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29 August 2008
Local residents go batty!
Bat and moth evening draws a crowd in Cambourne
Local Cambourne residents were were recently given an insight into the night-time world of bats and moths. Adults and children of all ages visited Oaks Wood in Cambourne to find out more about what these nocturnal creatures get up to during the night.
Around 50 people were treated to a spectacular display of common and soprano pipistrelle bats hunting for insects. They were also able to hear the echolocation calls that bats make to navigate and find their food through the use of bat detectors. Local bat enthusiast David Seilly was on hand to explain more about the bats’ behaviour.
Moth traps were set up in the wood by local moth experts John Dawson, Louise Bacon and Vince Lea, who explained which species of moth in the UK can be found in Cambourne. Moth traps are bright lights that attract the moths down to ground level so they can be seen and recorded. Despite the cold, windy and damp conditions, 22 different moths were recorded, including the large yellow underwing, flame shoulder, square-spot rustic, setaceous hebrew character, mother of pearl, straw underwing and the drinker moth.
The Wildlife Trust holds events in Cambourne every month. For further information and a copy of the programme of events, please email jenny.mackay[at]wildlifebcnp.org or see What's on?.