Llyn Coed Y Dinas Bat and Moth event in association with Butterfly Conservation. 24/08/2024

In my experience, a clearing sky is a common feature of Llyn Coed Y Dinas, a Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Especially when a moth-ing event is planned!

MMG have trapped at this reserve on a number of occasions in the past. After a period of reorganisation for the group, this was the first main event the moth group has staged this year. 

Llyn Coed Y Dinas. ©Eliot Collins Google Maps

Montgomeryshire Bat Group were invited to the event, Simon, Nicola and Kim attending to provide their expertise and knowledge of the various bats identified with the detectors.

The evening was warm enough to begin with but the clear sky was a sure indicator the temperature would sink. 

Traps and the white sheet were set up and switched on by 8.45pm

Early moths potted for id included Acleris emargana, Garden Carpet, Green Carpet and a lovely Centre-barred Sallow, surprisingly the only Sallow for the night, it being the season for their emergence.

Green Carpet. R. stokes

Centre-barred Sallow. R.Stokes.

Followed by a steady trickle as the temperature lowered, including locally common in the county, Pale Eggar and Epinotia nisella 

Pale Eggar. R.Stokes.

Epinotia nisella. P. McGregor

While we were all puzzling over the Epinotia and a possible Pammene populana, (not confirmed) a vague apparition appeared at the fringe of the actinic glow, in the form of a welcome but shock, guest appearance by Gavin Chambers, a former MMG core member.  Really good to see you again Gavin!

By midnight it was pretty chilly, stars twinkling and that familiar stillness that signalled the practical end to the survey. All but two of the Synergetic traps were closed down at this point.

I stayed on for another hour and a half "just in case" and amongst seven extra species recorded were a  Canary-shouldered Thorn, Ypsolopha scabrella and Rosy Rustic

Canary-shouldered Thorn. P. McGregor

Ypsolopha scabrella P. McGregor

Rosy Rustic. P. McGregor

36 moth species were recorded, the full list is available HERE.

Results of the bat survey, provided by Simon Cope, were as follows (species and numbers):

Daubenton's Bat  6

Noctule  7

Common Pipistrelle  2

Soprano Pipistrelle   125

Indeterminate Myotis sp.  6

Unknown  5

We are very grateful to Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust for permission to trap at the reserve. 

Also to Butterfly Conservation for providing insurance for the event.

A big thank you to Simon, Nicola and Kim from Montgomeryshire Bat Group for illuminating the predators making a meal of our moths.

Thanks to team members Simon, Julie and Mark for help setting up, recording and identification. The latter applying to Gavin and Rob too.

Thanks to Rob for photographs and to Peter Williams, County Moth Recorder, for verifications.

The next moth group event will be at Dolforwyn woods nature reserve (MWT) on Saturday 14th September from 8.30pm onwards. Further details can be found on the moth group website.

Many thanks,

Phil.

Beech-green Carpet at Hendre. Recording session 10th August 2024. In association with Butterfly Conservation.

Seven traps and a variety of lures were deployed at this very promising, previously unrecorded monad location.

At 220m altitude, the diverse site is largely a mix of Conifer and Sallow, with good wildflower populations along the access tracks.

It was great to arrive in the evening to an already present Chris Williams and Meurig Garbutt.

No time was lost setting up traps and lures along the track, also along paths into the trees. A handy shelter was used as a base for identification and recording.

 

Hendre site and handy shelter. SS

Carpet and Footman sp. moths proved to be abundant from the outset, with a lovely, uncommon Beech-green Carpet soon spotted on the shelter framework. 

Beech-green Carpet. MEG

Bordered Beauty, Scalloped Hook-tip, Lunar Thorn and Slender Brindle were also recorded.

Bordered Beauty. MEG

Amongst the micro's, a typical specialist of conifer plantations, Dioryctria abietella (Dark-pine Knot-horn) was noted along with similar looking Euzophera pinguis (Ash-bark Knot-horn). Also, Oxypteryx atrella (Two-spotted Neb), a feeder of St.John's Wort, plenty of which was noticed along the access track.

Dioryctria abietella. PMcG

Euzophera pinguis. PMcG

A sub-total 52 species (Final count 60 species. 23/08/2024) were recorded in total. 

Kit used:

6 Skinner's 15w Green Phosphor and 1 Skinner's 125w MV trap.

Many thanks to Chris Williams, Meurig Garbutt and Simon Spencer for their contributions to the session.

Thanks also to Peter Williams for verifications.

Phil.

New recording session location for this Saturday, 10th August 2024.

 Hi all,

Despite officially cancelling the recording session at Aberangell back in July, I did go to the site on the day and run a series of three Skinner's 15w Green Phosphor traps. Frustratingly, the weather proved in the end to be ideal and I recorded 69 species. A good start to a very promising site for a re-visit in spring 2025.

So it now seems rather pointless to re-run a session there just for the sake of it, so soon after. 

I have instead found a promising new location back in the Eastern edge of the Dyfnant forest that is a mixture of mature pine with heather/bilberry floor and scrubby Salix areas.

Known as "Hendre", it is a public parking area at the end of a longish stone track with a small wooden shelter. As the "crow flies", it is quite close to Pont Llogel but completely different habitat. According to Aderyn species list, it is also in a different square kilometre (SJ0215) to Pont Llogel and has no moth records.

The location is off the B4395, turning down a lane in between two houses (SJ029148).  Approximately 1km along this lane on the right is a stone track with "Hendre" parking sign. Follow this track to its end.

The recording location is at SJ0295 1516. w3w// milkman.plod.inhales

Traps will be switched on from around 9.15pm.

Anyone interested is most welcome to attend. 

Appropriate footwear and a head/hand torch are essential. There are no facilities so self-sufficiency is recommended. Insect repellant is advised.

If the session is cancelled, it will be notified via a post on the MMG website blog so please refer to this before setting out.

Phil.

Moth group recording session at Aberangell, Saturday July 20th 2024. ***CANCELLED***

 Hi all,

Unfortunately, we have a very poor weather forecast for tomorrow evening and night. Due to insurance implications I am compelled to cancel this as a public event for health and safety reasons.

However,  all is not lost. I am rescheduling the session to Saturday 10th August. Lets hope for dry weather then instead!

I will confirm this again nearer that date.

Phil.

Milltir Gerrig, Llangynog. 13/07/2024

A chilly, small scale survey was undertaken by myself on Saturday night at this rather inhospitable moorland site.  The main purpose being to add species to a very under recorded area in the very far north of the county, bordering Gwynedd. There was also an optimistic hope of finding a new colony of Silurian, being a Bilberry dominated landscape such as they inhabit.

At around 500m it was never going to be warm. However, the weather was calm, dry and largely overcast which is not bad considering the location.

Apparently, Silurian only fly around 2am to 4am so a necessarily long night in the car was in store. If I had found any, you would have heard about it already...

However, I was not to be disappointed. Shortly after setting out two 12v 15w synergetic Skinner's traps, my first two moths for the night were a Narrow-winged Pug and a Scarce Silver Y (a personal first for me).

Scarce Silver Y. PMcG

Dozens of Barred Yellow and True Lover's Knot steadily emerged from the darkness to engulf the traps. Other highlights from the night included a very finely marked Grey Mountain Carpet (another personal first), Donacaula forficella, Pammene fasciana and Phiaris schultziana

Grey Mountain Carpet. PMcG.

Donacaula forficella. PMcG

19 species were recorded, four of those being micro's. 15 of the species look to be new to the quadrat list.

Pammene fasciana. PMcG

Phiaris schultziana. PMcG

I called it a night at 3.30am as I had to get home to empty my trap there before daylight! Two lovely Garden Tigers to greet me!

Phil

Moth group recording session at Aberangell, Saturday July 20th 2024. In association with Butterfly Conservation.

A recording session is planned in an area of Montgomeryshire that has only four moth records. Two macro (Straw Dot (Aderyn) and Welsh Clearwing) and two micro (Glyphipterix thrasanella (Aderyn) and Small Magpie) species have been recorded. This circumstance would appear largely due to only a very thin slither of the county being present in this particular 1km OS quadrat. It is located in SH81 of the OS 10km quadrat species distribution map on the MMG website.

I believe we have a reasonable chance to improve on this species list.

The location is beside the Afon Angell, approximately 1 mile along the lane from Aberangell, which eventually leads to Corris,

OS ref SH 8316 1038. what3words crimson.acrobatic.manual 

From the A470 turn right after crossing the Afon Dyfi, following the windy lane up into Aberangell, take the left turn signposted Corris. After approximately 1 mile you come to a multi-direction junction. Follow the lane bearing slightly left and down, across a cattle grid then small river bridge. The parking area is ahead on the left.

The area for recording is in a narrow wooded valley with some mature Aspen, Beech and Alder mixed with native species. Some small fields create a mosaic effect which is always promising for species diversity. There is newly SSSI designated "temperate rainforest" to the north, just over the border in Gwynedd.

We will be setting up traps from 8.30pm onwards with an envisaged switch on time around 9.30pm.

Anyone interested is most welcome to attend. 

Appropriate footwear and a head/hand torch are essential. There are no facilities so self-sufficiency is recommended.

If the session is cancelled, it will be notified via a post on the MMG website blog so please refer to this before setting out.

Phil.

Severn Farm Pond nature reserve, Welshpool . 21/06/2024

A moth survey was held last Friday night at the reserve by myself, in conjunction with the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust Wild Skills Wild Spaces (WSWS) group, headed by Frances Louise and Nik Cain.

As far as I am aware, it is the first time a significant moth survey has been staged at this reserve.  

Common Emerald. PMcG

Probably more than twenty years ago, I first visited this MWT reserve and it was a sorry sight with an unpleasant industrial waste pipe draining into the site and lots of signs of anti-social behaviour. I had a spare moment last year, waiting for tyres to be fitted on my car so I took the chance to re-visit the site. I must say I was blown away by the transformation thanks to the persistent efforts of the mid-week group and latterly the WSWS group. A rich wetland mix with plenty of scrub, sallow, open water and a fabulous events shelter.

Severn Farm Pond nature reserve. Nationaltrails.co.uk

I quickly realised that a moth survey had to be done and it made complete sense to run it as an event with WSWS.

Being the middle of the year it was always going to be a late switch on. By the time I had set up and the inevitable rain was easing it was around 10pm. The group had arrived, some keen volunteers from Newtown and Welshpool areas. At least it was calm and overcast!

After an ad hoc briefing about moths and types of moth trap, the group set about collecting while Frances helped me with the listing of species as potted moths were brought to the table and identified.

Barred Yellow. PMcG

It was another of those steady trickle sort of nights with Udea olivalis to the table first. Then much excitement as a fresh Swallow-tailed Moth was brought in.  Much to their credit and perseverance it was after midnight when the WSWS group needed to depart. I stayed on until 2.45am, slowly winding down (drying) the traps.

Crowd pleasers included the Swallow-tailed Moth, Common Emerald and Barred Yellow while Epagoge grotiana and Clepsis spectrana added interest. Most abundant moth of the night by far was Archips xylosteana.

Epagoge grotiana. PMcG.

A total of 33 species were recorded. 23 Macro and 10 Micro's. Not a bad total as the temperature was at best only 10 Celsius.

Burnished Brass. PMcG.

It was a really enjoyable night and we hope to hold another survey in the autumn.

Thanks go to WSWS volunteers and staff for their time and help with the survey, to Montgomeryshire Moth Group for the loan of table top identification equipment and Peter Williams, Vice County Moth Recorder for help with id verifications.

Traps used:

1 x 125w MV white sheet.

1 x 125w MV Skinner's.

3 x 15w green synergetic Skinner's.

Phil.

Mothing event Llanymynech Golf Club

 

Oswestry and Borders Butterfly Group ran a Moth Trapping event at Llanymynech Golf Club on Saturday June 15th.  The weather was even worse than forecast with persistent rain lasting till after 1.00AM.  We were fortunate to have the use of the practice shed which is covered.  Phil McGregor, representing MMG, set up several moth traps on the Golf Course and he and Pippa Young braved the rain to go round them bringing in moths.  Sensibly most people gave it a miss.  The moths don’t seem to mind the rain and we had 27 macros and 8 micros including Small Elephant Hawk moth and Poplar Hawk.  A Heart & Club was the only rare species but the Mottled Beauty (photo) was not something I have seen that often.

I am posting the above event summary here on behalf of Simon Spencer, O&BBG.

Yes, the rain was very determined but not as much as we nor the moths were! 

A very enjoyable night. 

Phil.

Mothing event Llanymynech Golf Club Saturday June 15th

 Oswestry and Borders Butterfly Group is going to run a Moth Trapping event at Llanymynech Golf Club on Saturday June 15th.  We will meet in the back car park (SJ265220) and start setting up traps about 8.30pm for a 9.30pm switch-on or thereabouts, All welcome. This event will be covered by Butterfly Conservation’s West Midland branch for insurance purposes as there have been delays in organizing insurance for the Montgomeryshire Moth Group who would otherwise be running this event. We have done moth trapping at Llanymynech Golf Club before and the limestone grassland produces some interesting moths.  Phil McGregor, from MMG will be leading and I will assist.  Bring refreshments, Head torches & torches etc,  a chair etc.

I am posting this event notice here on behalf of Simon Spencer.

Phil.

philmcg74@gmail.com

Bioblitz at Dolydd Gobaith

 

BIS are hosting a bioblitz in Montgomeryshire and we’d like to invite you along is you are interested. Please see details below:

Date and time: Friday 12^th July (10:00 – 14:00)

Location: Dolydd Gobaith (SJ103230)

Site details: The site is a 32-acre community farm & nature reserve in Montgomeryshire and is run with the help of local volunteers. Habitats include wetlands, ponds, unimproved pasture, an orchard and hay meadow.

It will be a fantastic day to explore the habitats and record the wildlife we see. If you are available and interested in attending, please email me directly at katherine@bis.org.uk and I will forward you parking details and a map of the area. We hope to see you there!

Many thanks,

Katherine

Katherine Hawkins (Communications and Information Officer)

She/her

Biodiversity Information Service for Powys and BBNP

Local Environmental Records Centres Wales Ltd