clouded yellow 2 0 0 1 0 0
Brimstone 21 57 18 23 47 18
Large white 336 44 108 93 95 90
Small white 149 113 61 63 35 107
Green-veined white 24 79 22 49 24 26
Orange tip 14 32 6 35 24 43
Green hairstreak 7 41 22 3 9 7
Small copper 5 4 1 1 2 4
Small blue 2 6 3 8 2 10
Brown argus 11 21 19 14 20 29
Common blue 96 344 394 126 144 490
Chalkhill blue 10 14 12 24 35 13
Adonis Blue 0 1 0 0 0 0
Holly blue 4 4 5 6 17 8
Red admiral 1 27 11 31 56 10
Painted lady 7 3 9 9 2 2
Small tortoiseshell 96 210 186 64 64 50
Peacock 93 179 81 31 20 26
Comma 21 23 26 9 34 31
Dark green fritillary 49 42 18 5 7 5
Speckled wood 187 234 121 241 221 306
Wall 6 1 0 0 0 0
Marbled white 491 1284 669 607 756 551
Gatekeeper 74 321 221 137 148 130
Meadow brown 420 978 977 523 595 618
Ringlet 454 1511 718 906 1324 805
Small heath 408 682 499 292 342 416
Duke of Burgundy 1 4 3 5 6 40
Silver washed fritillary 0 10 3 10 20 31
Total 3129 6902 4580 3589 4353 4048
Cumulative total 10031 14611 18200 22553 26601

In my report for 2017, I expressed some concern as to the long term effects of that year’s heavy summer grazing in the area known as Hopkins field.  I am pleased to say that apart from Small Heath, and the Dingy and Small/Essex Skippers, numbers have recovered slightly though not up to pre-grazing levels.  Unfortunately, there is no obvious increase in numbers on Charlton Kings Common as yet, something to be hoped for in the future with continuing reduced grazing pressure during peak flight time.

In this report, comparisons of results have been made between habitat types, adjusting for differences in the number of surveys undertaken in the season and therefore the distance covered in each type.  However no account has been made to restrict the calculation further to just the flight period.

For a species such as Common Blue, the greatest numbers were recorded in areas with the shorter turf necessary for the survival of its larval food plant, Bird’s-foot Trefoil.

Meadow Brown on the other hand likes a sward that is quite tall and lush, and this is reflected in its habitat preferences.

This illustrates the need to maintain as wide a variety of habitat types with varying turf heights in order to accommodate the needs of the maximum number of species, not just butterflies but other invertebrates as well, because as a group they underpin the whole ecological system upon which all the vertebrates rely.

By far the greatest proportion of the site is grazed extensively by the herd of Dexter cattle for much of the year, and this is reflected in the relative distances surveyed in 2019 when comparing the management regimes. Just over half of the distances surveyed were in areas of extensive grazing, approximately one quarter was divided between areas subject to occasional grazing and rotational mowing, while the remaining quarter was mainly on land with no active management.

However, comparisons with habitat types  is not the full picture. Logic would suggest that the area of extensive grazing would have a shorter sward during the butterfly season and therefore hold a higher proportion of the populations preferring such conditions.  However, by doing a similar comparison against management regimes, this does not hold true.  Despite 26% of Common Blues being counted in the extensive grazing area, when adjusted for distance surveyed, this reduces to just 8%.

Interestingly, similar trends are seen when comparing the charts for Meadow Brown, despite its different requirements.

What is the likely reason?  The most obvious explanation is the lack of nectar due to the effects of grazing and reduction of larval food plant material at least for Common Blue, though Meadow Brown would not be so effected by the latter.  The areas where there is rotational mowing and ad-hoc management to prevent a build up of thatch and to encourage the conditions for a herb rich sward see their proportion of populations increase.  Because of the limited nature of these two managements regimes, populations can survive and flourish in adjacent undisturbed areas from which they can re-establish themselves in their preferred habitat.   Where there is no management, it is possible that conditions are deteriorating, at least for short turf species, whilst benefiting the longer turf ones.

CONTINUING THE SURVEYING

Surveying will continue in 2019, and only then will the effects of the 2018 summer drought and unusually high temperatures be revealed.  Because of the aspect of much of the site, it did not suffer quite the same desiccation as some other local commons, so hopefully the larval food plants survived long enough to sustain the caterpillars to pupation.  Only time will tell.

As for the  2019 season with all its variations so far in weather conditions, numbers have been slow to rise, but several sightings have been made of Duke of Burgundy, some of which are in areas in which they have not been recorded before.  So I am hopeful of a good butterfly year ahead.

If you would like to help with the surveying, please get in touch.

Results of the Survey in 2017

Once again, a stalwart band of 8 surveyors spent in total approximately 100 hours undertaking 67 surveys on 48 different days between 3 April and 27 August 2017. Because of the range and scale of these expert observations we are able to have a good understanding of the diversity of butterflies seen and also the trends in their numbers.

Generally, the season got off to an early start, though with notable exceptions for some species namely Large and Dingy Skipper, Small White and Small Heath which emerged about 7-10 days later than previous years. Only once, however, did a surveyor fail to record a single specimen on their route.

The total number of butterflies recorded was 4354, which whilst more than 2016 was still considerably fewer than 2014 (6902), also bearing in mind that at that time the Hopkins Field was not included in the area surveyed.

Migrant Red Admirals had a particularly good year (57 in 20 sections), in contrast to Painted Lady (2 only) and no Clouded Yellows were seen.

Dark Green Fritillary numbers continued to fall from 49 (in 16 sections) in 2013 to just 7 (in 5 sections) in 2017, though Silver-washed Fritillary have risen from 0 in 2013 to 20 (in 3 sections) in 2017. Dingy Skippers reduced from a high of 95 records (in 16 sections) in 2014 to just 14 (in 9). Never very abundant, just 9 Green Hairstreaks were spotted.

Only 144 Common Blue were seen, from a high of 394 in 2015. Holly Blue, whose numbers are well known to fluctuate due to parasitisation, seemed to have started its revival and Chalkhill Blue fared better with an all-time high of 35, all concentrated in one relatively small area of Leckhampton Hill. (See chart below.)

Small Tortoiseshell was more common than Peacock, but neither was abundant, whereas Commas had their best year in both numbers (34) and distribution (16 sections).

No Wall were seen (for the 3rd successive year) so they are probably now extinct at this site.

The numbers of Speckled Wood though have remained relatively constant over the 5 years, possibly due to the fact that the generations overlap and the offspring develop at variable rates. 1324 Ringlets were recorded in total, the highest number of any species recorded in the year. Whilst more common than in 2016, generally the ‘Browns’ (Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and Small Heath) were at about half their 2014 levels. (See chart below.)

For the first time since the extensive grazing regime was introduced, most of the cattle were not present on Charlton Kings Common for part of the early summer, but instead were confined to the recently fenced area (adjacent to the Cirencester Road and the golf course) known as Hopkins Field. This had a considerable effect on the numbers of butterflies seen in that field, not only whilst the cattle were present, but for the rest of the season as well, due to the almost complete absence of flowering (nectar) plants. For instance, the numbers of Ringlets reduced from 133 to just 5 (in marked contrast to the increase nearly everywhere else), Marbled White 62 to 7 and Meadow Brown 32 to 17. Ringlets tend to have a much shorter, more concentrated flight period (see chart below), with similar rates of increase and decline so were probably impacted more by the intensive grazing. This seemed to have had less of an impact on the species with a longer emergence period with a subsequent more gradual decline because the recovery of the sward from July onwards.

It remains to be seen whether in the longer term butterfly numbers increase on the Common itself due to the reduction in grazing pressure, whereas the increase pressure in Hopkins Field noted above clearly made a considerable difference, to the detriment of populations. The small area on the Common itself from which the cattle had been excluded for two summer seasons failed to show any marked difference in invertebrate numbers in general (butterflies were not counted separately), though the increase in inflorescences (flower heads) was noticeable.

Much is made of the attraction to butterflies of Hemp Agrimony, a plant found mainly on the eastern side of Charlton Kings Common, and there are numerous recommendations to include this in any butterfly garden. However, casual observations made whilst undertaking my own surveys showed that the grassland and hedgerow butterflies such as Common BlueMarbled White and Gatekeeper used bramble, scabious and knapweed flowers in preference. However, the same was not true of the more common garden species (Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock) which did tend to favour the Hemp Agrimony (pictured below).

Results of the Survey in 2016

The total number of surveys done this year was 70, on 56 different days, giving an indication of the scarcity of suitable opportunities during the rather poor summer in general.  Five of them resulted in no sightings whatsoever.

As a whole the season was later than 2014 and 2015, but earlier than 2013.  March was particularly cold and wet and with the last frost being recorded on 30th April, it was no surprise that only 13 butterflies had been recorded by the end of that month.  After an exceedingly wet June, during which there was a succession of torrential rain storms, often accompanied by thunder and lightning, conditions in July improved markedly. This corresponded with a surge in butterfly numbers boosted as they were by the emergence of the common grassland species (Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Marbled White).

Abundance of butterflies, both on the best day and during the flight period, were the lowest recorded for about half the species, despite the addition of two new survey sections. Some species numbers reduced by as much 90% from the peak recorded in 2014, but most were down by 30% to 50%. Green Hairstreak and Dark Green Fritillary fared worst, though these have never been abundant or widespread over the whole site.  Of the grassland specialists, Common Blue numbers reduced by about 60%, and Meadow Brown and Small Heath were down by 50%, though Ringlet were less affected.  A late surge in Speckled Wood sightings enabled them to buck the trend, recording the highest numbers in 2016 over the years of the survey period.

Once again, there appeared to be a further contraction in the distribution range of a number of species.  Common Blue, Small Heath, Dark Green Fritillary, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma seemed to be the most affected.  The last three all hibernate as adults over winter, and seemingly had a poor survival rate as few Small Tortoiseshell and Peacocks were seen in the spring and no Commas. By contrast, the number of different species seen in each section has remained more constant where there is limited active management, with the wider variations occurring in the grazed parts of Charlton Kings Common.

As a good indicator species for unimproved limestone grassland, the distribution and abundance of Common Blue over the whole site for each year the surveys have been undertaken has been analysed. This has identified the sections where the butterfly has been regularly recorded, so is in all likelihood breeding in those areas provided the larval food plant (Bird’s-foot Trefoil) is present. Interestingly, where it is most abundant, there is generally little or no grazing.

In total 3589 butterflies were identified and recorded between 13 April and 8 September 2016 (4580 in 2015, 6902 in 2014 and 3129 in 2013).  The variation over the years (shown in the chart below) most probably reflects poor weather, as periods of torrential rain can decimate adult populations, (numbers take a while to build up again from later emergences) or cloudy, cool and/or windy conditions that are unsuitable for surveying (butterflies will only fly of their volition in sunny or warm conditions).

The addition of a new survey area, known as Hopkins field, proved a boost to the overall figures in 2016, in so far as it had a reasonable number and variety of species, despite the lack of management (other than the occasional mow to reduce the scrub encroachment) over the last few years.  Sightings included both Dark Green Fritillary, Silver-washed Fritillary, Common Blue, Brown Argus, Dingy Skipper and Marbled White.

Whilst the results of the survey indicate a reduction in butterfly numbers (despite the increased survey area), the decrease is unlikely to be caused solely by any particular management action (ash, scrub and gorse clearance) as other sites in the Cotswold on which regular monitoring is done showed similar declines and variations in 2016.

However, grazing pressure, especially during peak flowering time (June and July) may well be having a detrimental effect, made worse by the north and easterly aspect of Charlton Kings Common and the generally less herb rich sward due to the dominance of Tor grass of which the cattle are not particularly fond.  Action to remedy this situation is now being taken as more land owned by Cheltenham Borough Council adjacent to the common (Hopkins field mentioned above) has been fenced and will be used to reduce grazing pressure on Charlton Kings Common at times.  Over the next couple of years it will be interesting to see whether and how butterfly numbers respond to this initiative, both on the Common and in Hopkins field itself.  In the meanwhile, with some cold winter weather (this appears to be beneficial to the survival of the early stages of butterfly development) and the anticipation of a warm and sunny season to come, we can look forward to another season.

Results of the Survey in 2015

Although there was a slightly earlier start to the season as hibernators (Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma) emerged on a warm bright day at the beginning of April, later the weather often failed to play its part helping to make surveying a rather frustrating occupation. Otherwise the flight periods of most species followed in a similar pattern to 2014 and earlier than 2013.

Comma_DSC_1150 Peacock-DSC_0316

Peak populations (the highest number counted on a single day) of Common Blues, Large White, Meadow Brown, Brown Argus, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper and Small Heath were the highest recorded so far (in 3 years) though this was more likely to reflect the generally poor weather which encouraged all the recorders out on the one and only suitable day of the week than an actual increase in butterflies!

Meadow-Brown_DSC_0769 Gatekeeper

Only Common Blue exceeded the previous highest total recorded in a season. Overall numbers were lower in 2015 (4580) than 2014 (6902). A direct comparison with 2013 (3129) is not possible due to a change in the method of recording.

Common-Blue2

Of more concern is the possible contraction in the range of some species across the site, even though the habitat remains suitable for them. Dingy Skipper was only recorded in 9 sections (2104 – 16), Small/Essex Skipper 17 (25), Orange Tip 4 (18), Small Copper 1 (3), Dark Green Fritillary 9 (13), Marbled White 27 (30), Gatekeeper 25 (29), Ringlet 27 (30), Small Heath 24 (27) and Duke of Burgundy 2 (3).

IMG_4223_Dingy_Skipper IMG_4232_Orange_Tip

No Wall were reported either from surveys or casual sightings, and this is indicative of its decline at all of its previously known inland sites.

Wall-Butterfly

The Leckhampton Hill side of the commons continued to have the greatest number of species present and seemingly the most stable populations with minimal fluctuations recorded over the 3 years (+ or – 3 species).

In conclusion, the numbers of butterflies recorded were down on 2014, but generally the winners and losers were in line with local trends when compared to other regular survey work done in the Cotswolds in 2015.  However, it was evident that the number of flowers providing nectar sources to the adult butterflies has reduced though a combination of factors: the weeds of disturbed ground that were so abundant following the fencing and walling work were less common in those areas and the number of cattle grazing has increased, thereby increasing the amount of vegetation, and with it the flower heads, consumed and therefore depriving the butterflies of valuable sources of nectar and larval food.  What effect this has or will have on the success or otherwise of breeding populations on site it is too early to say.

Results of the Survey in 2014

After the slow and late start in 2013, the 2nd year of regular monitoring began early. The weather encouraged all the recorders out and about from the first week in April, and the hibernators (Brimstones and Peacocks) were already flying. On 16th April, the first Green hairstreaks and Orange tips were sighted, almost 3 weeks earlier than 2013.

Brimstone_DSC_1219 IMG_4225_Green_Hairstreak

As the  weather continued fine and warm, Dingy skippers were flying by 3rd May (which was just more than 3 weeks earlier) and by mid-month were recorded in good numbers, along with Common blue and Small heath. The trend of early emergence compared with last year continued with most of the remaining species, but with a corresponding early last sighting date, with few if any Marbled Whites and Ringlets surviving beyond the end of July, when last year they were seen until the end of August.

IMG_4223_Dingy_Skipper Marbled-White_DSC_1075

The highlights of the season must be the sighting of Silver-washed fritillary and Adonis blue, the former initially not on the survey route. However, it was subsequently seen on various days by 3 different recorders on the Leckhampton Hill section just above the Bridge car park on Daisybank Road, with a minimum of 4 individuals present. Whether the single Adonis blue was there naturally or by introduction cannot be determined. It has in the past been recorded spasmodically across the site, but never appeared to successfully establish a viable colony.

Silver-Washed-Fritillary1

The Duke of Burgundy was again recorded on Charlton Kings Common, mainly in the area above the golf course. At the height of the flight period, a timed count was done by a member of Butterfly Conservation, during which a total of about 30 were seen, which was an excellent result, even though some may have been counted more than once.

Duke-of-Burgundy_DSC_0487

A disappointingly small number of Wall browns were recorded during surveys, though some were seen by me during casual walks around the hill, so it is still present. After a bumper year in 2013, Dark green fritillaries were not quite so numerous, but were still seen in most previous locations, as well as some new ones. Numbers of Chalkhill blues were also lower, and this was in line with trends on other Cotswold sites.

A single Small (Little) Blue was seen in a new location, but as none of the larval (caterpillars) food plant is known from there, it was presumably what is known as a wanderer, having flown in from elsewhere. Migrant species were more common this year, with several records of Painted ladies and Red admirals.

Painted-Lady_DSC_0901 Red-Admiral_DSC_0786

As not all the records have been received and analysed, just the highlights of the season are recalled here. The comparison of population numbers between the two years will not be able to be made due to a change in the method of recording. But the impression is that there have been some winners and some losers – Marbled Whites up but Gatekeepers down. The reasons for this cannot be determined but are likely to be many and varied such as weather or management related.

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