Garden Moths Count

Garden Moths Count takes place between 20-28 June17/06/2009 09:26:19

The 2009 Garden Moths Count takes place between 20-28 June. Organised by Butterfly Conservation, the nationwide survey (open to all) aims to discover which garden moths are thriving and which ones are disappearing. Unfortunately, sightings of garden months are on the decline. For example, the colourful Garden Tiger Moth which used to be a familiar sight in gardens throughout the UK has become a much rarer sight since the 1960's. The information collected will then be used to develop conservation approaches to benefit moths and other wildlife. It will also contribute to efforts to understand the environment, including the impacts of climate change.Andrew Green, expert lepidopterist and owner of Wild Britain (formerly known as Bedford Butterfly Park) is actively supporting the campaign by outlining 5 sure ways to attract moths to gardens:

• Plant night-scented flowers (eg Nicotiana, Sweet Rocket and honeysuckle).
• Plant mixed native hedging like Privet, hawthorn, buckthorn.
• Don't be too precious about a few weeds. Moths need things like docks, nettles and grasses to lay eggs on.
• Moths and other insects need hiding places. Crevices in tree bark and under window sills are good places to look. Try pinning old egg boxes onto the garden fence and see what you get.
• Remember that although Moths are attracted to light, bright light bulbs can confuse moths so don't over illuminate your garden.

Said Andrew, "Moths are a major, overlooked part of the UK's garden wildlife. The moth's decline is not only affecting them as a species, but also the plants they pollinate and the birds and other wildlife that eat them. If people want to email me pictures of moths from their garden, I'll do my best to identify them."Andrew will be on hand to visitors at Wild Britain throughout the week to give advice on how to get involved in the survey including how to catch and identify moths as well as how to submit findings to the Garden Moths Count 2009.


http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/moth-count.html