Biodiversity and trees

Moths to see in Spring

(Butterfly Conservation)

Includes:

• Oak Beauty (woodland, from late February)
• Ruby Tiger (woodland clearings)
• Large Red-belted Clearwing (light woodland with birches, especially where coppicing or felling has recently taken place, from mid-May)
• Shoulder Stripe (wild rose)
• Lichen Button (micro-moth that lives in oak trees)
• Pine Beauty (pine and sallow, from late February)
• Red Sword-grass (wet woodland, from March)
• Brimstone Moth (from April)
• Emperor Moth (hedgerows and woodland rides)

Willow Emerald Damselfly

Willow Emerald Watch is a project by the British Dragonfly Society to understand the spread of this species since 2009.

"Willow Emerald Damselfly females lay eggs into the bark of trees; these eggs overwinter and then with the coming of spring they hatch and the larva falls into the water below. Therefore, also look out for the scars left behind by egg laying females on the branches of trees, particularly Willows and Alders, though a very wide range of species can be utilised. The presence of egg scars can be used to record the species even during the winter months, giving the most recent breeding season year as the date of the record."

TMA Fungi

Includes a fungi photo gallery and a tree list to help identify wood-decay fungi according to the species of tree and where they are growing.

Guide to Lichens on Twigs

(Natural History Museum)

Interactive identification guide developed by Natural History Museum scientists.


"This site provides a user-friendly guide to over 60 lichens which can be found growing on twigs, as well as the data underlying the app. With the help of our fully illustrated multi-access key we hope you will find identification of these unique organisms easy and fun. Lichens are extremely sensitive to pollution and are natural indicators of the health of our environment."

Let's Learn About ... Lichens

(PlantLife)

Basics of what Lichens are with several activities aimed at engaging 7-11 year olds.

British Lichen Society

Charity for the conservation and study of lichens:

• promoting the teaching and study of lichens;
• conserving lichens and their habitats;
• highlighting the beauty and importance of lichens.

Links checked: 8th December 2023.