![]() Although the area of broadleaved woodland has expanded during the last half century, a lack of management can lead to loss of wildlife. This is surprising and worrying, especially since the causes aren’t clear. This evidence highlights the importance of managing woodland sustainably, but recent research is also indicating other potential reasons for the decline.Ī recent study by Rothamsted Research found that moth numbers have declined more in broadleaved woodlands over the last 50 years than in the other habitats they studied. However two thirds of our moth species are in decline, with woodland species particularly suffering, and even more so, those species that depend on the open areas in woodland – rides, glades, edges, small harvested or coppiced areas. Oak trees alone support around 220 moth species. ![]() Many of these are fully or partly dependent on trees and woodland, with their names often harking back to the forest – Alder Kitten, Oak Hook-tip, Scalloped Hazel. There are around 2,500 species of moths in the British Isles. And of course, their caterpillars are an essential part of the diet of many birds, amphibians, mammals and invertebrates. They are famously food for bats, but not so well known as a tasty snack for hedgehogs, lizards and spiders. ![]() They may have evolved such a kaleidoscope variety of different species to protect themselves from a dauntingly wide range of predators. The Hawk-moths are not seen quite as often, but are stunning when spotted – the vibrant pink of the Elephant, and the green of the Lime (below), or even the spectacular green screaming deathmask of that rare visitor, the Oleander Hawkmoth. The Jersey Tiger (pictured above) is a great example, common enough to be a familiar sight, but still startlingly bright. However when you look more closely, they are beautiful, diverse and fascinating in their colours, patterns, sizes and behaviour. Often overlooked but worth getting to know better, moths have a reputation for being drab – even ugly, according to some – and occasionally unnerving when encountered on night time visits to the bathroom. Kate Tobin, our Local Nature Recovery Strategy Advisor, talks about some of the beautiful moths that can be spotted in Britain and the role of our woodlands in supporting them. ![]()
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