Moth-ing Break. Speyside, Cairngorms and Moray Dunes
5th – 12th August 2023
A week long moth recording holiday in Speyside targeting the area’s rare and scarce species.
The focus of the trapping will be the region's special moths and quality macro species on the wing at this time of the year will include:
Yellow-ringed Carpet, Grey Mountain Carpet, Chestnut-coloured Carpet, Northern Spinach, Beech-green Carpet, Small Autumnal Moth, Twin-spot Carpet, Heath Rivulet, Barred Carpet, Golden-rod Pug, Manchester Treble-bar, Dark Bordered Beauty, Dotted Carpet, Scotch Annulet, Grey Scalloped Bar, Dark Tussock, Gold Spangle, Scarce Silver Y, Lempke's Gold Spot, Anomalous, Haworth's Minor, Large Ear, Crinan Ear, Confused, Northern Arches, Golden-rod Brindle, Angle-striped Sallow, Grey Chi, Portland Moth, Coast Dart, Barred Chestnut, Northern Rustic, Great Brocade, Northern Dart, Plain Clay, Cousin German and many, many more.
Other lepidopteran interest is provided by the Scotch Argus butterfly which will also be on the wing.
The week is based in at the incredible Muckrach Castle (www.muckrachcastle.co.uk) which is close to Grantown on Spey. Trapping sessions have been arranged at RSPB Insh Marshes, The Cairngorms, Caledonian Forest and Moorland in Speyside and a dune site on the Moray Firth. Equipment is provided but moth-ers are encouraged to bring their own also. In addition to the organised sessions, guests will be free to trap nightly at the accommodation which is in an excellent rural location. Be aware that guests will need their own transport to get to and from moth-ing sessions and are free to explore the local area at leisure. The accommodation basis is self-catering and the castle is equipped with everything required for guests to provide for themselves. There are also several excellent pubs, restaurants and shops in Grantown and the surrounding area.
Local birding is legendary with Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Red Grouse, Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Scottish Crossbill, Parrot Crossbill, Snow Bunting and Crested Tit. Advice and guidance will be available for anybody who would like to see the local avian specialities.
Other species of interest which may be seen include: Northern Emerald, White-faced Darter, Northern Damselfly and Creeping Ladies Tresses. Also, we may encounter some of the more interesting local mammal’s such as Red Squirrel and Otter. Pine Marten is nocturnally present in the pine forest so there must be a very small chance of encountering one during a moth-ing session.
Prices:
Double Room: £600
Bed in Twin £400
Contact
Chris Wilkinson 07793473017
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