STAFFORDSHIRE INVERTEBRATE GROUP (SIG)

Minutes of the 13th meeting of SIG held at 7.00 p.m. 22nd February 2006 at the Wolseley Centre. (unconfirmed)

Present: A. Jukes (Chair), D Skingsley (Secretary), C Slawson (Records Compiler), M Smart, S. Phipps, R Gillibrand, D Budworth, N Ward, S Henshall

Apologies:  M. Bloxham, D Grundy

1) Minutes of the previous meeting were presented and accepted as a true record of events

2) Matters arising from the previous minutes

3) Honorary Officers: 
  • Chair: A Jukes
  • Secretary: D Skingsley
  • Treasurer: this position is still open
  • Records Officer: C Slawson
4) Members Report: 
  • A. Jukes: Involved in invertebrate survey work at Aston Hall, Walsall, Chartley Moss. Notable records from these sites include a nationally important wasp and hoverfly
  • R Gillibrand: Involved in mollusc surveys at Wombourne and Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Wombourne survey revealed the presence of the alien snail Hygromia limbata the first confirmed record of this species in the county. The molluscan atlas is nearing completion and can be searched via the SER website
  • D Skingsley: No survey work but records for the county submitted to SER.
  • M Smart: Most survey work out of the county, and role as Fieldcourse organiser for the Dipterist Forum means that county records are collected when possible and submitted to SER
  • S Phipps: involved in Wolseley open day event and moth records submitted to SER
5) Record Compilers Report:  Presented by CS.
  • Online atlas of Staffordshire natural history launched this year. Of the 15 group atlases, 11 are of invertebrate groups. This has had a knock on effect on submission of additional data into the recording scheme.
  • Any electronic records submitted to SER should have as a minimum Species, 6 figure Grid reference and date
  • Link to Staffordshire Ecological Record.
6) SIG Meetings 2006:
The following recommendations were made:
  • Outdoor meeting:
    • Wolseley Garden Park: mid July. Final dates will be confirmed
  • Other potential sites:
    • East Staffordshire and West Derbyshire (verbal report from N. Ward and D Budworth) are poorly recorded areas for invertebrate life. If members are able to spare some time to visit their records would be greatly appreciated. Potential sites in this area include the Trent Valley, Croxhall, Blythfield Reservoir and Oakwood Pastures.
    • Highgate Common: It was felt that due to its designation as a SSSI a meeting at this site, to investigate its woodland invertebrates would help in the development of this sites management plan.
  • Indoor meeting: There was a feeling that an indoor meeting in the autumn of 2006 would be welcomed as this was a great way of looking over the years events in an informal, but cake friendly way.

If you visit other sites of interest in 2006, please let SIG know via a posting to the Email discussion group or contacting the secretary.

7) AOB:
  • A report on Highgate Common was presented. Its new designation as a SSSI was due to its diverse and interesting Invertebrate communities especially Bees and Wasps. Much of the survey work was undertaken by SIG members and associates and the AGM extended a vote of thanks to all those involved in the work.
  • Our members from Derbyshire reported on a very successful Harlequin Ladybird colonisation of the county. Members are reminded that it is very likely to appear in the county this year. If you do find a Harlequin Ladybird in Staffordshire please make sure you tell SER or SIG.
  • Thank you Andy for the cakes
Date of next meeting February 2007 Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge. (tbc)