Wide range of moths seen at Whitwell Common Open Day
The Whitwell Common open day on Saturday 9 August was a great success, blessed with wonderful weather, enthusiastic visitors and some experts who taught us all about the moths, butterflies and other insects that live on the Common.
Visitors at the Whitwell Common open day on 9 August view some of the 27 different species of moth trapped the previous night
Many thanks go to Greg Bond and Dave Brice, who set moth traps the night before and then guided us through the contents on the day.
A large group gathered around to enjoy seeing such beauties as the tiny Ribbon Moth, the enigmatic Mother of Pearl, the Dingy Footman, the Ruby Tiger and the large and impressive Poplar Hawk-moth; 27 different species in total.
Afterwards there were guided walks around the Common with the specialists. Butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies were all identified for the visitors, as well as various flowers and plants.
A new section of boardwalk, recently installed, was much appreciated as the heavy rainfall had flooded part of the path near the stream. This would have been impassable for all but wellie wearers and proved invaluable.
At the end of the walk there were refreshments waiting and a chance to look at the information boards. There were photos of butterflies and their caterpillars, courtesy of Butterfly Conservation, pictures of some of the wildflowers to be seen and the management plan for the future.
The Whitwell Common trustees were on hand to answer questions, as were Ed Stocker from Norfolk County Council and Dave Weaver from Natural England.
For a complete list of all moth species found, please email whitwellcommonorchid@gmail.com
Daphne Ludgate
A new section of boardwalk installed on Whitwell Common