Moth Morning experiences at Arundel Wetland Centre

Eyed hawkmoth just released from after April moth survey pauses on a fence post.

Pale hassock, flame-shouldered and light brocade sounds like a fashion show but these creatures may eat the clothes instead of wear them. They are all types of moths found at Arundel Wetland Centre by Reserve Manage Paul Stevens on his wildlife surveys. The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust monitors all wildlife on site including the moth population. (By the way it’s the moth’s larvae that like to eat fabric.)

Now you can get hands on with nature, helping Paul check the moth traps. Get close up views of these delicate creatures in two special Moth Mornings during Bug Month this June at Arundel Wetland Centre. Whether you are a moth enthusiast or just love nature you will enjoy this unique experience.

Paul Stevens said: “There are a multitude of moths about from micro-moths, day flyers to the large hawkmoths that can fill the palm of your hand.  On the workshop we will unload the moths from the trap placing them temporarily into specimen bottles, ID them, and then set them free.”

The Moth Morning workshops run 9.30-10.30am on Sun 10 June or Sat 23 June. Cost is £7 per person plus admission fee to the wetland centre, free for WWT members. You must book in advance by calling Arundel Wetland Centre on 01903 881530.

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre cares for over 40 species of rare wildfowl from around the world in their Living Collection. The centre also has 8 wildlife hides to watch British wildlife from, a SSSI reedbed which is one of the largest in Sussex and runs guided Wetland Discovery Boat Safaris through wetland habitats. Arundel Wetland Centre is open 7 days a week from 9.30am-5.30pm, located at BN18 9PB. Visit wwt.org.uk/arundel for more information.

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