National Moth Night 2006

During the last 20 years, over 400 different species of moth have been recorded in Berkshire during September. If the weather is kind (not too cold, wet or windy), we might hope to find 30 to 40 different species at Dinton Pastures Country Park on National Moth Night, Saturday 23rd September. The Berkshire Moth Group will be using bright mercury vapour lights to attract moths to sheets and traps. Any unusual specimens will be photographed and then, at the end of the session, the moths will be released unharmed.

Join the Berkshire Moth Group for a chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating, secretive creatures. The uninitiated often think of moths as dull, boring brown creatures but those who take time to get to know them better are privileged to enter a world of beautiful colours and intricate patterns. Your garden is almost certainly visited by 4 or 5 times as many moth species as there are butterfly species in the whole of Britain. On National Moth Night, people all over the country will gather around moth lights to marvel at these lovely insects and increase our knowledge of their distribution.

All are welcome. If you would like to join us, we will be meeting in the main car park (off Davis Street, Hurst) at 19:30. We will be running the traps quite close to the car park, so if you arrive later, you will probably be able to see the lights. Bring a torch.

To find out more, ring Jan Haseler on 0118 9414750.

Pictures of some of the more photogenic moths which might be seen on National Moth Night are shown below. Click on an image to see a large version. Thanks to Jan for supplying them.