We recently had the pleasure of hosting author and moth expert David C G Brown to the forest for a second moth survey .
Frith Wood Moth Survey. June 2024.
A moth survey took place in Frith Wood on the nights of 21st and 22nd June 2024
when 4 light traps were operated in different sections of the woodland.
Over 50 species of macro moth were recorded, many of which were plentiful reflecting a healthy diverse woodland with sound management.
A wide range of moth species were noted including particularly high numbers of Great Oak Beauty, a Nationally Scarce species (found in less than 100 ten Kilometre squares in the UK) which is reliant on Oak. Other Oak related species observed were – Blotched Emerald and Brindled White-spot,both of which are Nationally Local (found in less than 300 ten Kilometre Squares in the UK). Frith Wood contains important stands of Aspen (poplar) which support the recently established UK species, Ringed Border, noted together with other poplar dependant species,Poplar Hawk-moth, Poplar Grey and Poplar Lutestring.
Damper sections of woodland containing Alder and Goat Willow revealed associated moths including
Clouded Border,Minor Shoulder-knot and Sharp-angled Peacock. Frith Wood also contains important open-woodland areas where Buff Arches and Peach Blossom, both Bramble specialists were found.
A surprise species recorded was the Delicate,formerly an immigrant from Mediterranean regions and now possibly in early stage colonisation within Frith Wood where the larvae require grasses growing in open rides and clearings within the woodland complex.
In summary the survey illustrated a good moth population to be present,which reflects a healthy
and diverse appropiately managed woodland
