Moths Found at Anniversary Event

Published on 10 May 2011

An evening of wildlife watching was enjoyed by people of all ages at Linder’s Field Local Nature Reserve in Buckhurst Hill on 6 May 2011. The event, organised by Epping Forest Countrycare as the 1st in a series of events to celebrate their 25th Anniversary, involved moth identification and newt and bat surveys.

Two methods of moth surveying were demonstrated which resulted in 17 species being found. These included the brimstone, green carpet, scalloped hazel and the maidens blush, which are only found in oak woodlands and mostly where there are mature or ancient oaks.

The bottle trapping method of surveying for newts was demonstrated in the pond. This involved partially submerging a plastic bottle in the water and the newts swimming into it. After the newts had been identified they were released unharmed back into the pond. This method resulted in the finding of both male and female smooth newts.

The bat transect survey revealed the presence of Pipistrelle bats. The echolocation calls of these tiny mammals were caught on a bat detector which tunes into a frequency too high for the majority of humans to hear.

The Local Nature Reserve was lit up by fairy lanterns and a marquee containing exhibition boards with information about moths, Linder’s Field and Countrycare. Refreshments were also provided for attendees.

Further 25th Anniversary events are being planned by Epping Forest Countrycare over the summer and autumn.

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