Butterfly Conservation is very much about moths as well as butterflies, and moths can generate some mind-boggling statistics.
The national moth recording scheme is currently being updated with thee years of data covering 2017 to 2019, and though only 21 out of 71 macro moth datasets have been added so far, they total 1,258,861 moths records! Seven out of 50 micro moth datasets have added an amazing 83,625 records to date.
For more very interesting moth news see the latest E-moth publication
Could you help us collect records of reptiles and amphibians at Alners Gorse?
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For these surveys, between 5 and 10 corrugated roofing tiles are laid out in tall vegetation or near a hedge, tree or shrub and this route or transect is walked once a month to check if there are any reptiles underneath the tiles and whether any other reptiles are seen out foraging or basking in the sun.
The tiles provide protection from predators and a place for the reptiles to warm up either under the tiles or on top. Reptiles are cold-blooded and they need warmth to become active.
See this map of Alners Gorse showing where the 10 tiles have been placed. It is important not to disturb the tiles otherwise the reptiles may not use them again.
Further information about amphibians and reptiles can be found on the DARN website: www.groups.arguk.org/DARN – where you can also find information about DARN’s Churchyard Project.
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If you see a reptile or amphibian at Alners Gorse or anywhere else in Dorset, please send in the record via the form on the DARN website. Butterfly records should be sent to the BC Dorset branch sightings page and other records sent to nigelspring@yahoo.co.uk or to Living Record .
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