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Changes to the Website
The Suffolk Argus
Changes to the Branch Website
You may have noticed that during the past two months the Branch website has started to include more information. The website is a key component of what we do but, in the past, we have probably not been using it effectively to publicise the important projects we undertake or to give members as much information as we could. We therefore decided to make the site more active, vibrant and informative. The aim is to improve the information for members and so that other people who visit the site will find it interesting. Rather than start again the site will evolve - this is less timeconsuming and can include suggestions for changes from members. The main changes so far have been:-
Sightings – as is the case with other Branches you can now send in sightings (sightings@suffolkbutterflies.org.uk). This does not replace the annual return recorders send to the Butterfly Recorder, which it is essential to continue. Any sighting that you think will be of interest to others can be included. Especially interesting would be the first or last of any species seen in the year, unusual numbers, unusual locations or scarce species. For example the entry that showed the Wall had been seen at Bawdsey would encourage other people to search in similar locations. Clicking on the grid reference produces a map of the exact location.
Recording – this will be expanded to give more information about formal recording. This also includes news of the latest surveys of UKBAP priority and study species e.g Silver-studded Blue, and butterflies new to Suffolk e.g. Silver-washed Fritillary.
Conservation – this highlights the important projects on which the Branch spends time and money. It includes updates on the success of previous work e.g. the translocation of the Silver-studded Blue to Blaxhall Common, and progress on new projects such as Ipswich Heaths.
Other information which will be included before next year will be good sites in Suffolk to see butterflies (we have no BC reserves) and the species which can be seen there.
The main Butterfly Conservation site will also be changing in December. As well as changes to the main pages they are introducing an easier way for people to obtain information about their local Branch. By entering a post-code a page of information about the local Branch will be displayed. This will include a link to the local Branch site.
It is therefore essential that our site is seen as up-to-date and informative as the main site. Anyone visiting the site must see that we are an active Branch with volunteers carrying out important work for the conservation of butterflies.
