MOLE VALLEY NATURAL HISTORY AUDIT BUTTERFLIES

Mole Valley Agenda 21, Nature Conservation Sub-Group
MOLE VALLEY NATURAL HISTORY AUDIT
BUTTERFLIES: Distribution and Status 1995/6
Species:
Silver-spotted Skipper
It is difficult to separate populations of this species, which inhabits a number of small patches of
suitable habitat along the downs, with movement of adults between patches. The Mole Gap probably
acts as a barrier which few individuals cross, with metapopulations on either side. The species is
vulnerable to loss of habitat; these losses may not be detected without careful monitoring by experts
familiar with the requirements of the butterfly, but if available habitat were to fall below a critical level
the entire metapopulation could die out very rapidly.
Codes indicate maximum numbers seen on a single visit: A=1, B=2-9, C=10-29, D=30-99, E=100+.
In 1995/6 the species was breeding in the following places:
Population to west in Guildford Borough at Hackhurst and Colekitchen.
White Downs area. National Trust. (Includes Blatchford Down TQ103487, Old Simms Field
TQ105486, Old Plantation TQ107486, Chalk Quarry to east of road TQ114486, Great Down
TQ117488, Chalkpit Field TQ119489, Wholecombe TQ123492, Lamb Leys TQ124495, Ranges
TQ126495).
Numbers up to C per visit. Currently very heavy rabbit grazing is rendering much Festuca ovina
unsuitable even for this short turf specialist and there is potential for increases if rabbit numbers
decrease, for instance due to Viral Haemorrhagic Disease.
Denbies Hillside National Trust. Small populations in the Big Field TQ135500 (B-C), odd individuals
seen in the Brow TQ146502 and Secretary's Field TQ149502.
Box Hill National Trust. strong populations (C-D) on all grassland areas on north side of Hill, where
Festuca sward is common. Smaller populations (A-B) on Viewpoint slopes and Dukes on the south side,
where there is less Festuca currently in suitable condition.
Mickleham Downs National Trust. TQ180535. Small population (B).
Headley Warren TQ190538 (Private). Medium-sized population in Downs Field (C).
Headley Heath, Chalk Slope area National Trust. TQ195533. Small population in South Paddock and
on Terraces (B).
Brockham Warren TQ198512. SCC. Good population (C) on old chalk workings.
Betchworth Quarry TQ205155 Privately owned landfill area. Unsurveyed population on small
patches of grassland, some inaccessible.
Dawcombe Nature Reserve TQ215525. Currently owned by Smith Kline Beecham and managed by
Surrey Wildlife Trust. Medium population (C) breeding mainly in the two compartments (known as A
and B) at the north end of the reserve.
Buckland Hills TQ228525-TQ233523. Privately owned by Buckland Estates. Population currently low
due to excessive rabbit grazing in parts, and threatened in parts due to scrub/tree growth. Most
threatened part of the Surrey SSS population.
Juniper Hill TQ237520. NT. Population currently low due to excessive rabbit grazing.
Mole Place TQ237522. Small area private land above Juniper Hill. Small pop. (B).
Further population on Colley Hill to East, in Reigate & Banstead Borough.