The Butterfly BusIn July 2002 White-letter Hairstreak butterflies where discovered during Butterfly Conservation work at the newly opened Wigg Island Community Park, Halton. Situated between the Machester Ship Canal and the River Mersey, this site provided the first record of this species for Widnes and Runcorn in 15 years! Halton's Wildspace Officer, Jeff Clarke, together with Halton's Nature Conservation Officer, Paul Oldfield and Bryan Roberts decided to make the most of this in 2003. Jeff volunteered to organise an event and from 11 July to 14 July we were able to see the strange sight of an open top double-decker bus parked near some Elm trees where the White-letter Hairstreaks were flying. The weather was almost perfect, warm and sunny, although sometimes windy. School parties visited on Friday and Monday and our branch organised a field trip for Saturday. Interest was generated with members of the public and local press, who could call upon volunteers from Butterfly Conservation or Halton Borough Council staff for extra information about the butterfly. In all nearly 300 people came to see this uncommon and difficult to see butterfly and no-one went away disappointed. Thanks go to Jeff Clarke for organising and funding the bus through the Wild about Halton Project. Dream Catcher Films also produced a short film showing highlights of the event. It requires Windows Media Player to view.
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