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Moth Survey 

Work in the Wood has settled into a routine of maintenance and improvement. The exceptionally dry and warm weather has presented challenges and opportunities. The small pond has dried out completely but this has allowed excess sediment to be dug from the bed so when it refills, the water should be deeper and clearer. The hedge planted in the winter is showing sign of distress as  the young plants have been unable to establish themselves with roots deep enough to seek water. Consequently, volunteers have had to transport water from Peckarman's Wood all the way across to Cox's Walk steps. Hopefully this has saved many of the young plants from succumbing to drought. 

Following on from the Dewey Pond survey in June, on the evening of 23rd August, moth traps were set up in two secure sections of the Wood. The following day, the number and type of moths were recorded and the moths released unharmed. The results were much better than last year's discouraging exercise. This might be due, in part, to new, more efficient sampling traps. Maybe the dry and warm weather has encouraged more moths to take to the wing. 

Anyway, here are the results.




It was good to see a healthier sample this year, especially after last year's very disappointing survey. 



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