An Upper Thames Branch moth identification skills session at Aston Rowant, led by Will Langdon

Join us for a trip to Aston Rowant NNR: a ‘flagship’ National Nature Reserve, managed by Natural England, it lies on the north-west scarp of the Chiltern Hills overlooking the Vale of Oxford. The steep chalk grassland has a diverse range of flora and fauna, with rich assemblages of moths.

A spring walk aimed at introducing members to some different techniques for recording micro moths, many of which are more easily located during the day, without using a moth trap. Will Langdon will demonstrate how to record a wide variety of leaf-miners, case-bearers and adult moths by day on the extremely diverse chalk grassland at this site. Species likely to be recorded include Pyrausta nigrata, Argyresthia arceuthina a variety of Elachistids and Coleophorids, and Cistus Forester. A moth trap will also be run the night before and its contents (likely to include the very local Light Feathered Rustic and some of the early-flying Hawk Moths) will be inspected before the walk.

You are welcome to bring a picnic and chat about all things butterfly, moth and conservation, over lunchtime.

Accessibility & risks: steep, strenuous slopes, narrow paths, rabbit holes and trip hazards. Please check for ticks after the walk and let the leader know if you have picked up any ticks. (Tick advice)

BOOKING

Please check here the evening before the walk to make sure it is going ahead as planned. This page will be updated regularly.

Meet in the Beacon Hill car park. Please be prepared to 'car share' down to the site office to look at the moths caught ob=vernioght in the light traps.

Postcode: HP14 3YL

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