Insects

Moth trap

We put the moth trap out over night regularly throughout the year and have recorded over 600 different species. The ultra violet lamp in the centre of the trap attracts moths, which are eventually funnelled into the base. Inside the base are lots of empty egg cartons which creates a number of dark nooks and crannies that the moths can crawl into and go to sleep. In the morning we look through what moths have been caught, recording any new species. The moths are then released back into the habitat where they were caught.

Moths

We catch lots of different types of moths. In the summer the numbers caught increase dramatically. We have a number of hawk moths which have bodies the size of your thumb, some of which are very brightly coloured.

Elephant hawk moth

Privet hawk moth

Garden tiger moth

Lime hawk moth

Butterflies

We have a number of plants on the reserve which are favourites of the butterflies, e.g. nettles, buddleia and many in the wild flower meadow. We carry out regular butterfly surveys throughout the year so we can keep a record of what is flying about and if there are any new species. Some of our most common butterflies are orange tip, speckled wood, brimstone and meadow brown.

Tortoiseshell butterfly

Peacock butterfly