Norfolk moths: Rockland St. Peter garden, 25 September 2013

The night of 25 September began warm (c. 18°C) with overcast skies, but by 05h00 it was almost cloudless and calm with a bright half-moon. At some time during the night a light rain had fallen and wetted the groundsheet and trap area. The temperature at 06h30 was a slightly cooler 8.1°C. As for previous nights, Golden Plover called as flocks passed overhead in the pre-dawn.

There were fewer moths outside the trap, but a couple of Dusky Thorns and a Canary-shouldered Thorn were conspicuous. Compared with previous nights, the trap seemed to be full of moths, all competing for space to hunker down amongst the egg-cartons. Most of these were Brown-spot Pinions and Beaded Chestnuts, tying with 26 apiece. I checked the hindwing of all the latter to exclude Lunar Underwing - and vice versa. Black Rustic numbers were down on the previous catch, but still pretty respectable at 17. New for the trap were a rather anaemic Angle Shades and a Mallow. Our garden has plenty of hollyhocks and mallows, which may have been the foodplant of the latter.

A fairly washed-out Angle Shades Phlogophora meticulosa.

♂ Mallow Larentia clavaria.

Macro-moths (130 moths of 25 spp.):-

Idaea seriata	Small Dusty Wave	2
Xanthorhoe fluctuata	Garden Carpet	1
Larentia clavaria	Mallow	1
Chloroclysta truncata	Common Marbled Carpet	6
Opisthograptis luteolata	Brimstone Moth	2
Ennomos alniaria	Canary-shouldered Thorn	1
Ennomos fuscantaria	Dusky Thorn	2
Campaea margaritata	Light Emerald	2
Agrotis segetum	Turnip Moth	1
Ochropleura plecta	Flame Shoulder	1
Noctua pronuba	Large Yellow Underwing	5
Noctua comes	Lesser Yellow Underwing	1
Xestia c-nigrum	Setaceous Hebrew Character	3
Aporophyla nigra	Black Rustic	17
Dryobotodes eremita	Brindled Green	2
Agrochola litura	Brown-spot Pinion	26
Agrochola lychnidis	Beaded Chestnut	26
Omphaloscelis lunosa	Lunar Underwing	8
Xanthia togata	Pink-barred Sallow	3
Xanthia icteritia	Sallow	7
Phlogophora meticulosa	Angle Shades	1
Hydraecia micacea	Rosy Rustic	2
Gortyna flavago	Frosted Orange	3
Rivula sericealis	Straw Dot	1
Hypena proboscidalis	Snout	6

Relax UK national parks legislation, advocates Defra Secretary Owen Paterson

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Owen Paterson's speech at the Conference of the Association of National Park Authorities was published today. I heard him discussing his views on BBC Radio 4's Farming Today. Using a perversion of the concept of biodiversity offsetting (since, by definition, national parks already are already offsetting  development elsewhere) Paterson advocates relaxing the UK's already weak protected area legislation to allow for the expansion of unspecified infrastructure.

We are working to reduce the unnecessary burdens that hold back rural business, not least our farmers. I see my role as getting out of people’s hair.

This is why I am particularly interested in Biodiversity Offsetting.

Offsetting gives us a chance to improve the way our planning system works. It gets round the long-running conundrum of how to grow the economy at the same time as improving the environment. It could provide real opportunities in our National Parks, where the necessary extension of a farm building could result in the enhancement of an existing habitat or the creation of a new one.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/owen-paterson-speech-to-national-parks-conference

Paterson is not known for his knowledge of environmental matters and publicly struggles with even the most basic concepts. It is not clear whether (as in his previous failure to grasp the evidence related to badger-culling, effects of neonicotinoids and climate change) he simply does not understand what national parks are or what biodiversity offsetting means, or whether (as with his rather more sinister role in raptor persecution or privatisation of the Forestry Commission) he is deliberately sabotaging the resources he is entrusted to protect. Merely incompetent or willfully negligent? In either case it is clear that he should now be removed from his post.

Norfolk moths: Rockland St. Peter garden, 23 September 2013

The night of 23 September was almost cloudless and calm with a bright half-moon. The temperature at 05h30 was a mild 11.6°C. By that time a light, misty dew was beginning to fall on the trap. The trap and adjacent walls and sheet were spotted with Black Rustics - two dozen in all. A selection of forms of Common Marbled Carpet required a close inspection to discount Dark Marbled Carpet. The only new species was a very battered Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing. As with previous nights, the pre-dawn was full of the trills and plaintive whistles of Golden Plover, as flocks passed overhead. Tawny Owls, Little Owls and a foraging Hedgehog added to the soundscape.

Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua fimbriata in resting position

Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua fimbriata from South (1st ed., 1907)

Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba   

Lunar Underwing Omphaloscelis lunosa, Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra & Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba   

Macro-moths (83 moths of 17 spp.):-

Chloroclysta truncata	Common Marbled Carpet	7
Noctua pronuba	Large Yellow Underwing	6
Noctua comes	Lesser Yellow Underwing	7
Noctua fimbriata	Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing	1
Xestia c-nigrum	Setaceous Hebrew Character	3
Mythimna pallens	Common Wainscot	2
Aporophyla nigra	Black Rustic	24
Agrochola litura	Brown-spot Pinion	14
Agrochola lychnidis	Beaded Chestnut	3
Omphaloscelis lunosa	Lunar Underwing	4
Xanthia togata	Pink-barred Sallow	1
Amphipyra pyramidea	Copper Underwing	1
Hydraecia micacea	Rosy Rustic	4
Nonagria typhae	Bulrush Wainscot	1
Diachrysia chrysitis	Burnished Brass	1
Rivula sericealis	Straw Dot	1
Hypena proboscidalis	Snout	3

Norfolk moths: Rockland St. Peter garden, 21 September 2013

With the prospect of another mild night, I could not resist putting out the trap again. Andy Swash and I had been discussing the impact of trapping on moth populations and the numbers of retrapped individuals when traps are set on consecutive nights. After some mark-recapture experiments, Andy believes the retrap rate to be extremely low - perhaps 1% - even when moths are released alongsid the trap. Certainly, my last two consecutive nights were very different with little indication of moths being trapped on both nights.

The night began almost cloudless with quite a bright moon. By dawn it was completely overcast and there had been a light rain. It was also warm, with a balmy dawn temperature of 13.7°C. The first moth I happened upon as I went out of the door at 04h45 was a lovely fresh-looking Pink-barred Sallow resting in the doorway of the lean-to: a bright jewel of a moth against this black background. A few feet away, on the adjacent wall, was a large geometrid, which turned out to be a male Pale Oak Beauty. Waring & Townsend mention a probable "partial second generation in southern England, September-October", but there seem to be no recent Norfolk records from these months. Both species were now for the trap.

 ♂ Pale Oak Beauty Hypomecis punctinalis  

Pink-barred Sallow Xanthia togata   

Macro-moths (20 spp.):-

Idaea seriata	Small Dusty Wave	1
Chloroclysta truncata	Common Marbled Carpet	2
Thera obeliscata	Grey Pine Carpet	1
Opisthograptis luteolata	Brimstone Moth	1
Ennomos alniaria	Canary-shouldered Thorn	1
Peribatodes rhomboidaria	Willow Beauty	1
Hypomecis punctinalis	Pale Oak Beauty	1
Campaea margaritata	Light Emerald	1
Noctua pronuba	Large Yellow Underwing	7
Noctua comes	Lesser Yellow Underwing	3
Aporophyla nigra	Black Rustic	1
Agrochola litura	Brown-spot Pinion	1
Omphaloscelis lunosa	Lunar Underwing	1
Xanthia togata	Pink-barred Sallow	1
Amphipyra pyramidea	Copper Underwing	2
Gortyna flavago	Frosted Orange	1
Paradrina clavipalpis	Pale Mottled Willow	1
Diachrysia chrysitis	Burnished Brass	1
Rivula sericealis	Straw Dot	1
Hypena proboscidalis	Snout	4

Norfolk moths: Rockland St. Peter garden, 20 September 2013

A warm, calm, overcast night with a dawn temperature (presumed minimum) of 11.8°C - much milder than the last few nights. The conditions resulted in a jump in moth diversity, with a total of 23 species of macro-moth recorded. Four new species were Grey Pine Carpet, Black Rustic (arriving in force), a lovely Brindled Green and a couple of Beaded Chestnuts, one of which was tricky to separate from Lunar Underwing. 

I checked the trap early, but some of the moths were still around for Andy Swash to look at. He helped with tips for separating the two Copper Underwings based on palp colour and for distinguishing Beaded Chestnut from Lunar Underwing. He particularly enjoyed the Bulrush Wainscot.

Grey Pine Carpet Thera obeliscata - note weakly indented inner edge of central cross-band.

The aptly-named Black Rustic Aporophyla nigra - one of nine.

Beaded Chestnut Agrochola lychnidis

Brindled Green Dryobotodes eremita - somewhat greener in life.

Moths - macros only (23 spp.):-

Idaea seriata	Small Dusty Wave	2
Xanthorhoe fluctuata	Garden Carpet	1
Chloroclysta truncata	Common Marbled Carpet	5
Thera obeliscata	Grey Pine Carpet	1
Colostygia pectinataria	Green Carpet	2
Campaea margaritata	Light Emerald	1
Agrotis segetum	Turnip Moth	2
Noctua pronuba	Large Yellow Underwing	6
Noctua comes	Lesser Yellow Underwing	3
Xestia xanthographa	Square-spot Rustic	1
Mythimna albipuncta	White-point	1
Mythimna pallens	Common Wainscot	1
Aporophyla nigra	Black Rustic	9
Dryobotodes eremita	Brindled Green	1
Agrochola litura	Brown-spot Pinion	3
Agrochola lychnidis	Beaded Chestnut	2
Omphaloscelis lunosa	Lunar Underwing	1
Xanthia icteritia	Sallow	1
Amphipyra pyramidea	Copper Underwing	2
Luperina testacea	Flounced Rustic	1
Nonagria typhae	Bulrush Wainscot	1
Hoplodrina ambigua	Vine's Rustic	1
Hypena proboscidalis	Snout	6

Norfolk moths: Rockland St. Peter garden, 18 September 2013

There was just a light cover of cloud and a light SW breeze on the night of 18 September. With a full moon tonight, there was a lot of light about. At 05h30 the temperature was 7.8°C - not as cold as it might have been.

Nothing new in the trap this morning.

Moths - all macros (10 spp.):-

Idaea seriata	Small Dusty Wave	2
Chloroclysta truncata	Common Marbled Carpet	1
Agrotis segetum	Turnip Moth	1
Noctua pronuba	Large Yellow Underwing	1
Noctua comes	Lesser Yellow Underwing	5
Xestia c-nigrum	Setaceous Hebrew Character	3
Atethmia centrago	Centre-barred Sallow	1
Omphaloscelis lunosa	Lunar Underwing	1
Hydraecia micacea	Rosy Rustic	1
Hypena proboscidalis	Snout	7

Book review: 52 Wildlife Weekends by James Lowen

52 Wildlife Weekends

James Lowen

Bradt Travel Guides | 2013
248 pp. | 13.5 x 21.6 cm | abundant colour photographs & maps

Paperback | £14.99 | ISBN: 978-1-84162-464-8

I have known the author of this book for more than thirty years. We were members of the same school natural history society, the same local birdwatchers' club and both went on to work for some of the same international conservation organisations. I know that he is passionate about his subject and has spent countless hours in the field observing and photographing it. No-one is more qualified to write a guide to enjoying Britain's wildlife.

As expected then, this is the perfect guide for nature-lovers of all kinds looking to make the most of British wildlife in their free time. Where to go? When to visit? What to do? What to look for? Where to stay? This guide provides the answers. It might help a family orient their weekend excursions to take better advantage of nature's sights, or allow a keen naturalist to make the most of a business trip to encounter some of the country's most wanted wild species. Although seasoned naturalists will make full use of it, the book should also nudge a less expert readership – perhaps a typical BBC Springwatch audience – to go out and experience Britain's wildlife in the flesh.

Most of the wildlife spectacles that have come to be uniquely associated with the UK are covered: huge flocks of wintering geese, glorious spring Bluebell woods, ancient Yew trees, Puffin colonies, murmurations of Starlings (the aerial displays at their roosts), dusk gatherings of crows, and opportunities to snorkel with Basking Sharks. The majority of these would be targets for even the keen naturalist: charismatic species such as Fen Raft Spider and Purple Emperor, Cirl Bunting and Pine Marten, amongst many others.

With 52 chapters, there is one for every weekend of the year (although one would have to be pretty dedicated to exhaust all the suggestions in one, or even two years). Five wildlife targets grouped within easy striking distance have been chosen for each weekend. For example, a weekend on the Yorkshire coast (#38: September weekend 3) comprises a boat trip from Bridlington, rockpooling at South Landing, and birding at Flamborough, the Outer Head and North Landing. The very first suggested weekend trip of the year is one of my favourites: an excursion to see Islay's wintering geese, and perhaps follow that with the Lagavulin and Laphroaig chasers recommended by the author. The experience is rounded off with Otters and Golden Eagle and, with a bit of luck, White-tailed Eagle. Thirty years on, this remains one of my most memorable short trips: in fact, I still remember the geese and raptors, not to mention Bruichladdich, Bowmore, Lagavulin and Caol Ila.

For each location, a weekend 'base' is suggested: a local town or a particularly characterful lodgings. Contact details and / or OS grid references of lodgings and wildlife sites are provided. There is a good spread of sites, with the majority of them outside south-east England. An index of sites and species, together with a couple of helpful tables, allow the reader to plan a whole year of rewarding wildlife excursions.

A book to inspire, but above all a guide to be taken out and used. This is recommended for anyone who wants to take a more active approach to experiencing the full gamut of Britain's wildlife, whether the keen naturalist with a wildlife hit list or simply those who want to become better acquainted with British nature. My copy has already found a home in the glove compartment...