27 May 2005

Beautiful Butterflies of the Blackwater

Everyone loves the delicate beauty of a butterfly and if you walk anywhere in the Blackwater Valley on a sunny summer day you are sure to see some of the 32 different species found here.

Find out more by joining a guided walk in the area around Hazeley Heath on Friday 10th June. Organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and led by life-long enthusiast Peter Martin, it should last around 2-2½ hours. lf conditions are right you may see the familiar Small White and Painted Lady as well as less common species such as the Silver-studded Blue, in fact Hazeley Heath is home to one of the largest colonies of Silver-studded Blues in the Valley.

speckled wood Peter Martin has extensive knowledge of the butterflies in the area, having just written a book called Blackwater Valley Butterflies published by the BVCP and due out this month. Having been interested in butterflies and moths all his adult life, he is leader of the North-east Hampshire Area Team of Butterfly Conservation.

Anyone wishing to join the walk should meet for a 10.30am start at the lay-by on the B3011 grid ref SU 762574. Turn north at the mini-roundabout on the A30 in Hartley Wintney, travel along Bracknell Lane – the B3011 – and park at the lay-by that is on the right shortly after you leave the housing area. Be aware that parking is limited and dogs are not allowed.

This walk is part of the ‘Discover the Blackwater Valley 2005 Programme’ organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership and designed to encourage residents within the Blackwater Valley area to learn more about the countryside on their doorstep. For more information ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk

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For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.

Notes

Did you know: some butterflies live for only a few weeks in their adult form whereas others can live for as long as 10 months?
The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.
Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.