Conservation groups are clearing Cotoneaster on the Buckle by-pass to help the Small Blue butterfly.
The Small Blue Butterfly is a colonial species that is usually highly sedentary. The species favours sheltered chalk or limestone grassland, where the larval food plant, Kidney Vetch grows. Habitat loss over the past century has led to the extinction of many colonies. The Vetch is found on the banks of the A259 in Seaford, where is being overgrown by Cotonester.
Over the past few years, Society members have taken part in a programme of conservation work on the Buckle by-pass, removing Cotoneaster from the very tall banks beside the A259 as it leads downhill towards Bishopstone and Newhaven.
The annual Cotoneaster clearance at this site will take place on the mornings of Wednesday 4th and Sunday the 8th September.
This is a large and difficult area in which to work, but it is an established breeding ground for the Small Blue butterfly as well as a number of other nationally scarce insects. Their continued presence is threatened by the invasion of Cotoneaster, and there is now an established routine of cutting back a small part of it each year. This allows the Vetch and consequently the Small Blue to thrive.
We will start on each day at around 10.00 from the bus stop on the main road at the bottom of Hill Rise (TQ 4703 0015), and finish by 1.00. Hi Viz jackets, gloves, a selection of tools, cake and drinks will be provided, but bringing along your own secateurs and loppers, if you have them, would be useful
Volunteers are welcome to come for either or both days, and stay for as long or short a period as they like. Because of the steep slope and proximity to the main road, this activity is only suitable for those with good mobility.
This event is run under the auspices of Butterfly Conservation and is led by Dave Harris.
Please let me know if you wish to take part, at my email address Jim Howell
Seaford Natural History Society
jimhowell119@hotmail.com
