Swallowtails & Norfolk Hawker meet 09

[pressld2]

You'll both be very welcome - the more the merrier!

I've never seen a swallowtail either and I'm relying on Steve (Fourwings) to make sure there's plenty about!

Dave P.

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by pressld2

I've never seen a swallowtail either and I'm relying on Steve (Fourwings) to make sure there's plenty about! Dave P.

No pressure then Dave

We should be fine as this is supposed to be the optimal time for both species.

I haven't booked any camping yet as there is now a possibility that I have to work on the Friday and the following Monday which would mean that I will drive down very early on Saturday morning, if that is the case then I'll kip in the car for just one night and save some hard earned cash

[Cellarman]

IF we get the new motorhome by then, you can include Kharga and I.

[harasseddad]

Hi all,
Just found this thread. Strumpshaw is great for both species, and the reserve is having a Big Butterfly Day on the Sunday to show off the Swallowtail. This does mean the reserve will be a bit crowded though, so I thought I'd mention the Swallowtail Open day at Butterfly Conservation's Catfield Reserve - which is about 25 miles from Strumpshaw. Details here:
Butterfly Conservation - Norfolk Branch - Branch Events (ands yes we have Norfolk Hawker as well).

Upton is a great reserve, but I recommend that anyone who hasn't been before arrange to follow someone who knows where they're going - it can be tricky to find it first time. It does have the advantage of being much less crowded than Strumpshaw - but no facilities.

For those staying longer than the weekend, I run an wildlife events calendar for Norfolk at google calendars which lists all events going on in the county.

I'll be at Catfield on the Sunday, but I hope to get to Strumpshaw on the Saturday and meet you all. (I've put you on the calendar!)

Andy Brazil (Norfolk County Butterfly Recorder)

[Wild-Woman]

Thanks for the info Andy. I know we'll squeeze in as much wildlife as possible so some of us might visit both.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Im now working on the friday and Monday and wont be driving by the time this meet happens so I may have to miss this one now

[Gill Catton]

I will be there Saturday and Sunday but would be keen to miss out on crowds of other people where possible......

[Fourwings]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

I will be there Saturday and Sunday but would be keen to miss out on crowds of other people where possible......

I think we should be able to do that if required Gill, as I mentioned at the begining of the thread there is always Upton fen for the Sunday, its an awesome place for Dragonflies etc.. and very rarely sees anything you could describe as a crowd
Its something we can sort out once we are there and we see how kind the weather is to us

[John]

I hadn't joined this thread before now as I wasn't sure if I can make it. I'm still not 100% but I certainly hope I can.

It's been a very long time since I have been to either reserve. Not only that I have hardly been out this year. By this time most years my visits to Norfolk would be in double figures but this year I have only been once.

There's certainly a few good WAB friends going to this meet that I would like to see again plus a few I don't know.

I will keep an eye on meet times the week prior to the meet and see how I feel nearer the time.

John

[Fourwings]

It would be good to have you along if possible John.