Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS)

Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS)

The WCBS is a national scheme which complements the transects of the UK BMS with mini transects walked in squares randomly selected by the BTO computer.  Volunteers from Butterfly Conservation and the BTO need to walk just twice per year in July and August (with an optional spring walk if you wish).  This means that the commitment is not heavy.

The Wider Countryside Butterfly Scheme (WCBS) Summary 2020 has been published.  Click here to download a copy in pdf format.

For 2021 you can download the changes summary for the UK (click here) and for individual contries (click here)

Over the past years volunteers have monitored butterflies in a selection of 1 km squares.  In July and August 2017, on two walks along fixed routes, 774 squares were surveyed nationally, 39 squares in Suffolk.  The Report is an interesting read showing not only the results of butterfly species numbers and analysis,  but also a guide to some day-flying moths which recorders are encouraged to include.    If you have not previously been part of the scheme but would like to become involved contact Twm Wade at the email address below.

We have 8 squares in need of a volunteer.  For details see below

OS Grid Reference	Town/Parish	Post Code
TL7866	Risby	IP28 6RD
TL7951	Thurston End, Hawkedon	IP19 4LQ
TL8183	Santon Downham	IP27 0AF
TL8566	Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds North	IP31 1SN
TL9462	Beyton	IP30 9AH
TL9577	Coney Weston	IP31 1DL
TM4069	Darsham	IP17 3PH

Email our WCBS co-ordinator, Twm Wade to volunteer for one of these squares

Download reports by clicking on the following years

2015    2016    2017    2018    2019    2020 summary

BMS - Butterfly Monitoring Scheme
BTO - British Trust for Ornithology

Details of WCBS Squares

TL9047 Acton, Lavenham CO10 0BL
Location
South of Harwood Place, Lavenham, and east of Rookery Farm.
Description - route established, 20 species recorded.
Ownership
Previous contact: Sue.Fayers@babergh.gov.uk . Or try Strutt and Parker Farms at Little Waltham. Please use the Landowner Letter;

TL9462 Beyton IP30 9AH
Location
It is south-east of Beyton, south of the A14 at J46.
Description
There are public footpaths and a minor road crossing the area. It appears to be an area of arable farming with the remnants of hedges.
Ownership
Unknown. Please use the Landowner Letter; http://www.ukbms.org/Downloads/Wider_Countryside/WCBS%20Landowner%20Letter%202018.pdf

TM3180 St James, South Elmham and  Metfield IP19 0HT
Location
The square is south of the village of St James South Elmham and west of Park Farm.
Description
This is an arable area and may have little concession to the environment as far as I can see from Google. There are public paths some of which may have been diverted to give the 100m separation required.
Ownership
Unknown. Please use the Landowner Letter;  http://www.ukbms.org/Downloads/Wider_Countryside/WCBS%20Landowner%20Letter%202018.pdf

TM3388 Bungay NR35 1PE
Location
Bungay is about 11.5 miles west of Lowestoft off the A143. The square includes the southwestern part of Bungay and straddles the B1062. Interestingly, part of the square is in Norfolk.
Description - route established, 20 species recorded This square is a mixture of urban and rural habitats with a flood plain to the north. It includes an area of public access and an escarpment. There is woodland and public rights of way; an interesting patch. It should be worth while contacting the land owner.
Ownership
Unknown. Please use the Landowner Letter;