The Knoll Gardens Foundation (Reg Charity 1159390), is dedicated to achieving a better understanding of the balance between Knolls naturalistic ethos and the gardens wildlife.
Our charity volunteers conduct moth surveys using monthly overnight traps from February to October, when weather permits. The species are recorded, the data collated and sent to the Dorset Environmental Records Office to help build a picture of the county’s moths. The moths are carefully released after identification.
Day flying moths are also spotted in the gardens eg the Silver Y moth, the Mint moth, the Green Longhorn moth, Hummingbird and Elephant Hawkmoth.
Our moth gallery helps explain how some moths gain their common names with their often eye-catching, distinctive wing patterns and shape. It also describes their caterpillar food plants, how they pupate and when they are on the wing. We have included some spectacular looking caterpillars too which we have spotted in the gardens.
The wide range of moths seen is a reflection of the varied habitats close to and within the gardens, its sustainable approach to its maintenance and the “right plant, right place” ethos where plants become well established in their ideal growing conditions. As our records build, we gain an idea of how the trees, herbaceous perennials, lichens, plant debris, native plants and grass support these important pollinators throughout their life cycle. Our wildlife survey co-ordinator, Mitch Perkins’ interesting summary of some Summer/Autumn Moth traps may be found here.
https://www.knollgardens.co.uk/foundation/research/
With grateful thanks to Mitch Perkins, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Mark Spencer and Pam Field from Bournemouth Natural Science Society for their moth survey work, assisting with naming and describing these marvellous moths and to our staff and volunteers who also contributed images to this gallery!
