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Why not think about joining Elmbridge Borough Council's Countryside Team to survey the moths of Elmbridge. Using a 'Robinson' Mercury Vapour Light Trap, moths will be collected, identified, recorded and released unharmed.
Generally, people do not realise how beautiful and varied British moths are, and how important they are for our ecosystems. These exquisite creatures are pollinators of many plants, and together with their caterpillars are an essential food source for many animals. Unfortunately, research has shown a dramatic decline in many moth species in the last 20 years, which may in turn affect the plants and animals that depend upon them. The moth surveys we carry out will contribute to a better understanding of moth ecology and help to develop conservation approaches.
The first event takes place in April 2008, then occurs regularly throughout the summer and on into autumn. Times and locations vary throughout the season; this is to compensate for the lengthening of daylight hours and to observe species from as diverse a range of habitats as possible. The length of the events will also vary, but usually last around 3 hours. It is advisable to wear warm clothing and bring a torch.
A selection of identification manuals, collecting/viewing pots and recording forms are provided. This event is weather dependant and may be cancelled if weather conditions are poor.
Countryside Team Moth Trapping Programme 2008
Tuesday 29 April - Telegraph Hill SNCI, Claygate.
Designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, this is a site of ancient and secondary semi-natural woodland consisting mainly of English Oak with a mixed native understorey of young Ash, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Field Maple, Elm and bordered by open areas of unimproved neutral grassland/meadow. Meet at 9:00 pm at the bar gate at the top of the hill at the end of Telegraph Lane near Semaphore House approx 300 metres beyond Claygate Allotments.
(O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ157 647)
Thursday 29 May - Arbrook Common SSSI near Arbrook Farm, Esher
Forming part of the larger Esher Commons Site of Special Scientific Interest, this is an area of secondary semi-natural woodland consisting mainly of Silver Birch, English Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine. The pylon line field layer consists of a typical heathland mosaic of Heather, Gorse, Bracken and Purple Moor Grass. Meet at 9:00 pm at the unofficial car park at the end of the lane running to Arbrook Farm and cottages off Copsem Lane A244, approx. 100 metres from the main entrance to Arbrook Farm (a strictly private residence and working farm).
(O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ143 627)
Thursday 26 June - Hersham Riverside, Hersham
An area of unimproved grassland/meadow with mature Hawthorn and Blackthorn scrub, islands of mature bramble, a small area of mature ash and oak woodland and partly bordered by the River Mole. Meet at 9:00 pm by the metal gate on Thrupps Lane/Conyers Close.
(O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ119 641)
Thursday 31 July - Littleworth Common SNCI, Esher
Designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance this site was formerly known as Ditton Marsh and consists of a recently restored large pond surrounded on three sides by mixed woodland of mainly mature English Oak and dense Silver Birch. Meet at 9:00 pm at the end of Littleworth Common Road. Littleworth Common Road can be found off the A307 Portsmouth Road just opposite the new development of apartments called Two Furlongs next to Sandown Racecourse, Esher.
(O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ146 650)
Tuesday 26 August - The Ledges - Winterdown Woods, West End Common.
Part of the designated Esher Common SSSI, this area consists of ancient and semi-natural secondary woodland. Meet at 9:00 pm at Horseshoe Clump Car Park, on the A307 Portsmouth Road, opposite Blackhills.
(O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ125 627)
Tuesday 30 September - Littleheath Common SNCI, Oxshott
Designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. This is a site of mixed native deciduous secondary woodland of mainly oak standards with a mixed scrub understory of Hazel, Hawthorn and Bramble, surrounding a large lake. Mature Alders are also to be found in the wetter parts of the woodland. Meet at 9:00 pm at the end of Heathfield (Road).
(O.S. Map Explorer 161 London South, Grid Reference TQ132 602)
For further information please contact the Countryside Team on (01372) 474565
Moth Trapping Report 2006/7
The 2007 moth trapping season was a great success with some sessions identifying above 30 species and being attended by up to twenty members of the public ranging from absolute beginners to local moth experts. A special thank you must go to the experienced trappers as their knowledge and skills are vital to allow this kind of surveying to continue.
This year we have captured, identified, recorded and safely released a range of moth species including the delicate Twenty Plume Moth, the startlingly bright Green Oak Tortrix, the beautiful Buff Ermine and the striking Ruby Tiger Moth.
Moth surveying allows us to catalogue the species of moths found on the commons at present and in the long term will allow us to monitor any changes in numbers or species which may result from habitat changes or from the effects of global warming.
|If you would like more information please contact the Countryside Team.