The UK is home to over 2,500 species of moths, yet there are only a handful of records from the Wild Ouseburn area. Like much of our wildlife, moths in the UK are declining, with an overall decrease of 28% since 1968. These nocturnal pollinators play a crucial role in our ecosystem and are a vital food source for bats, mammals, and birds. Their caterpillars are especially important, serving as the main food source for chicks of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins, Wrens, and Blackbirds.
Moth trapping is essential for conservation as it helps us understand and manage the habitats of the Ouseburn Valley. Moths are indicators of changes in climate and habitat health. By using light traps to catch and record the species present, we can gather valuable data. Once recorded, all moths are safely released back into the wild.
Join us for an evening of moth recording or a moth morning to check the traps. You will help contribute to the conservation of these important nocturnal pollinators and help us protect the biodiversity of the Ouseburn Valley.
No need to book, just meet outside Saint Ann’s Church.