Annual Report 2020

THE YEAR IN RAVENSROOST

Brown Hairstreak caterpillar, 2nd May (Jane Deacon) & female, 20th August

1. The Wednesday Team

The team creating the fence extension, 19th Feb. (Kevan Wind)

Autumn view along a secondary ride after scything completed 14th October

Below : Winter view along the main ride, Christmas Eve (Val Macauley)

White Admiral, 23rd June

"Balanced woodland management that incorporates coppicing and ride creation alongside maintaining substantial blocks of mature woodland will benefit woodland specialists that occupy the various niches and successional stages within these habitats..." (Zoe Randle et al., moth article in British Wildlife, 32:3, December 2020, p.203)

The year began with the completion of our section of the coupe (the Wellbeing Team and an independent coppicer also were taking part). Hedge-laying along the byway, the western edge of the coupe, continued. Various tasks continued - scalloping along the north ride and scrub clearance in front of the Island Pond. Geoff's team started a continuation of the hedge-laying along the eastern edge of the wood. Attendance was so good we could split into three teams on 29th Jan - scalloping, hedge-laying and bridleway hedge repairs, and again the following week when we started scalloping around the pond in section Q and hedge-laying along Pink Lane. The oak by the car park was felled by the gales in early February and luckily(!) fell into the meadow not onto the car park, where we tidied it up a bit allowing access to the springy branches which were much enjoyed by children (and adults) from then on. On 19th Feb the team created an extension of the fence along the entrance ride from the car park into the reserve. The last three sessions saw the completion of the hedge-laying along the lane, further bridleway hedge repairs and some hedge-laying there. The last two scheduled sessions (18th and 25th March) were cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown, so the expected scything of the secondary rides (butterfly transect sections 5 - 7) was not done.

Despite the lockdown we still managed 10 work sessions in the first winter period - only one fewer than in 2019 - with a record weekly attendance averaging 15.5 (11.6 last year), with a minimum of 13 and a record maximum attendance of 18 on 5th February.

The second "winter period" began with Tim Tapley's ride scything session on 26th August then the team's normal sessions continued this activity weekly until 7th Oct, by which date the whole length of the main ride was scythed on both sides, and the secondary rides that were not scythed in March were also done. On 23rd Sept Ken could not attend so lacking his scythes we cut trees in the pond (actually dried out) in section Q and lopped woody material along the northern ride. On 14th October the team split, one half scrub-cutting one third of the Newt Pond edge, while the other half commenced the coppicing of the coupe in the north half of section V. On 28th Oct the scrub cutting was completed and the invasive elodea began to be cleared out of the pond, with the help of John Smith's patent two way pond scraper, while the other team continued the coppicing. On 4th November the pond clearing was completed and the coppicing continued. This was the last session before the second lockdown put an end to our activities for the rest of November. On 2nd December we resumed with half the team continuing to coppice while Geoff and Ken led the rest in laying the next section of the hedge between Ravens Retreat and Pink Lane. Both tasks continued during the last session for the year on 9th. I don't normally mention individuals but in this case Helen should be given a gold star for her amazing job of clearing the ditch which greatly improved access for the hedge layers. Unfortunately a combination of wet weather and Covid19 uncertainty put paid to the sessions in the last two weeks before Christmas.

In the autumn session we again managed to do 10 work sessions (not counting Tim's scything day) with a weekly attendance averaging 13.2 (13.6 last year) - min 11 twice, and max 15 on both 16th Sept and 4th Nov. - as we were forced to keep numbers to a max of 15 this was very creditable. I thank those who voluntarily did not attend sessions because to do so would have put the numbers over 15.

I am especially grateful to joint team leaders Jacqui Cockram, Geoff Whittle and Ken Saunders, whose many and varied skills make the team the great success that it is, to first aiders Jacqui, Ken, Anita Horsell, Maurice Watkin, Jane Deacon and Steve Medcraft, and to chain sawyers Trevor Simmonds and Maurice Watkin, also Iain le Duc and Jon Beresford trained as chain sawyers during the year so our team now has four sawyers. Also to all the following who attended sessions during the year - Helen Strike, Hugh Slater, John Durell, Kevan Wind, Maurice Chandler, Steve Davies, Vanessa Goodall, John Theobald, Anita and Adrian Horsell, Heather and Ewen Berry, Caroline and Martin Andrew, Graham Fletcher and Karen Shaw.

During the year Hugh decided his active membership of the work team would cease so on 14th Oct he was presented with a framed certificate and beautifully presented framed collection of seven Ravensroost photographs. Hugh will continue to contribute to the team in other ways.

It is hoped to resume weekly sessions as soon as the public health situation allows.

Other activities in 2020: Special place must be given to the work carried out by Jacqui Cockram - the Wild Service Tree survey she and Steve Davies have been doing, which established the existence of more than 115 WSTs in the wood! Jacqui and Jane have also been active in a successful protection project for the scarce Violet Helleborines, replacing the existing protectors with much improved ones. The number of helleborines reached a new maximum in 2020 : as a result of their work, the Helleborines increased from 10 in 2019 to 22 in 2020 and flowering Helleborines increased from 5 in 2019 to 11 in 2020 (see photo at end of the report). In addition, this year they found 4 Birdsnest Orchids, all of which flowered. Jacqui also set up our Ravensroost team Facebook page at the start of the first lockdown - this still continues - see (13) Ravensroost Volunteer Group | Facebook

Other activities were the Winter bird surveys on 5th March and 27th November, the bird ringing by Simon Tucker and his team, and butterfly transect visits, which were carried out from mid May by permission of both WWT and BC. However the breeding bird survey was not done this year as the lockdown would have prevented visits during the essential April-May song period. This was the first time it hadn't been done since it started in 2011. A Brown Hairstreak egg search was done on 3rd November. Moth trapping in the wood was done on thirteen dates - on 30th Jan. and 18th March, then from 21st May to 31st Oct.

Who knows what the future will bring, but if possible it is hoped regular surveys will be carried out again in 2021.

2. WILDLIFE REPORTS

In the lists of wildlife reports that follow I am grateful to the following for providing reports of sightings and photos: Simon Tucker (ringer), Jacqui Cockram, Steve & Linda Davies, Jane Deacon, Dave & Debbie Gilbert, Graham Goodfellow & Ann Skinner, Sally Hansford, Ellie Jones (WWT), Val Macauley, Peter Sketch, Maurice Watkin, (MO =Many Observers). If no initials given, observer was me.

NB. As this report (and all previous reports) can be added to and amended at any time, being online, please let me know of any mistakes or omissions - I am especially keen to have information of sightings not listed here, maybe of groups other than birds and insects!

A. BIRDS

Colour-ringed Marsh Tit, 23rd March (see above) (D & DG)

Below: Reed Warbler (ST) - a very elusive species at the meadow pond, two of which were trapped by Simon this year, the first for five years..

Above: Siskin (ST) -good numbers were in the wood during September

A. As before all bird records ( apart from those in Simon Tucker's ringing summary) are presented together. Unfortunately as mentioned above there was no breeding bird survey carried out this year due to it coinciding with the first national lockdown so the only surveys included are of winter birds, on 5th March (Late Winter Bird Survey) and 28th November (Early Winter Bird Survey). The results from these and the other casual records are presented below, in the apparently eccentric new taxonomic order dictated by DNA analyses.

By no means all birds seen at Ravensroost in 2020 are included below, just a selection. A = all records in 2020 of the relevant species known to me are listed. Observer's initials used if not myself.

Pheasant Resident. 1 meadow (LWBS) 1 near meadow pond (EWBS)

Canada Goose Vagrant from nearby wetlands. A pair on and over the reserve, 18th Mar. - the first for the reserve A

Mallard Occasional resident, winter visitor. Pair meadow pond (LWBS) & 18th Mar., 20th May (PS)

Teal Vagrant from wetlands. 1 at the meadow pond (EWBS) - the second report, first was in December 2013 A

Cuckoo Almost annual summer resident. 1, 15th Apr (per JaneD), 1, 2nd/21st May (JaneD, RG, SH) A

Moorhen Scarce resident. 1 meadow pond (LWBS) A

Woodcock Winter visitor in very small numbers. 2nd & 11th Feb. (Both MW), 12th Feb. (EJ), 2, 11th Dec. flushed from N. edge of Warbler Meadow - one flew along the edge of, then into, the wood A

Sparrowhawk Resident, not often seen. Seen 26th Feb.

Buzzard Resident. 1 (LWBS)

Barn Owl Resident in Avis and surrounding meadows. Flying over Ravens retreat at 3pm on 9th Dec. Bred successfully in the Avis barn.

Tawny Owl Resident. Heard frequently during mothing sessions, and calling in day, 12th Sept.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Resident. Drumming from 4th Mar., 2 drumming LWBS,, 3 (EWBS)

Green Woodpecker Scarce resident. 1, 30th May (PS), 1, 20th Jul.

Hobby Summer visitor. 1, over, 20th Jul. A

Peregrine Former wanderer, now probably scarce resident. 1 over, 5th Sept. A

Jay Resident. 3 (EWBS)

Raven Resident. Pair present all year

Coal Tit Resident. 2 (EWBS)

Marsh Tit Resident, subject of a long-term colour-ringing project. 1 (LWBS), 1 in song 11th March, a colour - ringed bird seen by D & DG on 23rd Mar. was ringed by ST on 12th Nov. 2019., pair, 7th Apr. (D & DG), 3, 18th Sept., 3, 12th Nov., 1 (EWBS)

Blue Tit Resident. 17 (LWBS), 10 (EWBS)

Great Tit Resident. 7 (LWBS) 5 (EWBS)

Long-tailed Tit Resident. 5 (EWBS)

Willow Warbler Summer resident. First seen, 3, 2nd May (JaneD)

Chiffchaff Summer resident and scarce winter visitor. First record 3 singing, 18th Mar., a ringed bird seen 7th Apr. (D & DG), 4 fledglings, 30th May (PS), 1, singing, 3rd Nov. (a rare occurrence as late as this)

Reed Warbler Rare summer visitor or possibly breeding. Two trapped and ringed, 30th July (ST), the first since 2013-15, during which three years Simon trapped four birds altogether.

Blackcap Summer resident. First record 2, 12th Apr. (D & DG), juv. 7th Jun.

Garden Warbler Summer resident. First record, 1, 2nd May (JaneD), 2, 14th May, 2, meadows, 20th May (PS) 1, wood, 30th May (PS)

Lesser Whitethroat Summer resident. 1, meadows, 21st May

Goldcrest Resident in varying numbers. 1 (LWBS), 1 14th Mar. (S & LD), 1, 18th Sept. , 1, 23rd Nov. (S & LD)

Wren Resident. 2 in song (LWBS) 6 in song (EWBS)

Nuthatch Resident. Song heard from 19th Feb., 2 (LWBS), 10 (EWBS), the highest count ever, and two of them were singing, a rare event in November.

Treecreeper Resident. Seen 26th Feb., 1 (LWBS), 3 in song 11th Mar., 1, 18th/23rd Mar. (RG, D & DG), 1, 12th Apr. (D & DG), 1 (EWBS)

Blackbird Resident. 11 (LWBS) 4 (EWBS)

Fieldfare Winter visitor. c12, 4th Mar., c10, 18th Mar., 5, 12th Nov., c6 19th Nov., 4 (EWBS)

Redwing Winter visitor. c4, song heard, 4th Mar., 1 (LWBS), c5, 12th Nov., c25, 19th Nov., 5 (EWBS)

Song Thrush Resident. 2, in song (LWBS)

Mistle Thrush Resident. 1, 20th May (PS)

Spotted Flycatcher Summer resident, much declined in last 20 years. Probably bred: 3, possibly 4, together at the northern end of the wood from the main ride (one carrying food), 20th Jul., 1, same place, 22nd Jul. ( Although such an elusive summer resident, I consider a pair to breed somewhere in the wood in most, if not all, years) A

Robin Resident. 13 (LWBS) 4 (EWBS)

Chaffinch Resident. 3 (LWBS) 2 (EWBS)

Bullfinch Resident. 2 (EWBS)

(Lesser) Redpoll Mainly winter visitor. 2+, 26th Feb., 1, 4th Nov., 17+, 12th Nov (17 ringed by ST, and more were seen), 2+, 19th Nov., 2 (EWBS), c6, 2nd Dec. , c2 9th Dec. A

Common Crossbill Vagrant. 1 over, 14th Oct. - the third record (first since 30/11/11 & 2 on 28/7/12) A

Siskin Mainly winter visitor. 1, 11th July (a date suggestive of local breeding), 2+, 5th Sept., 8+, 12th Sept., c10, 18th Sept., c8, 28th Sept., 3, 23rd Nov., (S & LD) 1, 2nd Dec. A

Reed Bunting Scarce resident. 1 meadow pond (LWBS)

B. Summary of Simon Tucker's ringing sessions:

I carried out 9 sessions in the coppiced area, with a large gap because of lockdown and, as agreed with the Trust for my own protection, a focus on keeping away from the public. They are now allowing me to put up No Entry signs at the ends of my rides, but I have to keep my nets off the main track. There was the one session on the north side of the bridle path, which caused me all the problems, because of two vandals who, not content with damaging my equipment, tried to get me into trouble with the BTO for being annoyed about it. You might like to know that the police tracked them down and I got £100 compensation. The police made it clear to them that it was either that or a criminal record!

After that, I did four sessions in the pond area, once per month, June to September inclusive.

The catch in the woodlands was: Great Spotted Woodpecker 1; Nuthatch 4(12); Treecreeper 2; Jay 2; Blue Tit 75(91); Great Tit 37(32); Coal Tit 9(11); Marsh Tit 4(8); Long-tailed Tit 5(3); Wren 9(4); Robin 13(7); Redwing 8; Song Thrush 2; Blackbird 7(1); Chiffchaff 6(2); Goldcrest 18(5); Chaffinch 9; Lesser Redpoll 20; Bullfinch 2(1). Totals: 233 birds ringed from 19 species and 177 birds retrapped from 12 species, making 410 birds processed from 19 species. Notably absent from the catch: Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler.

The catch in the pond area was: Treecreeper 1; Jay 1; Blue Tit 7; Great Tit 4(1); Wren 6; Dunnock 7; Meadow Pipit 1; Robin 8(2); Song Thrush 1; Blackbird 3(1); Reed Warbler 2; Blackcap 12; Whitethroat 15; Lesser Whitethroat 6; Chiffchaff 12(1); Willow Warbler 10; Goldcrest 1; Goldfinch 2; Siskin 4; Bullfinch 1. Totals: 104 birds ringed from 19 species and 5 birds retrapped from 4 species, making 109 birds processed from 19 species.

I never thought I would have a year in which I didn't catch a single Garden Warbler in the Ravensroost complex. I am sure that most of this was down to the gap between the end of lockdown and my being able to get back into the wood, i.e. no access to the woodland rides from the end of March until the beginning of October, with the single exception of that vandalised session in mid-July.

We also ringed the four young in the brood of Barn Owls that occupied the dilapidated box in the soon to be demolished Avis Meadows barn. The Trust has erected 4 new Barn Owl boxes around the Ravensroost / Avis Meadows area.

Barn Owl chick, Avis Meadows (ST)

B.LEPIDOPTERA

Purple Hairstreak, 7th July

Butterfly Transect 2020 & other butterfly records

Brown Argus, meadow pond, 12th September

IoA = Index of abundance, figures in brackets are for 2017, 2018 & 2019

++ = Overall increase + = increase over last year = = no change - = Decrease from last year -- = Overall decrease

NB. Dates are for the transect week beginning, not the actual date seen, apart from some records.

Species thought to have been affected by the late start to the transect visits (wb 13^th May, though some values are given for wb 6^th May – and also 23^rd Sept. – by the UKBMS algorithm) are indicated by an * and square brackets round the plus/minus signs.

Increases – 8, decreases – 8, not including 7 species that were more or less affected by the lack of transect visits before May. Very pleasing that White Admiral kept up its presence, though a significant increase is not yet forthcoming! Although down in numbers the Peacock in reality was probably at the same good level as last year given the probable number of hibernators that would have been about in April. On the downside the Speckled Wood and, particularly, the Silver-washed Fritillary had a less than successful year – hopefully in both cases this is not significant.

- Small Skipper Single on 8/7, IoA 1 (0,2,2) - still virtually non existent in the wood since 2016, though found in the meadows - eg. 3 there, 28th June (PS)

(Essex Skipper - none. Only found in 2015 - (0,0,0) - probably not overlooked either, now that Small Skipper is so scarce.)

++ Large Skipper From 20/5 – 15/7, max. 7, 29/7 IoA 31 (11, 15, 20) - unlike the Small Skipper obviously on the steady increase here.

[--] *Brimstone From 6/5 – 2/9, max. 10, 29/7 IoA 26 (57,61, 43) - the lowest ever result, though presumably some missed from the early season. First seen 23rd Mar. (D & DG)

[-] *Large White From 17/6 – 5-8, max. 5, 15 & 22/7 IoA 21 (14, 97, 26) – presumably some early individuals missed.

[++] *Small White From 6/5 – 9/9, max. 12, 29/7 IoA 54 (10, 43, 13) – would have been even more in a normal season of visits. The best year since at least 2013.

[+] *Green-veined White From 6/5 – 9/9, IoA 78 (69,122, 43) – with April visits even better figures probably. A good year.

[--]*Orange Tip Two singles, 6/5 & 13/5, IoA 2 (39,27, 42) – as elsewhere, this is the species most affected by the late start to transecting, frustrating after last year’s good showing. Also reported 4th April (VM), 3, 7th Apr. (D & DG), 20th May (PS)

++Brown Hairstreak Two singles, 5/8 & 26/8, IoA 2 (0,1,0) In addition another was probably flying in an ash tree in section 4 on 5/8 but it didn’t settle to confirm ID. The best IoA since 2016 when there were also 2. Several more were reported by our team and other observers, including a popular female at the eastern edge of the wood on 20th Aug. An exciting find was the first ever BH caterpillar to be found in the reserve by Jane Deacon on 2nd May. By contrast egg searches in both winter periods were poor with just 69 in 2019-20 and 75 in 2020-21, each only one third of the number found in the 2018-19 winter.

- Purple Hairstreak From 24/6 – 29/7, Max. 3, 22 & 29/7, IoA 13 (6, 60, 18)

-(White-letter Hairstreak No definite sightings for the transect – there was one probable flying round the main Wych Elm in section 1 on 26^th June, but not seen perched. Other observers reported up to 2 mainly in sections 1 and 2 (0,5,2)

(Brown Argus None on transect. Only one ever seen on transect - in 2018. (0,1,0). Some sightings outside the wood, especially at the meadow pond this year.)

- (Common Blue None seen this year. (8,9,2) – never a common species on transect, some are probably vagrants from the meadows.)

[-] *Holly Blue From 8/7 – 19/8, max. 2, 22/7 IoA 5 (6,7,9) - with some first generation sightings it could have been an average or even better than average year.

++ White Admiral From 10/6 – 22/7, max. 10, 24/6, IoA 24 (22,23,19) – The best year since 2016 – just! Also a good year at Somerford Common nearby so this gives hope the species may be on the up…?

+ Red Admiral From 10/6 – 9/9, max. 3, 15/7, IoA 14 (26,5,11)

-(Painted Lady None this year. (0,0,3)

[+] *Small Tortoiseshell A single on 10/6, IoA 1 (1,2,0) – with April visits maybe more might have been seen, but they are always very rare here – the previous recent best year was 2015 with just 5. First seen 23rd Mar. (D & DG)

[-] *Peacock From 8/7 – 12/8, max. 14, 22/7, IoA 38 (15,18, 52) – with April visits last year’s total might have been reached or even perhaps exceeded. Seems to have had a resurgence in the wood in the last three years. First seen 23rd Mar. (D & DG)

[-] *Comma From 17/6 – 9/9, max. 7, 8/7, IoA 23 (40,26,26) - pretty even results over the years, but as with the Peacock, may have exceeded the last two years’ totals if we had visited in April. First seen 23rd Mar. (D & DG)

-- Silver-washed Fritillary From 17/6 – 19/8, max. 22, 24/6, IoA 92 (127,142, 140) One Valesina female was seen, on 11th July – sadly the total dropped below 100 for the first time since 2016, hopefully just a blip.

(Marsh Fritillary - a probable seen in the meadow, 22nd May, by David Garwood was the first here for decades.)

[--] *Speckled Wood From 6/5 – 23/9, max. 25, 19/8, IoA 161 (242,256,195) - a further decline but a few of the first brood may of course have been missed. It didn’t feel a good year however as they were so strung out through the season. First report, 12th Apr. (D & DG)

- Marbled White A single on 22/7, IoA 1 (3,3,3) - also 1 on 28th June (PS) - all probably vagrants from the meadows, where 10, incl. a mating pair were seen on 28th June (PS)

- Gatekeeper From 8/7 – 26/8, Max. 15, 29/7, IoA 50 (32,33,77)

+ Meadow Brown From 27/5 – 26/8, max. 204, 17/6, IoA 689 ( 1055, 370, 481) - But for the astonishing total in 2017 this would have been the best year so far.

- Ringlet From 17/6 - 19/7, max. 70, 1/7, IoA 172 (253,200,188) - it looks like the increase from 2017 is here to stay (totals all less than 100 before that year).

Valesina female Silver -washed Fritillary, 11th July 2020

Moths

Orange Moth, dark form corylaria, 31st May

Forty-three species new to Ravensroost Wood were trapped in 2020, bringing the total for the reserve list to 432. All of these are listed below. It was an average year for moths generally, though unlike last year most of the wood's specialities were seen, surprisingly, as there was a gap of two months in the spring when we could do no mothing.

Hundreds of species of moth are present in Ravensroost Wood throughout the year, and there isn't space to list all those that were seen, very largely during moth trapping sessions carried out in the first two or three hours of darkness by Jacqui Cockram, Jane Deacon, Helen Strike and myself using two portable Heath traps and nets. Those listed are all the new species for the reserve found this year, plus some of the other most significant residents, a fair number of which are specialist species, not normally found in garden or urban areas, and are scarce or declining nationally, and two of which were new for the relevant ten kilometre square SU08.

In the list of selected moths below new species for the wood are labelled and underlined. Common micros and a few macros new for the reserve but otherwise very common and perhaps overlooked or ignored previously are listed at the end without comment.

In Agazziz order:

Merveille du Jour 31st Oct.

Phyllonorycter muelleriella, new for Ravensroost, 2nd Aug.

Micros:

NEW 15.042 Phyllonorycter muelleriella (2nd Aug.) - the most controversial moth of the year heads the list! It isn't in fact a difficult species to identify with an adequate photo, but its apparent rarity in Wilts (c.6 previous records) means it is unlikely to be accepted without a specimen - impossible in a SSSI. In the end its identification was verified by an independent observer - one Steffen Kjeldgaard on the Micro-moths UK Facebook page. Not really a surprising species for Ravensroost as it is an oak specialist, found not that far away in the Welsh Marches.

NEW 17.008 Ypsolopha alpella (30th June) - another local oak specialist

NEW 45.037 Dusky Plume Oidaematophorus lithodactyla (16th July) - a local moth feeding on Fleabane

NEW 49.215 Ancylis achatana (30th June) - a local moth feeding on many species of the rose family

NEW 62.005 Lesser Wax Moth Achroia grisella (21st Sept.) - we nearly didn't pot this thinking it was a caddisfly! It is a local, possibly declining moth normally found in beehives, feeding on the old wax! In this case surely it is using wild bee or even wasp nests as substitutes - nevertheless just about the least likely moth for the Ravensroost list! [Then again as its cousin the Wax Moth has been found feeding on plastic bags (!) maybe it is in the wood after discarded poo bags!!!] Just shows what an extraordinary group moths are.

NEW 62.077 Endotricha flammealis (16th July) - a local moth that feeds on decaying leaves

NEW 63.063 Scoparia basistrigalis (15th June) - a local moth feeding on mosses

Figure of 80, first for Ravensroost 31st May

Geometers etc. :

NEW 65.010 Figure of 80 (31st May) - A not rare early summer moth (surprisingly not recorded here before) not in the least related to the similarly named Figure of 8, which is much more scarce but was also seen this year, flying in October. An aspen & poplar feeder that has increased its range nationally by 32% in 50 years.

65.014 Oak Lutestring (18th Aug. & 3rd Sept.) - Seen twice this year, three on the first date and a minimum of 29 on the latter! Ravensroost is the most (only?) reliable place in Wiltshire for this species. Yet they feed on that most common of trees the oak - only in ancient oakwoods though. Has declined by 97% since 1970 and in distribution by 60%. One of 25 species of "macro" in the UK classified as "Endangered" - so a very important member of the reserve's lepidoptera. Wilts status "rare".

66.002 Pale Eggar (18th Aug. & 3rd Sept.) - one on first date and 21 on the latter! feeds on birches, hawthorns etc. Has declined by 89% since 1970, and in distribution by 57% - classified as "Vulnerable" in UK along with 21 other species.

69.003 Poplar Hawk-moth (21st May) - one of the very few Hawk-moths we have recorded in the wood - only 4 species are on the reserve list, including the day flying migrant Humming-bird Hawk. This was the first Poplar Hawk reported since 2011 at least. Feeds on poplars, aspens and willows.

NEW 70.012 Treble Brown-spot (14th June) - surprised to find it not on the list even though I feel sure it has been trapped in the wood before (not by us) - it is a local species that feeds on withered and dying Ivy leaves apparently! It is much increased in both distribution and abundance since 1970.

70.031 Mocha (2nd Aug.) - a nationally scarce species that has declined by 71% in its national distribution, but judging by the regularity that we have trapped it locally, it is doing well in this area. Feeds on Field Maple.

NEW 70.087 Purple Bar (2nd Aug.) - supposedly common but I suspect not so in this area as it doesn't like heavier clay soils - feeds on Bedstraws - has declined by 19% in its distribution

70.104 Devon Carpet (18th Aug.) - Two second brood individuals. Ravensroost is the only (known) colony in the county north of the Kennet and Avon Canal - a nationally scarce species that is rapidly increasing and spreading out of its West Country HQ - first found by our team in Ravensroost in 2017, again seen in 2018, but missed last year. Feeds on Marsh Bedstraw. Wilts status "very local".

70.114 Small Yellow Wave (16th July) - a Field Maple feeder, not recorded for over a decade here.

70.123 Tissue (3rd Sept.) - our first since one in 2018 which was the first ever at Ravensroost. A local species that is sparsely distributed in only 332 ten KM squares in the UK. Perhaps surprisingly its biology resembes that of the Brimstone butterfly in that it feeds on buckthorns and has a single brood that hibernates and emerges in the early spring, though in the moth's case they hibernate in caves (?in Wiltshire?)

70.160 White-spotted Pug (18th Aug.) - a "near threatened" species along with 57 other macros - has declined by 71% since 1986. Feeds on the developing fruits of umbellifers, among other things

NEW 70.212 Sharp-angled Peacock (2nd Aug.) - a local moth that feeds on willows, Blackthorn etc. We are on the NE limit of its range. Interestingly the reserve list includes the very similar Peacock Moth - a rarer species - recorded over a decade ago.

70.230 Orange Moth (31st May) - One of the dark corylaria form, normally rarer but seems if anything the commoner of the two here. A local species that doesn't appear in any adjacent ten kilometre square to the Ravensroost/Somerford Common one. Feeds on many plants but nearly always confined to ancient woodlands. Range has shrunk by 77% in 50 years. Our first since 2018. Wilts status "very local".

70.247 Pale Brindled Beauty (30th Jan.) - 16 trapped - despite its severe decline (83%) this is another species, like quite a few Ravensroost moths, that is a generalist feeder and not restricted to woodland or even rural areas - it has decreased in number but not really in distribution - climate change? My first ever, though not a first for the wood, trapped by Mark Taylor in 2012. Anyway Ravensroost is obviously an important site for it.

70.253 Spring Usher (30th Jan) - 21 trapped - a lovely name for a beautiful and incredibly varied late winter moth that is another species at risk - having declined in distribution by 61% and in abundance by 49% since 1970. It feeds on Oaks and prefers long established oak woodland like Ravensroost. Because we trapped so many, we were able to appreciate the extremely distinct varieties ranging from very well marked and striking to the relatively plain, all flying together in the same wood.

70.255 Dotted Border 1, 5th Feb. flew into a hard hat! Another daytime record of this nationaly declining species.

70.256 Mottled Umber (31st Oct.) - I think the first we have trapped in the wood but we have seen the odd one during the daytime and also the caterpillar. Yet another common species that has declined severely in the last half century - by 86% in this case. Feeds on many different tree and shrub species. As in the Winter Moth but not the November Moth, has flightless females.

NEW 70.264 Satin Beauty (14th June) - Two trapped - a surprise because it is mainly a conifer feeder, though apparently also will feed on oaks etc. Like many conifer specialists it has increased in the UK over the last century with the many plantations. I am uncertain whether it is a newcomer or has perhaps been overlooked in the past. It has been known from nearby Somerford Common, a large conifer plantation, since 1990, although the recently published moth atlas doesn't show it as occurring in this or any adjacent 10 km square in Wilts (up to and including 2016.) - it seems the compilers overlooked the Somerford records. Wilts status "local in South Wilts" - implying rare or not found in North Wilts?

70.268 Pale Oak Beauty (31st May) - not recorded here for a decade or more, a local species feeding on many woodland trees and shrubs, right on the north west edge of its range in North Wilts.

70.272 Square Spot (30th June) - a reserve speciality, it has declined in distribution nationally by 56% since 1990 and is classified as local, last seen at Ravensroost in 2017, feeding on most woodland trees, I nearly overlooked it for an Engrailed, only finding it when I was about to let it go in the morning!

72.017 Vapourer (16th Aug.,28th Sept.)- like the next species flies day and night searching for the females, that are wingless in this species

72.029 Scarlet Tiger (26th June, 7th July(2), 11th July) - earlier appearance than last year for this brightly coloured moth that flies by day and night

NEW 72.043 Buff Footman (2nd Aug.) - possibly confused with Dingy Footman in the past - a formerly local moth that feeds on Lichens and algae, has increased exponentially in the last 50 years probably due to cleaner air and warming climate, and has expanded its range from Southern England all the way up to Southern Scotland.

NEW 72.046 Scarce Footman (30th June) - It has increased by 629% since 1970 and by 201% in distribution! Like all its genus it eats algae and lichens - they are all on the increase presumably because of the cleaner air encouraging lichen growth.

72.084 Mother Shipton (20th & 30th May) - This local day-flying moth was seen in the meadows by Peter Sketch and RG, a fairly rare occurrence here.

Figure of 8, 6th October

Noctuids:

73.033 Figure of 8 (6th Oct.) - 3 trapped. Found in most of England and east Wales but not Scotland - has decreased however by 96% in abundance and 70% in distribution in the last 50 years and this decline seems to be increasing - However I had one in my garden in 2016 and another couple this year. Feeds on many species of the pear and plum families so not a specialist - it just seems to have declined perhaps due to over-zealous hedge cutting by farmers and others. Wilts status "very local".

73.046 Poplar Grey (21st May) - surprisingly a moth not recorded at Ravensroost since at least 2011. Has increased in the last 50 years especially in distribution - by 110%.

73.048 Small Yellow Underwing (21st May) - in meadow - the first record for the reserve of this local and declining day flying moth was in 2013 (RG/JaneD)

73.065 Sprawler (31st Oct.) - The range of this mainly southern moth has contracted by one third in 50 years while the abundance has declined by 85%. Feeds on a wide variety of woodland trees and shrubs. The caterpillar moves about in a way that gives the species its name. Wilts status "rare".

73.181 Pink-barred Sallow (21st Sept.) - a stunning sallow - it is particularly associated with the newt pond - this night there were two there but another at the delta broke the rule. Never had 3 before. Range is expanding but abundance is declining in the UK. Larvae feed on sallow and poplar catkins, then move onto docks etc.

73.215 Lesser Spotted Pinion (16th July) - rare in Wilts and have declined drastically all over the UK because of Dutch Elm Disease - the new moth atlas does not show them as present in the relevant ten kilometre square (up to 2016), and only records them in 339 squares nationally. We first trapped them here in 2018.

73.220 Minor Shoulder-knot (30th June, 16th July) - 4 on first date, single on latter - a much declined local species- by 90% since 1970, and also distribution declining by 43%, feeding on willows and aspen

73.224 Merveille du Jour (21st Sept. & 31st Oct.) - Two singles. 21st Sept. was quite early in its season - a much appreciated autumn stunner, that we missed here last year. Has expanded its distribution by 68% in the last half century, though no more abundant than in the past. Unlike many Ravensroost noctuid moths it feeds on just one family of trees - the oaks.

73.253 Feathered Gothic (3rd Sept.) - after a blank year last year it was delightful to trap five of these - a truly attractive species. Feeds on hard-bladed grasses. Has declined by 54% in abundance and 37% in distribution since 1970.

NEW 73.327 Dark Sword Grass (14th June) - a migrant that will have come from the south like the Painted Lady and Silver Y. I have only seen a couple before, both at Stanton Park in the autumn - a much more normal season to see them. They feed on herbaceous plants but not known which. They have declined a lot in abundance - by 75% since 1970. They are unable to survive our winter so are in a similar situation as the Painted Lady.

Others new for the reserve: 10.003 Coptotriche marginea 31st May, 12.032 Tinea semifulvella 31st May, 12.037 Monopis weaverella 31st May, 32.039 Depressaria daucella 3rd Sept., 35.028 Brachmia blandella 16th July, 35.151 Carpatolechia proximella 21st May, 37.049 Pistol Case-bearer Coleophora anatipennella 15th June, 41.003 Blastobasis lacticolella 30th June, 44.001 20-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla 16th July, 49.061 Acleris holmiana 2nd Aug., 49.062 Acleris forsskaleana 30th June, 49.097 Cochilymorpha straminea 21st May, 49.158 Hedya ochroleucana 31st May, 49.216 Ancylis mitterbacheriana 21st May, 49.231 Epinotia brunnichana 16th July, 49.255 Epinotia nisella 21st Sept., 49.266 Eucosma hohenwartiana 16th July, 62.034 Acrobasis repandana 16th July, 62.038 Acrobasis consociella 16th July, 63.016 Anania fuscalis 21st May, 63.034 Udea prunalis 30th June, 63.086 Crambus lathoniellus 31st May, 70.147 Slender Pug 16th July, 70.190 Grey Pug 31st May, 73.001 Spectacle 31st May, 73.101 Treble Lines 21st May, 73.187 Brown-spot Pinion 21st Sept., 73.189 Red-line Quaker 6th Oct., 73.325 Shuttle-shaped Dart 2nd Aug.