Marvellous moths and beautiful butterflies 2

Discover an array of moths and butterflies at Bere Marsh Farm

Led by one of Dorset's leading moth experts Jack Oughton, he'll open the moth traps set out the previous evening around the farm. Moths are mostly nocturnal and with over 2500 species in the UK alone, moths are cryptic, amazing, and in some cases highly specialised. Jack’s knowledge is extraordinary, and adults and children alike will gain fascinating insights and facts about the species recorded at this event.  

The CRT's naturist and Community Engagement Manager Nick Dobbs will then take everyone on a one hour guided nature walk around Bere Marsh Farm and the Angela Hughes Nature Reserve, focusing on butterflies, as well as the other wildlife spotted along the way.

We have been monitoring moths and butterflies at Bere Marsh Farm for several years to help us monitor their health and that of their ecosystem overall. A moth trap is the most efficient and effective tool for gathering information about the moth’s community in a humane way, enabling us to make informed decisions about how to manage the land on the farm, such as encouraging floristic diversity within each habitat across the farm to help ensure there is enough food to support as many species as possible.

Moth species presence can provide useful information about the effects of climate change, as well as the biological state of the local environment and its biodiversity. Butterfly Conservation rely on moth enthusiasts sending in records from moth trapping activities to do this research and therefore would not be able to find discoveries on population changes without the help of monitors and their moth traps.

We hope to discover an abundance of moths and butterflies at this enjoyable event. 

Grab a drink and bite at the Buzz Cafe The Buzz Cafe will be open during the event, where you can buy delicious locally sourced sweet treats, hot savouries, ice cream and drinks.

Essential Information:

• Participation Fee £10 per adult / £3 per child / £5 per CRT Friend or volunteer.
• Suitable for adults and children aged 7+.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
• Sturdy waterproof footwear essential. Please dress according to forecast weather conditions on the day.  
• This event is weather dependent and will not go ahead if heavy rain is forecast or has taken place the night before. If possible, participants will be offered an alternative date or a refund.
• No refunds for cancellations (unless cancelled by the CRT).
• Subject to weather, public parking in a specially designated and clearly signed field is available at Bere Marsh Farm.