Moths Count at Borgie
A group of volunteers and experts met recently in Sutherland on National Moth Night (7 June, 2007) to count moths as part of a UK awareness raising and recording scheme.
The event held at Borgie Forest near Bettyhill was run by Tony Mainwood on behalf of Butterfly Conservation. Forestry Commission Scotland’s local Forest Manager Steve Jack and Highland Council’s Ranger for North Sutherland, Paul Castle helped to promote the event which was part of a Scottish Natural Heritage sponsored project to ‘Promote Butterflies and Moths in Caithness and Sutherland’.
Light traps were set to catch moths overnight at the Forestry Commission Scotland log cabins at Borgie Forest and an enthusiastic group of adults and youngsters gathered next morning to see what was revealed.
Tony Mainwood said: “Although it was National Moth Night, with the shorter nights further north there was very little darkness and we were very pleased with what we found. Several very impressive Poplar Hawkmoths could be seen roosting inside the trap box. There were enough for each of the children to have one perched on a finger before putting them onto the branches of a small birch tree to wait in safety till dusk when they would be off to look for a mate.
“Over twenty species were identified in all with a wide range of sizes, colours and intricate patterns, demonstrating what a diverse group of insects the moths are. The common names are fascinating in themselves ranging from the True Lover's Knot, Small Angle Shades, Pale-shouldered Brocade and the Map-winged Swift to the Scalloped Hazel, White Ermine, Northern Eggar and the Drinker.”
After the night's catch had been fully examined and released in a safe sheltered place Tony Mainwood gave an illustrated talk explaining the national Moths Count project aimed to raise the awareness of moths among the general public as well as setting up a UK recording scheme. He gave a brief outline of the life cycle of moths from egg to caterpillar to pupa and finally to the adult moth and explained why they are important in the ecosystem as sensitive indicators of change in the environment and as an important food source for many other creatures.
The morning event was rounded off with a wander in the surrounding area to look for day flying moths and butterflies. Common Heath was one of the moths seen as well a number of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterflies in a colony near the river. Frogs, toads, dragonflies, damsel flies and beetles all added to the variety of wildlife in the area while a Cuckoo was heard from the forest and a succession of Redpolls flew over calling.
Forestry Commission Scotland Forest manager Steve Jack said: “We were delighted to host this National Moth Night event at Borgie Forest log cabins. Tony’s talk was a fascinating insight into the many species of moths that live in this area.”
Paul Castle, Highland Council’s Ranger for North Sutherland said: “This was an excellent event to get local people involved and informed about moths which Tony explained are very sensitive to environmental change. Its important that people are aware of their impacts on the environment and how it can affect the smaller and delicate creatures.”
For further information please contact: Paul Castle, North Sutherland Ranger, The Highland Council, Planning and Development Service tel: 01641 521884