DERC Newsletter

No. 59 Spring 2008

In this issue:

The Dorset Mammal Atlas Project
Dorset Invertebrate Recording Group (DIRG)
DERC Summer Workshops
Dorset Flora Group

Dorset has a long history of biological recording, and this year is no different with all the county recording groups (including the new Dorset Flora Group) busy with field days and recording projects. With a Dorset Mammal Atlas planned there is a chance for everyone to get involved. There is a real need for this data, so please continue to send your records in.

Carolyn Steele (Record Centre Manager)

The Dorset Mammal Atlas Project

Mammal recording in Dorset has benefited hugely in recent years through the ongoing efforts of DERC’s volunteer recorders, the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Species Groups and through organised county surveys. The latter include Dorset surveys of Otter, Water Vole, Brown Hare and Hedgehog. DERC in collaboration with the Dorset Wildlife Trust are now looking to expand and consolidate this effort by launching an exciting new project to produce a Dorset Mammal Atlas. The project will involve targeted survey effort over the next 2-3 years with the aim of publishing the Atlas by 2012.

The Atlas survey work will be completed by targeting volunteer effort to under-recorded grid squares and by promoting the keeping of casual mammal records. If you are interested in submitting records or willing to take on under-recorded grid squares and become part of the Dorset Mammal Recording Network then please contact Jenny Birch jbirch@dorsetwildlife.co.uk or Anna Hobbs ahobbs@dorsetwildlife.co.uk (Tel. 01305 264620) for further information. A new Dorset mammal recording form has also been produced and can be downloaded from the DWT website or from Anna or Jenny.

John Stobart (Dorset Mammal Recorder)

Dorset Invertebrate Recording Group (DIRG)

Silver-washed fritillary

Photo: John Newbould

DIRG began in 2003 with the aim of creating an informal group of people interested in recording the invertebrate fauna of Dorset. At the time networks of Butterfly and Moth recorders were well-established, but there was no specific forum for the other groups. We became a loose alliance working within the Dorset County Museum’s field visits. Through contacts in DERC, Natural England and RSPB we have been able to arrange visits to areas not normally open to the public and in 2005, we were heavily involved in supporting John Hunnisett and DERC with surveying the soft cliffs of the Dorset Coast on a Bug-life sponsored project.

After a good start, last summer was very wet and a poor recording season for most invertebrates, though on the visits which did take place some important new finds were made. So during 2008 we hope to make up some lost ground and concentrate especially in the under-recorded areas of the county. We are also working with DERC towards a published Dorset Atlas of Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets and earwigs). People who would like to contribute data can send existing species records to DERC either in paper or electronic format (e.g. Excel spreadsheet). It is important that every record has a species name, date, location, national grid reference and the name of the recorder. We will also need your name and address and the name of any person who may have assisted with the species identification.

A programme of field meetings for the summer is available on the Museum website or contact DERC for a copy. Both beginners and experienced people are most welcome.

John Newbould

DERC Summer Workshops

The list of this year's workshops, along with details of how to book your place, are available on our Workshops page.

Dorset Flora Group

West Dorset hay meadow

Photo: Bryan Edwards

The Dorset Flora Group has planned a series of field meetings for 2008. All meetings are joint with the Dorset Natural History and Archaeology society and/or the Hampshire Flora Group. Everyone is welcome and leaders will be pleased to help inexperienced wildflower enthusiasts with identification skills.

Inaugural Dorset Flora Group Annual General Meeting at Langton Matravers Village Hall (SY997788) followed by a walk along the cliffs 10 am Saturday April 19th. Contact crewie3@btinternet.com or Bryan Edwards. Tel 01305 225081. b.edwards@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Lydlinch Common (meet at parking area off A3030 at ST735135) 10.30 am Saturday 17th May. Leader: Andrew Branson Tel.01747 838223 email: andrew@britishwildlife.com

Martin and Pentridge Downs (meet at Sillen Lane car park at SU057191) No booking needed, this is a joint Dorset Flora Group / Hampshire Flora Group / Wiltshire Botanical Society/ Plantlife meeting. 10.30 am Saturday 7th June. Leaders: Jonathan Crewe Tel. 01202 549377 (evenings) crewie3@btinternet.com and Martin Rand Tel. 07957 361015 or email vc11recorder@hantsplants.org.uk.

Corfe Common (meet at Colletts Close at SY964813) 10.30 am Saturday 21st June. Leader: Ted Pratt. Tel 01929 427229 e.pratt@uwclub.net

Godlingston Heath (meeting at Ulwell lay-by SZ021809) 10.30 am Saturday 19th July. Leader: Ted Pratt. Tel 01929 427229 e.pratt@uwclub.net

Lulworth Ranges (SY903823) 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Saturday 2nd August. Leader: Bryan Edwards. Tel. 01305 225081. b.edwards@dorsetcc.gov.uk or via DERC. All day event, booking essential before 27th June.

Evening/half day meetings
The meetings listed above are the main field trips for 2008. However, we hope to organise shorter local botanical outings during the year. Visits to these sites will probably take place in the evenings with a good chance of a visit to the pub afterwards! Details will be sent to members in due course.

If you would like to attend any of these field trips and are not already a member, please contact the DERC office to be included in the Dorset Flora Group mailing list and receive full details of all meetings. Members of the Dorset Flora Group will have already received details and should contact the leader directly. We do ask that people do not bring dogs to the meetings and please contact DERC or the leader if you have booked but cannot attend.

Jon Crewe