Changes in macro-moth abundance on the Writtle College estate, 1968-1993
Table 3. Priority species recorded since 1984 and the current status
of their habitats on the Writtle College estate
Trapping in conjunction with Rothamsted Research Station recommenced in 2000 although the trap
is located in a different position. It is hoped that there will be additions to the species list of the
College estate. The Rothamsted survey has collected moth records for many years in the countryside
and through standardised trap design, trends in moth populations can be ascertained. However, no
other national or regional survey has been devised and the creation of such as scheme would be of
immense benefit to moth conservation.
Acknowledgements
Thanks must be extended to the Rothamsted Research Station and various staff at Writtle College
for the collection and analysis of thousands of moths over the 23 years.
References
FIRMIN, J., BUCK, F.D., DEWICK, AJ., DOWN, D.C, HUGGINS, II.C, PYMAN, GA & WILLIAMS,
E.F. (1975) A guide to the butterflies and larger moths of Essex. Colchester: Essex Naturalists' Trust.
JOY, J & BOURN, N. (2000) Butterfly conservation regional action plan for Anglia. Colchester: British
Butterfly Conservation Society.
NEATE, D.J.M.. (1979) Wildlife and landscape survey. Writtle: Writtle College.
SELLERS, E.K. & FIELD, R.G. (1997) Butterfly monitoring survey 1996. Writtle: Writtle College.
SKINNER, B. (1998) The colour identification guide to moths of the British Isles (second edition). London:
Viking.
STACE, C. (1997) New flora of the British Isles (second edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
WARING, P. (1994) Moth traps and their use. British Wildlife 5: 137-148.
YOUNG, M. (1997) The natural history of moths. London: T & A D Poyscr Ltd.
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 18 (2001)
145