Powdermill Moth event

Powdermill Trust open events for National Moth Night

19^th –20^th September

East Sussex-based nature conservation charity Powdermill Trust is holding two special open sessions to observe wonderful, yet rarely seen migrating moths at its Powdermill Wood Nature Reserve, near Battle on 19^th and 20^th September, in the company of local moth enthusiast Ralph Hobbs.

There will be an evening session on Saturday 19th September between 7.30pm and 10.00pm, starting with the setting up of a light trap to witness the first moth arrivals.   The following morning there will be a full examination of the rarely seen night’s catch between 8.00am and 10.00am, with photo opportunities before release.

 “September is one of the best months for migrant moths arriving from the continent, ranging from the large and powerful 'Bedstraw Hawk-moth' down to the rather frail looking little yellow 'Vestal',” said Ralph Hobbs, Chairman and trustee of the Powdermill Trust.

This year moth specialists along the south coast will have already marked as many migrant moths as possible (akin to bird ringing) during the previous week, before releasing them again.   Observers will be on the look out for these specially colour-coded stars of the moth world, adding to their knowledge of migrant behaviour.

Light traps will be set up all over the country on the weekend, and results will be recorded in a national report and the Powdermill Trust newsletter. 

Members, friends and children are welcome, but not dogs. There is no need to book either the morning or evening sessions. Visitors will need to bring a torch and wear appropriate footwear.

Meet in the Powdermill Reserve Car Park (Grid Ref TQ735144) at each start time.  The location of the light trap will be clearly visible to any late-comers.

Editors’ Notes: Photos available

The Powdermill trust was formed in 1980 by a group of naturalists to help conserve wildlife and safeguard natural landscapes. Currently the Trust, based in East Sussex, has reserves in Rotherfield, Powdermill Wood, and Crowhurst.

The woodland reserves feature: wildflower and hay meadows, hedges, heaths, ponds, and marshy areas vital habitats for the future survival of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, wild flowers, trees, frogs, lizards, dragonflies, bats, and dormice.

The Trust is always ready to acquire new reserves, especially in those areas where wildlife species may be threatened.

Supporting Powdermill Trust

Individual membership costs: £10pa, additional member at same address £5pa.  The membership year commences 1st September.

All members receive a well-illustrated newsletter twice a year and are given guided walks around the nature trails (the bluebells are stunning!) to which they have access at all times.

Other activities, such as illustrated talks and nature displays, are organised and free advice given on any wildlife matter.

The Trust is affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Wildlife conservation management is carried out on our reserves and a separate Conservation Volunteers News sheet is available for those interested in carrying out practical work such as coppicing, tree planting, nature trails, and pond digging.

Contacts:

Ralph Hobbs at Powdermills Trust on 07748 180240

George Shaw at Avocado Media on 01892 750851

79a Vale Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 6PX

T:  01424 426986  W: www.powdermilltrust.co.uk