About
Join the Friends of Portsdown Hill at Fort Widley for an evening of moth trapping, followed by a reveal the following morning.
Ports-Moth Trapping
The evening of moth trapping will see the Friends of Portsdown Hill set up a Robinson trap and Skinner trap, as well as trying out a white sheet and wine rope to see what species of moth are found on the hill.
The ground can be uneven on the hill so attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing. Take along a torch because it'll be sunset as the event starts and it'll dark when it finishes.
Note, moths know a thing or two; if there is stormy weather, high winds or heavy rain forecast then the event will be cancelled because nothing will be flying.
Meet at the East Gate of Fort Widley where there is limited parking (more is available at the nearby viewpoint).
This event is suitable for over 18s.
Ports-Moth Reveal
Whilst there are quite a few day-flying moths there aren't many night-flying butterflies, so organisers are expecting to find insects with feathered or tapering antennae rather than club-shaped ones, holding their wings flat rather than vertical when at rest.
In fact, the moth:butterfly distinction is more cultural than scientific, and some languages don't even have separate words.
Discover which species of moth were caught in the traps overnight. The Friends of Portsdown Hill will be identifying, comparing, and recording the contents of the Robinson and Skinner moth traps, before safely releasing everything.
There won't be anything if the night was stormy and the event gets cancelled.
Organisers will provide magnifying lenses and have some identification guides so that you can have a closer look.
Meet at the East Gate of Fort Widley where there is limited parking - more is available at the nearby viewpoint.
Both these events are being co-hosted by Cumberland House Natural History Museum.
Opening Times
Ports-Moth (7 Aug 2024 - 8 Aug 2024) | ||
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Day | Times | |
Wednesday | 20:30 | - 22:00 |
Thursday | 09:30 | - 11:00 |