Sunday 8th May 2011, Werneth Low, Tameside
Target species:- Green Hairstreak
Time: - 10.30am to 2.30pm
Meeting Point:- Werneth Low Visitor Centre car-park (SJ960936)
Leader:- Phil Kinder Tel: 0161 430 5107 Mobile: 07747 481463

A good colony of Green Hairstreak is present site and the butterflies are usually easy to see and photograph. The walk is about 2.5km but does involve some short steep climbs and walking over rough/tussocky terrain. Suitable footwear is strongly recommended. Packed lunch/refreshment also recommended.

Saturday 21st May 2011, Teggs Nose Country Park
Target species:- Green Hairstreak and Wall Brown
Time:- 11.00am to 2.00pm
Meeting Point:- Teggs Nose Visitor Centre (SJ950733). Parking fee payable
Leader:- Tony Pioli Tel: 01298 77815

An excellent site for Green Hairstreak, occurring on a hillside where bilberry grows and an ideal habitat for the declining Wall Brown. The site is somewhat rocky and steep, so suitable footwear will be required. Food and drink may be purchased at the Centre.

Saturday 4th June 2011, Ashton's Flash (Northwich)
Target species:- Dingy Skipper
Time:- 10:30am to 2:30pm
Meeting Point:- Salt Barge Inn, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Near Northwich
Leader:- Stu Burnett Tel: 0161 485 5107

Fairly easy walking. Bring suitable footware and packed lunch.

We will start with a morning coffee, or something stronger as this is a real ale establishment. At 11:15am led by George Martin we will walk the 20 yards to the Lion Salt Works where a short visit will be made to the Butterfly Garden, incorporating the Cheshire Buddleia Collection. (For information about the garden, contact George Martin 01477 532888).

At 12:00 Stu will lead the field trip to Ashton's Flash which is located only a few hundred yards from the Lion Salt Works. Cars may be left at the pub all day. On our return drinks and food will be available at the Salt Barge Inn.

Sunday June 26th 2011, Prees Heath, Shropshire
Target species:- Silver-studded Blue
Time:- 11.00am to 2.00pm
Meeting Point:- Prees Heath lies between the A49 and A41, 2 miles south of Whitchurch, Shropshire.
Leader:- Malcolm Plant Tel: 0161 612 8172 or 07764 449084

Prees Heath Common is a major new Butterfly Conservation Reserve. During the past 2 years, major habitat creation, and re-creation, has been conducted to expand the area available to the Silver-studded Blue. This event is an opportunity to observe the Silver-studded Blue in large numbers. It will be a short easy walk, but Suitable footwear for rough ground and path is recommended, as is a packed lunch.

Sunday 3rd July 2011, Goyt Valley
Target species:- Dark Green Fritillary and Ringlet
Time:- 10.30am to 1.00pm
Meeting Point:- Small car-park at SK018758.
Leader:- Phil Kinder Tel: 0161 430 5107

Ringlet has been recorded over the last few years in a small area close to the meeting point. Dark Green Fritillary also appeared to have colonized the area in 2010. The walk is very short (about 1km) but does involve some short, steep climbs. Suitable footwear and refreshment are recommended.

Sunday 10th July 2011, Chadkirk Country Park
Target species:- White-letter Hairstreak
Time:- 10.30am to 1.30pm
Meeting Point:- Main car-park adjacent to A627 at SJ936896.
Leader:- Phil Kinder Tel: 0161 430 5107

An easy walk of approx 3km to see the White-letter Hairstreak that breeds on numerous elms around the Country Park. As in 2010, it is also hoped to arrange a visit to the excellent wild-flower meadow that has been created here. Suitable footwear and refreshment recommended.

Safety Code

As with any activity, there are hazards in the countryside and everyone taking part in a field trip has a responsibility (duty of care) for their own safety and that of others. When organising the field trips we take every care to ensure that our events present no greater hazard than any other walk in the countryside.

Please note the following:

Clothing: Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. If there are any special requirements they will be noted in the details. Stout shoes are a minimum requirement for any walk.

Sun Screen: At any time during the season you may have sunshine. Please take a hat, use sun cream or protection for exposed skin. Make sure you have enough liquid to drink.

Landscape Hazards: When following butterflies you are not always looking where you are heading. Be aware of any rabbit holes, barbed wire, fallen branches and logs and boggy areas.

Briefing: The leader will provide a briefing on the event before setting out, with details of any known hazards and will give advice on what to do in an emergency. Please let the leader know if you have a mobile phone and you are taking it with you. If you are leaving early make sure the leader knows.

Contact: Sometime before the event please contact the leader so we can get an idea of numbers. If you are uncertain about any details of the trip, telephone the leader or main contact in advance. There is always a telephone number given with the event details.