An impromtu nature event is being held this weekend. The event, which will span the night of Saturday 3rd July and Sunday morning, will focus on trapping moths. With hot weather set to continue, and the moon in it's current phase, conditions are perfect for catching the wide variety of moth species that frequent the riverside.
Local moth expert Michael Lawrence will be leading the event. Michael is a moth enthusiast and takes a keen interest in all aspects of the natural history of the Riverside Walk. He lives close by and regularly traps moths in his garden, photographing and identifying them for Essex Moth Group. Michael will be setting up his trap near Alderford Mill. Visitors are invited along at 9.15pm Saturday night to see the trap in action and listen to a talk on moth trapping and moths in general, outlining some fascinating details. The trap will be switched on at 9.45pm and left on overnight. In the past, Michael has observed many of the more common varieties seen on the riverside such as the Riband Wave and the Privet Hawk-moth. He has also seen the much rarer Beautiful Hook-tip.
The contents of the trap will be revealed on Sunday at 9.30am when Michael will be on hand to identify the captured moths and answer questions. After being photographed and catalogued, the moths will be released back into the wild. Anyone interested in attending should make their way to Alderford Mill in Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham on Saturday night or Sunday morning. If the weather should turn cold or wet, the event will be postponed until the following weekend. Last minute changes will be posted here. Details for finding the mill can be found at www.alderfordmill.org.uk
9.15pm Visitors will be given a brief explanation of the science of moth trapping. And there will be a question and answer session.
9.45pm Switch on of the light.
9.30am When the contents of the trap will be revealed and identified.
Unless otherwise stated, all events are open to all comers. For work events, where the use of tools and equipment requires expert supervision, numbers may be limited and places may need to be prebooked.