PEARL-BORDERED FRITILLARY

OTHER
BUTTERFLIES

WILD PLANTS
& FUNGI

WILDLIFE

WOODLAND

BIRDLIFE

PEARL-BORDERED FRITILLARY
The photo taken at Powdermill Reservoir in August 2004, is of Southern Water Environmental Scientist Nick Ellis attempting to net a rare Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly (Boloria Euthrosyne).

In the woodland surrounding Powdermill Reservoir, Southern Water, in partnership with Fountain Forestry, has undertaken habitat restoration work to reinstate some of the areas where this butterfly is known to be present. Woodland has been coppiced and some areas thinned to encourage woodland ground flora and also provide the dense bracken habitat the insect needs to help support this species of butterfly which is in serious national decline.

Only seven definite sites are now left in Sussex so the development of the population at Powdermill is very important. Sightings at Powdermill should be reported to Jenny Lynch on 01730 817945.

OTHER BUTTERFLIES
More commonly seen around Powdermill Reservoir are red admirals, orange-tip, brimstone, green-veined and large whites. The variety of species and the numbers present obviously depend upon the time of year and the weather conditions but during the season there are plenty of opportunities to observe butterflies and other flying insects.

BIRDLIFE
The variety of waterfowl that can be seen on the reservoir and in the air is varied and ever changing. Swans often fly in and circle round in formation before spectacularly sweeping down to land on the water. Coots, Mallards, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shovelers, Water Rail, Pochard and many more waterfowl can be seen throughout the year. Kingfishers seem to prefer the vegetation along the Long Arm while the bank along from the Clubhouse, where the water is shallow, is ideal for herons. Although the Great Crested Grebe is a highly successful fisherman and have their fair share of fish most fly fishermen view them with a certain amount of affection and respect and their courting ritual is a sight to behold.

Around the reservoir the variety of birds can be equally interesting. Reed Buntings are always busy around the edges and Song Thrushes and Jays are often heard but not always spotted. Meadow Pipits, Chaffinches and skylarks abound.

WILDLIFE
Terrestrial based wildlife tends to be less evident to the casual visitor to the reservoir, but may make an appearance when least expected. Because fly fishing involves regular casting and therefore a certain amount of movement, bank anglers are likely to deter shy creatures from making an appearance. However, boat anglers have been known to sometimes enjoy the rare sight of a fallow deer coming to the waters edge at dusk.

Snakes are rarely seen in the thick undergrowth around the reservoir but can often be observed swimming from one bank to another.

Common Lizards can be found on hot summer days basking quietly in the sunshine, but the resident population of Marsh Frogs cannot keep quiet!

Most anglers have been confronted by the Bailiff’s bad tempered Goose who regards his reflection in every car that passes the Bailiff’s cottage as a rival who must be attacked. Fortunately, this is the wildest thing that you are likely to have to face in and around the reservoir.

WOODLAND
The woodland surrounding the reservoir is a mixture of old growth semi-natural woodland and commercial planting of both coniferous and broad-leaved trees. The semi-natural woodland is largely hornbeam coppice with oak standards although ash, alder, birch, sallow, holly, field maple and hazel are also common. Less usual native trees are scattered throughout the woods and include wild cherry, aspen, white and crack willows, crab apple, alder buckthorn, wild service, common and midland hawthorn and spindle. Fallow deer, foxes and badgers are all common in the woods.

WILD PLANTS & FUNGI
The water’s edge meadows are rich in wildflowers such as early purple orchids, bugle, tormentil, primrose, buttercups, common dog-violet, bitter vetchling, ground ivy and many more which appear and disappear as the season progresses.

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