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22 May 2004 - 31 Dec 2004 Celebrating Moths in Royal Fashion Regent's Park National Moth Night, Britain's annual celebration of moths, takes place on Saturday 22 May 2004 and will be marked by a special event in The Regent's Park. Henry VIII originally established The Regent's Park as a hunting ground, so London moth enthusiasts will be following in royal footsteps by continuing the hunting tradition - though no animals will be harmed or killed on National Moth Night and the prey will be a little different from King Henry's quarry! Experts from Butterfly Conservation will give an introduction to the fascinating world of moths, followed by a practical demonstration of techniques used to catch moths. These include: - Light trapping: Special traps will be used that allow moths to be caught, examined and released unharmed. - Sugaring: A sticky sugar solution which attracts moths will be painted onto nearby trees or posts. The event is free and is open to members of the public. Booking is essential as numbers are limited. Phone 020 7486 7905 for further information and to book places. Mark Tunmore, National Moth Night co-ordinator, comments 'This is a fantastic time of year to hold National Moth Night as there are so many colourful species on the wing, including the spectacular hawk-moths. One of the great things about this event is that you just don't know what is going to turn up - the rarest moth may well come from an urban garden or park.' The Royal Parks are very important for wildlife both regionally and nationally, and are home to several rare and threatened species. Many species of butterfly and moth have been recorded in The Regent's Park, and it is hoped that some species new to the Park will be recorded on National Moth Night. Moth enthusiasts are being asked to record all the moths they see on National Moth Night and send the results in as part of Britain's annual moth survey. This can be done via the website www.nationalmothnight.info or by post to Dept. NMN, Butterfly Conservation, Manor Yard, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QP. The website also contains full details of how to take part, a programme of public events around the country and how to make a moth-trap. Source: The Royal Parks The Royal Parks Press Office, T: 0207 298 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk Editor's notes: Some facts about moths - Well over 2500 species have been recorded in the British Isles. - Some of these are migrants that may have flown from as far away as Africa. - Moths are an important part of the ecosystem, being an important foodsource for bats and birds, as well as assisting with pollination. - Most moths only live a few days, but some hibernating species may live as long as 8 months. - Moths are an important indicator of the health of the countryside. - Many of our native moths are threatened by habitat loss, climate change and pesticides. - The most recent species to become extinct in the British Isles was the Essex Emerald, which was last seen in 1991. - The Death's-head Hawk-moth is an annual immigrant to this country that weighs as much as a mouse and is able to squeak by forcing air through its proboscis. - Contrary to popular belief, less than 0.5% of British moth larvae feed upon clothes. Organisers Butterfly Conservation is the UK charity taking action to save butterflies, moths and their habitats. Website: www.butterfly-conservation.org The Royal Parks manages 5000 acres of historic parkland for recreation, wildlife and heritage. Website: www.royalparks.gov.uk Atropos is the popular British journal for butterfly, moth and dragonfly enthusiasts, published three times a year and available for an annual �18.00 subscription from Atropos, 36 Tinker Lane, Meltham, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 4EX. Website: www.atropos.co.uk Contacts - Emily Funnell, London and SE Regional Officer, Butterfly Conservation. Mobile 07960 390167. Email efunnell@butterfly-conservation.org - Nick Biddle, Royal Parks. Mobile 07970 636541. Images Moth images are available from Emily Funnell on request. Sponsors National Moth Night 2004 has been sponsored by British Wildlife Publishing, Cell Creative and the John Spedan Lewis Foundation. Prizes have been donated by Anglian Lepidopterist Supplies, Atropos Books and Harley Books. |
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