A RELIC OF WARREN HEATH
After the destruction of Warren Heath on the edge of Ipswich
which included a Silver-studded Blue colony, I assumed that the few small
patches of heathland left between houses were of cosmetic value rather than
rich in wildlife. I had forgotten that areas of heather still remain on the
other side of the Ipswich-Felixstowe railway line, hidden behind the long
frontages of the commercial units on the Ransomes Industrial Park and only
briefly visible from the train.
In the course of a conversation with Eric Parsons he
mentioned one such site. On 24th July 1996 
we made an early evening
visit, getting access as Eric knew the man on duty. It was very late in the
butterfly’s normal flight period, but we expected to see a few if they were present.
We were unsuccessful but then saw an even more promising area next door,
occupied by Brinor, who handle container traffic. This time I knew the right
man. We found about an acre of land, at present undeveloped, although there was
outline planning permission. This was sited between the end of the haulage area
and the railway fence. To our delight we counted 13 Silver-studded Blues.
Since then I have made an annual count, each time trying to
stress to the manager the importance of the site. In the process I have also
recorded Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown,
Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Green-veined White, and a
colony of at least 20 Small Heath.
The 1997 count was the best, with 48. At this point the
colony seemed viable, with plenty of Bell Heather, some a bit leggy, and not
much scrub invasion. In 1998 less than ideal recording conditions reduced
numbers to 24 and I was informed that the area could be developed soon.
Consequently I contacted the Estates Manager of Ransomes, who owned the site,
giving him all necessary details and asking for early warning of any
development. The count rose to 35 in 1999. However, the limitations of a yearly
visit were evident in 2000 when I counted just five, three males and two
females. This was partly because of poor recording weather but also due to
damage and fragmenting of the heather beds by container lorries turning and
reversing on the site. This was obviously the thin end of a large wedge and by
2001 there was much damage: continuing use by containers, dumping of large
piles of soil and, as the manager admitted, repeated racing round the site by
employees in old bangers and on motorbikes. His excuse was impending commercial
development.
I counted eight, with just one female, on an undisturbed
small strip of heather in the far corner. Scrub, especially Gorse, was already
invading the damaged areas. With some foreboding I went in 2002 and was amazed
to find ten surviving, four males and six females. Probably the storing of
several long, empty containers across the usual access point had prevented more
damage. So I contacted the Managing Director of Brinor, sending a letter and
SAE to their Felixstowe headquarters. I gave details of the butterfly, asked if
further damage could be avoided and if a work party could have access to tackle
the scrub problem. I also added that I could probably get free, positive
publicity for the company. There was no response.
Given that factor, the current condition of the site and the
low numbers of Silver-studded Blues remaining, even the short-term future of
this colony looks bleak.
Richard Stewart
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