Midlothian Wildflowers and Three Hares want to thank all the people who joined our woodland Moth Camp on the 8th of August – and to Reuben Singleton from Tweed Ecology that introduced and taught us about moths as important pollinators, moth trapping, moth identification, bat monitoring and a thermal imaging camera that spots wildlife at night. As a group we were able to see how the equipment works, to look into the moth traps and see and hold moths. The event was a unique and inspiring collective outdoor learning experience that brought us closer to nature, propagated a sense of wonder and awe and brought to life our hidden insects and creatures of the night.
At the start of camp we went on a nature walk that took us through the woodland down to the river past the beautiful Cinnibar caterpillars feeding on its single food source Ragwort. We identified trees, wildflowers and were fascinated by fungi when we discovered stunning orange birch boletes that we loved learning about together. It is fantastic news that we are seeing the Three Hares woodland planting supporting a developing mycelial network that is providing fungal diversity that enhances and supports the health of the microclimate and ecosystem.
From the bat monitoring we located a noctule bat through its echo location and we got very excited, as it is Britain’s largest bat. Reuben explained that the Three Hares woodland is the perfect habitat as there are mature trees that surround the area and provides the perfect habitat for the largest and only flying mammal in Britain.
After setting up camp and traps, we enjoyed a lovely pollinators picnic and fire under the rising Sturgeon Moon. Truly magical.
Then off to sleep in our tents till morning where we gathered around the moths to celebrate, eat breakfast and keep dry as the rain came down upon us.
Write up by Julia Pennycuick (Midlothian Wildflowers)
three hares woodland 