Discovery Day at Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve

On Saturday 17th May TARCA (The Anton River Conservation Association) took part in a Discovery Day aimed at families. The idea was to get Rooksbury Mill visitors closer to the wildlife on their doorsteps.

During the day Dr Richard Osmond had his Hi-Tech Wildtrek trailer on site allowing children and adults to do a bit of pond dipping and find out what critters live within the murky depths of the lakes. TARCA had a stand on site where children could put together their own bug hotels and bird feeders.

The event resumed in the evening with TARCA chairwoman Kate Savage guiding a bat walk. On this walk they found 2 species of Pipistrelle bats and Daubentons bats flying. This was followed by Moth trapping and identification by the Deputy Chairman Graeme Davis which yielded great results.

In total 42 moths flew into the trap of 26 different species including fantastically large moths like Lime-Hawkmoth and Poplar Hawkmoth pictured. The importance of moths in the environment was highlighted and the specialist life styles that some of the species have.

These results with be given to Butterfly Conservation, a national charity dedicated to the conservation of both butterflies and moths, as many of these are now suffering major declines.

The next Discovery Day will take place at Anton Lakes Nature Reserve on the 15th June 10am to 2pm then 9pm onwards for the evening Bat/Moth activity.

If you wish to volunteer or want information TARCA please contact 01264 368811 or 07722 267138