BLACK HAIRSTREAKS AT GLAPTHORN COWPASTURE RESERVE
Continuing my quest to see all the British butterflies in one season, I was more than aware of the tricky species that might trip me up along the way or that might take more than one visit. Top of the 'tricky species' list was Mountain Ringlet and Black and White-letter Hairstreaks. Following my disappointing, but probably optimistic visit to Oxfordshire during sub-optimal weather on 11 June 2000 where I failed to see Black Hairstreak, the following weekend promised much more. With the run of exceptional weather during the week of 12 June it seemed likely Black Hairstreak was on the wing in numbers. A quick call to Douglas Goddard, Northamptonshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation provided the answer - more than 20 were seen on 17 June 2000!

By 0930 on 18 June 2000 I had seen around ten different Black Hairstreaks very easily at Glapthorn Cowpasture Reserve. Four were seen nectaring on bramble near the observation tower and allowed close and prolonged views. Two were seen from the tower itself, one from the first glade past the entrance to the wood and several others in blackthorn along the various rides in this well-managed site.

Such numbers represent a welcome relief from the recent run of poor numbers at this site. Preliminary feedback from UK-Leps members suggests a similar pattern at other hairstreak sites across the Midlands.

There is open access to Glapthorn Cowpasture Reserve which is accessed off the minor road between Glapthorn and Upper Benefield, northwest of Oundle. Park sensibly in the lane opposite the wood and please record all butterfly observations in the log located by the observation tower.

A visit to Glapthorn Cowpasture can be combined with nearby Brigstock Country Park and Fermyn Wood. Brigstock is one of the best butterfly sites in Northamptonshire and I saw a late (and very worn) Green Hairstreak as well as several Grizzled Skippers. Fermyn Wood is a good site for Purple Emperor in July.

Mike Hunter,  Darlington, Co Durham. E-mail: mikehunter@tinyonline.co.uk

Thank you Mike for this report.