Discover the variety of butterflies, moths, damselflies and dragonflies of the Loch of Leys Local Nature Conservation Site near Hill of Banchory. This will involve a short (approx. 1.5 miles/2.5km) walk on informal woodland paths and edges of a wetland area, plus opening a light trap set the night before to see moths and a spot of pond dipping!
Event organised in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service for Insect Week 2022.
A field trip to Watch Water Reservoir to see Northern Brown Argus. This will be a circular walk starting at Rawburn Farm, grid ref. NT673561. This is approached by turning west at the crossroads in Longforacus in the heart of the Lammermuir Hills.The ground is a little wet halfway round the walk, so waterproof footwear is advisable, although the walking is not too demanding. We will be stopping for lunch half-way round the walk so bring a packed lunch. We should also see Common Blues at this site with a very outside chance of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
This field trip will take place on 10 July. We will meet up at 10.30 on the top of Soutra hill at the entrance to the Scot Nat. Nature Reserve (grid ref. NT468595). Here regular surveyors of the species will be present to show volunteers round this site to get them accustomed to the species. The site has some steep paths and so is not easy walking. it is advisable to wear sturdy footwear and bring waterproof clothing. A packed lunch is also recommended as wee will stay to have a good look round. Additional species we may see are Dark Green Fritillary and Grayling.
Glasdrum NNR Moth Morning
Sunday 22nd May
Search for and learn about some of the beautiful butterflies and moths of the Cairngorms, a stronghold area for several species. Depending on weather and seasonal variation, these could include Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Green Hairstreak and Emperor Moth, which all have particular habitat requirements. We will open a light trap set the previous night to view and release any moths caught before walking a short circular route to look out for day-flying species.
A small butterfly with a darting flight, widespread in England and Wales, but possibly introduced to one Scottish site during the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Bright orange-brown wings held with forewings angled above hind wings. Males have a thin black line through the centre of the forewing, parallel to the leading edge. Small Skipper is similar but lacks black tips to the antenna (best-viewed head-on) and has longer scent brand, angled to the edge of the forewing.
The Pentland Hills are home to populations of the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly. The Ranger Service at Pentland Hills are running a special survey day for this species on Friday 24th June to look for this lovely species. Click here to visit their website and find out more.
The Pentland Hills are home to populations of the Green Hairstreak butterfly - a species normally found around uplands and peat bogs in Scotland. The Ranger Service at Pentland Hills are running a Green Hairstreak survey day on Tuesday 17th May to look for this lovely species. Click here to visit their website and find out more.
The Pentland Hills are home to populations of the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterfly. The Ranger Service at Pentland Hills are running a special survey day for this species on Tuesday 28th June to look for this lovely species. Click here to visit their website and find out more.
The Pentland Hills are home to populations of the Green Hairstreak butterfly - a species normally found around uplands and peat bogs in Scotland. The Ranger Service at Pentland Hills are running a Green Hairstreak survey day on Friday 6th May to look for this lovely species. Click here to visit their website and find out more.
