Each of the local groups within the East Scotland Branch's area will be running many exciting events in 2013. Details of these for the various areas within the Branch's region will be added below once finalised. You can also find these on the East Scotland Facebook.
| Date |
Event |
Details |
Contact |
|
Saturday 18 May 2013
|
Moth evening at Gordon
Community Woodland; Borders
Biodiversity Month event jointly with SWT
Berwickshire Group
|
Meet at the Woodland chalet (NT665443) at 9.30
pm. From the A6105 take the side road at East Gordon Farm Cottages; after a
short distance there is a car park and walkway to chalet where shelter is
available. Wear warm clothing and bring a torch.
|
Ron McBeath
01289 308515
Barry Prater
018907 52037
|
|
Saturday 18 May 2013
|
Moth-trapping evening at
Plora Wood.
The largest area of ancient woodland in the Western Borders promises an
interesting catch. Part of Borders
Biodiversity Month.
|
Meet at 9.00
pm in the layby at the entrance to Plora Wood on the back road between
Walkerburn and Innerleithen (NT355367).
Wear warm clothing and bring waterproofs and torch.
|
Reuben
Singleton
01721 723858
|
|
Saturday 25 May 2013
|
Murder Moss Mystery Tour; a Borders Biodiversity Month event organised by the SWT Central Borders Members’ Centre
|
Meet Lindean Reservoir car park NT505293, on Lindean minor road off A7 2.5 miles south of Galashiels at 11 am. Bring picnic lunch and stout footwear. Finish about 3.30pm. No dogs.
Led by Sarah Eno, a walk around this important National Nature Reserve to study its botanical riches, birds, insects and other wildlife. If conditions permit the contents of an overnight moth-trap will be demonstrated.
|
Malcolm Lindsay
01896 753425
or 07563 515854
|
|
Sunday, 30 June
|
Another visit to Tailend Moss SWT Reserve, Livingston to see if Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries are still there
|
The site is best reached from the M8. Turn off at junction 3A. Meet at the lay-by just off the large roundabout at the south-eastern corner of the reserve (NT002675) at 10.30. .
|
Richard Buckland, tel: 0131-332 0615, or
|
|
Sunday 16 June 2013
|
Coastal walk south from Eyemouth for Northern Brown Argus, Common Blue, Wall and day-flying moths including the rare Dew Moth. A Borders Biodiversity Month event.
|
Meet at NT947643 in the car park of Gunsgreen House, which is signposted off the A1107 in Eyemouth, at 10.30 am. A 2.5 km walk S along the sometimes steep and uneven coastal path to Blaikie Heugh with the option of continuing to Burnmouth where a return bus can be picked up. Sturdy footwear needed plus a packed lunch.
|
Barry Prater
018907 52037
|
|
Sunday, 14 July
|
To the Lammermuir Hills to see Northern Brown Argus.
|
The site is off the A1 at Thurston just before Torness Power Station. Follow the road/track up to Aikengall Farm. Once over Aikengall Water, the burn meets the track again near some trees and sheep pens. Meet here (grid ref, NT709714) at 10.30
|
Richard Buckland, tel: 0131-332 0615, or
|
| Saturday 20 July |
Aberlady Bay Moth Event |
Focussed mainly on identifying moths from the traps set the night before. Led by the warden John Harrison. Meet at 09:30am Aberlady Reserve Car Park. (OS Landranger 66: NT 472804)
|
|
|
Sunday 28 July 2013
|
St Abbs National Nature Reserve for Grayling, Dark Green Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus and other butterflies.
|
Meet at the main car park by Northfield Farm (NT913673) at 10.30 am. There’ll be a 3 km walk through the reserve to Pettico Wick, finish around 2.30 pm. Terrain is steep in places and can be muddy when wet, so sensible footwear needed plus a packed lunch.
If conditions permit the contents of an overnight moth-trap will also be examined.
|
Iain Cowe
01890 818314
07760 387631
|
|
Sunday, 28 July
|
A walk in the wilder parts of Midlothian, with a chance of seeing the first Small Skippers that have been recorded in the Lothians ever.
|
The site is in Gore Glen along the river South Esk and is reached by taking the A7 from Edinburgh to the intersection with the A704. Shortly after this there is a new Persimon housing development called Kirkmill View. Carry on past this and round a new roundabout. Shortly past this, there is a right-hand turn to Gore Glen. Here there is an official car park. Meet here (grid ref. NT335618) at 10.30am.
|
Richard Buckland, tel: 0131-332 0615, or
|
|
Friday 2 August 2013 and Saturday 3 August 2013
|
Moth trapping event at Kailzie Wildlife Festival.
Moth traps will be set in the parkland on Friday evening along with wine ropes and sugar to attract those moths with a sweet tooth!
Moth traps will be opened on Saturday morning.
|
Event run as part of the Kailzie Wildlife Festival. Meet on evening of Friday 2nd August at Kailzie Gardens Car Park (NT281386) at 9.00 p.m. Duration will be 2-3 hours depending on the weather. Wear warm clothing and bring waterproofs and torch.
Moth traps will be opened at 10.15 a.m. on the morning of Saturday 3rd August as part of the Kailzie Wildlife Festival programme.
There will be a charge for this event – please check Friends of Kailzie Wildlife Group website (www.kailziewildlife.org) for details.
|
Reuben Singleton 01721 723858
Rachel McAleese
|
|
Wednesday 7 August 2013
|
Bats and moths at Harestanes. Discover the secret and surprising world of these animals! See what comes to the moth trap with a local expert and enjoy a short twilight walk to view and hear bats.
|
Harestanes (NT641244) is just off the A68, 6km N of Jedburgh. Start 8.15 pm, finish 10.30 pm. Warm clothing essential. Under-16s must be with an adult. Adult £6, child £3. No dogs. Booking is essential.
www.scotborders.gov.uk/harestanes
|
Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre
01835 830306
|
|
Friday 9 & Saturday 10 August 2013
|
Marvellous Moths National Moth Night event at Woodside Walled Garden
|
From the A68, at the turning almost opposite the road to Ancrum, take the B6400 (signposted to Nisbet) and we are on the left after about 800m (NT645252). On Friday 5.30-7.30pm - presentation by Nick Cook who will show us how to set up a moth trap and will tell us all about the different moths to be found in the Scottish Borders. £15 each, including a delicious supper. Booking required and children welcome.
Saturday August 10th at 10 am - Moth Night Results. Join Nick as he checks the traps from the previous night. See live moths close up - FREE - and the cafe will be open!
|
To book a place contact Emma Emmerson
01835 830315
|
|
Friday 9 (or Sat 10) August 2013
|
National Moth Night Event at Glenlude (John Muir Trust property)
|
Meet at Volunteer Shelter at Glenlude NT313285 (2.8miles north of the Gordon Arms Hotel on the B709) at 9.30 pm.
After a short introduction, light-trapping will take place for 2-3 hours from about 10 pm. Bring a torch.
Refreshments and warm, dry shelter will be available.
NB On August 9th please confirm the event with one of the above before travelling.
|
Karen Purvis (John Muir Trust)
07811 354957
Malcolm Lindsay (Butterfly Conservation)
07563 515854
|
There will be other moth and butterfly events throughout the year. Please return to this page to find details.
| Date |
Event |
Details |
Contact |
|
24/25 May
|
Moth Trapping in Devilla Forest, followed by a Green Hairstreak search
|
Meet 9pm on the Friday to see moths arriving at the traps and again at 10am on Saturday to check what was found overnight. Then move on to look for Green Hairstreak butterflies in the forest clearings. Parking at NS966886.
|
Duncan Davidson 01383 730446
|
|
7/8 June
|
Kellie Castle NTS Bioblitz
|
Moth trapping on Friday night, with examination of the catch at 10am on Saturday. Many other activities throughout the day from 10am till 4pm.
|
Duncan Davidson 01383 730446
|
|
8/9 June
|
Moth Trapping at Falkland Palace
|
Meet at the palace gates at 9.30pm on Saturday and again at 10.00am on Sunday to see the catch.
|
Duncan Davidson 01383 730446
|
|
15 June
|
Ochils Festival Open Day illustrated talk on local butterflies and moths
|
As part of the Ochils Festival, there will be an illustrated talk on local butterflies and moths and a chance to see the moths caught the previous night. Dumyat Centre in Menstrie at 11am. Many other activities throughout the day.
|
Duncan Davidson 01383 730446
|
|
21/22 June
|
Puddledub Moth Count
|
Meet at Kirkton Cottages NT209899, KY2 5XQ, near Auchtertool at 2pm on Friday, to view the array of moths caught the previous night. Help set the traps again later that evening and return at 10am on Saturday to see more moths and take part in some moth photography. All welcome to either or both sessions.
|
Gerald Lincoln 01592 781174
|
|
28/29 June
|
Hill of Tarvit NTS Bioblitz
|
Moth trapping on Friday night, with examination of the catch at 10am on Saturday. Many other activities throughout the day from 10am till 4pm.
|
Duncan Davidson 01383 730446
|
|
14 July
|
Large Heath discovery day at Portmoak Moss
|
Details to be confirmed.
|
Duncan Davidson 01383 730446
|
|
4 August
|
Butterfly Walk at Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve
|
Meet in Kinshaldy car park at 1.30pm. (NO498242).
|
Duncan Davidson 01383 730446
|
The newly appointed Perthshire Ranger, Emma Rawling, is planning a series of Butterfly surveys at SWT reserves over the Summer. She would welcome BC members to join them and hopefully help with identification. Details and directions from SWT Perthshire Ranger Emma on 01350 727337 or 07920589069 or
| Date |
Event |
Details |
Contact |
|
Sunday 7th July 2013 10.00am - 12.00 noon
|
Moths for Beginners. Night Flyers. The traps were set last night. Have we caught any moths?
|
Discover and identify the beautiful moths caught overnight at Crombie Country Park. Meet at the Ranger Centre Crombie Park.
The event is free to attend, though there is a car parking fee ( £2.50 )
|
Booking essential. Contact the Ranger on: Tel: 01241 860360 or
|
|
Friday 9th August 2013 8.00pm - 10.00pm
|
National Moth Night. At Montrose Basin Visitor Centre
|
Join the reserve Moth Recorder for an interesting evening discovering more about the moths on Montrose Basin, and learn how surveys are carried out. Event charge of £4.00 adult, £2.00 child & £2.00 concession.
|
Booking essential: Contact the Ranger on: Tel: 01674 676336 or
|
|
Saturday August 10th, 2013 21.00pm - till late
|
National Moth Night at St.Cyrus NNR
|
Nearly 500 species of moths have been recorded on the Nature Reserve. Come and see the light traps in action at different habitat locations around the reserve.
The event is free to attend but booking early is essential to avoid disappointment. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
|
Contact the Ranger on: Tel: 01674 830736 or
|
Booking essential for listed events (to keep numbers manageable & may be cancelled in event of low numbers or bad weather etc.). Unless otherwise stated, events are open to adults & accompanied children with no charge.
Bring stout footwear & appropriate clothing for weather conditions. Sun protection may be required on daytime events & close-focus binoculars are useful. For moth nights, warm clothing, sunglasses/wide-brimmed hat & torch are recommended.
Additional butterfly & moth recording sessions may be arranged by NE Scotland recorders at short notice according to weather forecast (via emails circulated among network of local recorders/members). Possible excursions this year may include searches for Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Small Dark Yellow Underwing & Netted Mountain Moth on upper Deeside in mid-late May, Small Blue & Thrift Clearwing on Kincardineshire coast in mid-late June & Slender-striped Rufous on upper Deeside
in mid-late September.
For more information or to be added to email list contact: Helen Rowe, Marr Ranger, Aberdeenshire Council -
or tel: 013398 80868
| Date |
Event |
Details |
Contact |
|
Saturday 13th April 10.30am – 3.30pm
|
SCRUB BASHING FOR BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS
|
Come & join a volunteer work party to cut scrub that is invading an important site for moths & butterflies near Braemar. Hand tools & work gloves will be provided. Suitable for adults & accompanied children aged 12+.
Meeting point given on booking
Bring waterproofs & stout footwear + if staying all day, packed lunch.
|
Booking Essential – Tel: 013398 80868 or
Free event organised in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service & Invercauld Estate.
|
|
Saturday 18th May 10.30am – 4.30pm
|
MOTHS & BUTTERFLIES RECORDING DAY
|
Learn about the special moths and butterflies of the Cairngorms and how you can get involved in recording them to aid their conservation. An indoor presentation will be followed by an excursion to look for species on the wing at this time of year and see the habitats they are found in. Suitable for adults & accompanied children aged 12+.
Meet at Burn o’ Vat Visitor Centre, near Dinnet
|
Booking Essential – Tel: 013398 80868 or
Free event organised by Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service in partnership with Cairngorms National Park Authority & Scottish Natural Heritage as part of Save our Butterflies Week & Scotland’s Nature Festival. Bring waterproofs, stout footwear & packed lunch + (if you have them) close-focus binoculars.
|
|
Saturday 8th June 10.00am – 12noon
|
MARVELLOUS MINIBEASTS
|
Come and discover some of the smaller residents of the woods and pond at Burnett Park! We will see what creatures may have been caught in live moth and pitfall traps set up the day before, release them unharmed and hunt for more minibeasts. Children aged <16 must be accompanied.
Meet at Tennis Court car park, Burnett Park, Banchory
|
Booking Essential – Tel: 013398 80868 or
Free event organised by Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service as part of local community festival. Bring outdoor clothing suited to weather & sensible footwear.
|
|
Thursday 18th July 10.00am – 12.00noon
|
MOTHS IN THE MORNING
|
Discover the variety of moths caught in the live traps set up overnight on the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, followed by a search for day-flying moths and butterflies as time allows. Children aged <16 must be accompanied.
Meet at Burn o’ Vat Visitor Centre, near Dinnet.
Bring outdoor clothing suited to weather & sensible footwear.
|
Booking Essential - Tel: Muir of Dinnet NNR Manager (SNH) on 013398 81667
Free event organised by Scottish Natural Heritage & Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service.
|
|
Saturday 20th July 8.30pm - midnight
|
A WILD NIGHT AT GRANDHOLM!
|
Enter the mysterious world of night creatures! This will include setting up sugar and light traps to attract moths – which we will release unharmed after identification - and using detectors to pick up ultrasound of hunting bats. Children aged <16 must be accompanied.
Meet at start of path by Grandholm Village turning circle at end of cobbled road on River Don north bank by Grandholm Bridge - access from Gordons Mills Road, Aberdeen
Donations welcome.
Bring outdoor clothing suited to weather, stout footwear & torch; sunglasses/wide-brimmed hat (to shield eyes from moth trap light) & midge repellent recommended.
|
Booking Essential – Tel: 01224 897400 (Aberdeen City Council Rangers)
Event organised by Aberdeenshire Council & Aberdeen City Council Ranger Services.
|
|
Thursday 25th July 2.00 – 4.00pm
|
BUTTERFLY BONANZA
|
Discover the colourful world of butterflies and moths in Glen Muick. Come along and take part in the Big Butterfly Count as well as storytelling and games. Children aged <16 must be accompanied.
Meet at public car park, Ballater
Bring outdoor clothing suited to weather & stout footwear.
|
Booking Essential – Tel: 013397 55059 (Balmoral Estate Rangers)
Free event organised by Balmoral Estate (part of their Nature Explorers children’s event series) & Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Services.
|
|
Friday 9th August 8.00pm – late
|
NIGHT HUNTERS AND THEIR PREY
|
Get up close and personal with bats and moths. Come and dispel all your fears of these intriguing animals. We will also be among lots of people all over the British Isles recording the moths we find to contribute to this year’s national ‘Moth Night’ survey. Children aged <16 must be accompanied.
Bring outdoor clothing suited to weather, stout footwear & torch; sunglasses/wide-brimmed hat (to shield eyes from moth trap light) & midge repellent recommended.
|
Booking Essential – Tel: 013397 55059 (Balmoral Estate Rangers Meeting point in Ballater given on booking.
Free event organised by Aberdeenshire Council & Balmoral Estate Ranger
Services as part of Ballater Victoria Week.
|
|
Saturday August 10th, 2013 21.00pm - till late
|
National Moth Night at St.Cyrus NNR
|
Nearly 500 species of moths have been recorded on the Nature Reserve. Come and see the light traps in action at different habitat locations around the reserve.
The event is free to attend but booking early is essential to avoid disappointment. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
|
Contact the Ranger on: Tel: 01674 830736 or
|
|
Friday 6th September 7.00pm - late
|
BATS, MOTHS & STARS IN THE BIN
|
Discover the nocturnal inhabitants of the Bin Forest, including finding out how to use smelly mixtures and bright lights to attract moths plus bat detectors to locate and identify bats. A local astronomer will also be on hand with a telescope to view the wonders of the night sky (or demonstrate what would otherwise be visible if it is cloudy)! Light refreshments (bat/moth/star - themed of course!) will be provided. Children aged <16 must be accompanied.
Meet at Bin Quarry car park (by former peregrine centre), 4km NW of Huntly on A96
Bring outdoor clothing suited to weather, stout footwear & torch; sunglasses/wide-brimmed hat (to shield eyes from moth trap light) & midge repellent recommended.
|
Booking Essential – Tel: 01466 794161 or
Free event organised by Forestry Commission Scotland & Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Services as part of the Huntly Hairst.
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