Scouting for Moths

The Lost Woods project is helping to build a better understanding of the wildlife that depends on our woodlands across the Low Weald and Downs. Through surveys and monitoring, we are uncovering the incredible diversity of species that call these special places home.

Michael Blencowe from Action in Rural Sussex shares highlights from a recent overnight moth survey at Parkwood Scout Campsite where our Lost Woods Moth Champions discovered a fascinating variety of moths!

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On a warm July evening our Lost Woods Moth Champions visited Parkwood Scout Campsite to undertake an overnight moth survey.

The woodlands in this area were famous amongst Victorian lepidopterists as the home to many rare species of butterflies and moths. Men armed with nets and (I’m guessing) extravagant moustaches would prowl these woods at night looking for elusive rarities.

Since then, Parkwood has hosted thousands of scouts over the decades but has not had any wildlife surveys since the 1970’s. The staff at the campsite were keen to find out more about the wildlife here so they can share the information with visitors.
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Light traps were set up overnight in the woodland glades and at 4:45am the team returned to open the traps.

Within the traps they found a wide variety of Hawk-moths, Emeralds, Lutestrings, Arches, Footman, Beauties, Hook-tips, Highflyers, Underwings, Ermines and many more.

When Parkwood staff arrived at the more respectable time of 7:30am the team took them on a tour of the traps and talked about the amazing moths inside before releasing the moths back into the woodland vegetation.
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