Increase in Butterflies in Grinlow Bucks the National Trend

The recent report in the Guardian and on the BBC Today programme (10th October 2016) of an overall decline in the number of Butterflies observed in nationwide surveys has been bucked, according to the early results in from BCA's Grinlow Butterfly Survey.

Steve Orridge, who heads up the survey team, reported that not only were numbers of butterflies seen during the survey up on last years figures, the number of species surveyed had also increased.

"We are clearly seeing the benefits that the forest ride brings to the woods as well as the importance of the glades. The increase light and variety of plant species is hugely beneficial to the butterflies." Steve went on " This is only the second year of the survey , but already it is giving us important feedback and information on the health and well-being of the woods."

Peter Philipson, BCA Director with responsibility for the woods also commented "The wildflowers in the glades have been fantastic this year, and this has contributed to the increase in numbers of butterflies and other insect species. A key part of our Woodland Management Plan is to support the increase in Bio-diversity and it would appear that the survey results show this to be working."

A full report on the 2016 survey will be available later in the year. If anyone is interested in helping out with the 2017 survey, please email us at contact@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk

You can view our latest newsletter online by following the links below

BCA Autumn Newsletter

The Great Burbage Ocher Flood

Alan Roberts talks to Bill Norton about some of Bill's memories of Burbage in particular the flood in the early seventies when flood water backed up in one of the old mining levels and turned the river orange with Ocher.

One of the houses in Burbage mentioned by Bill. the house is no longer there.

Alan Roberts in conversation with Bill Norton - part 1 The Burbage Ocher Flood

Meeting to discuss Film to celebrate BCA 50th Anniversary

Dear BCA Member,

As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations we are proposing to commission a short film to both celebrate the achievements and successes of BCA over the past 50 years and to set out a vision for the future.

We are holding a meeting on Thursday 6.00pm on the 29th September in the School Room at Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre open to all members to gather ideas and suggestions and to give members who would like to be involved the opportunity to do so.

If you are interested in attending or if you would like to be involved but cannot make the 29th September can you please email me at communications@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk and make the subject header BCA FILM.

Best Regards


Simon Fussell

Late Summer wildflowers on Top Glade Grinlow Wood

Peter Philipson BCA director took these photographs of the wildflower glades over the course of the summer. They look absolutely stunning.

The pictures show Grass of Parnassus & dwarf willow in Top glade, Grin Low Wood

What is rewilding? Helen Meech (Director of Rewilding Britain) talks to BBC Breakfast

It’s not about abandoning land or reducing biodiversity... Rewilding Britain director, Helen Meech, appeared on the famous BBC Breakfast red sofa to discuss 'Wild Britain' with Ross Murray, Country Land & Business Association, and Robin Milton, NFU.

BBC TV Rewilding Britain

Coal Mines of Buxton

On 8th September Buxton Civic Association helped celebrate the national Heritage Open Days by offering a guided walk around the coal mines of Buxton.

Despite a drizzly start the sun and a cooling breeze provided perfect conditions for our explorations on Burbage Moor. Fourteen visitors met at Poole’s Cavern, all booted and clad for the occasion. Before setting off, Alan Roberts and Lyn Noble set the scene by describing the historical and geological context of the coalfield. One group member had fond memories of BCA’s first coal mines walk which took place in “monsoon conditions”!

The walk started at Level Lane on Macclesfield Old Road, named after an 1803 mine “level” which was driven from this point. Then a fight with a few nettles and a steep climb to the moor to the location of an earlier level (1754), with remains of horse drawn tramways and coke ovens and rail sidings from a later period.

The top of Macclesfield Old Road provided an excellent view over the upper Goyt Valley and its extensive coal workings then back to the Axe Edge footpath where we examined air shafts to the levels beneath and speculated about the purpose of the “Buckett Engine Pits”.

Finally, down through an area of early shallow pits dating back to the 17th and early 18th Centuries and back to the cars. The sun continued to shine and the smiling faces (and aching legs) said it all.

Stop the Rot - How Liverpool City Council protects its historic Buildings

Keeping historic buildings in good repair is the key to their preservation. Local authorities can take action to secure repair when a building is allowed to deteriorate by its owners. Find out how Liverpool Council has been able to ‘stop the rot’ in the city.

Have a look at the video below to see how LCC go about the task of protecting their historic building stock.

Stop the Rot

Exhibition at the Green Man Gallery 30th September to 26th October 2016

Corbar Hill, topped by its iconic cross, is one of Buxton’s most imposing landmarks. In 2015, keen photographer Terry Richardson, facing a family tragedy, made the short ascent to its 1,433ft summit virtually every day. His images capture the austere grandeur of this unique location in all weathers and seasons.

A fundraising exhibition in aid of Blythe House Hospice, Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Launch event on Friday 30th September from 7pm to 9pm. All welcome.

The Green Man Gallery
Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Square South
Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6PY