On Saturday 28th July the Society held a moth identification workshop.   The morning was once again hosted by Brian and Val Woodruffe who welcomed 13 people to the event and kindly provided light refreshments.
Former member Liz Brotherstone travelled up from her home in Devon to lead the workshop and Committee member Len Knowles contributed his expertise to help Liz with identifying the 197 moths which we were able to recover from the traps.
Three moth traps had been set on the Friday evening and fortunately the weather was calm enough to allow for plenty of activity.  We identified 41 different species and enjoyed close up and personal viewings using the Society’s magnifying specimen pots.
Many of the common species were identified, 46 Common Rustics and 26 Large Yellow Underwing but it was also pleasing to find 5 Copper Underwing and the Lesser Yellow and Least Yellow Underwing and the Lesser Broad Boardered Yellow Underwing.
The Large Ear was a new one for me and although we had an Early Thorn, my favourite, the Canary Shouldered Thorn was not present on this occasion. 
We thank all those who supported this event and it was good to see Rosie (6yrs) enjoying using the magnifiers to watch the moths.
Please remember that the moth traps, specimen pots and ID Books/cards are available for members to borrow.  Anyone wanting to host a moth event or just to try out for themselves can make a request by contacting the Society or any Committee Member who will give assistance.

Saturday 30 June - Guided walk around Priory Meadow
 
A group of 20 Society members braved the hot weather and met at the entrance to Priory Meadow. Geoff Wilkinson of PENCON (Penwortham Conservation) gave us a brief introduction to the development of the site, the work carried out by volunteers and details of species that were likely to be seen on our walk.
Our first sighting was of two young kestrels, who had flown the nest the previous day. They could be seen practicing their flying and hovering skills and were in beautiful, pristine condition.
Geoff then guided us around the reserve, looking in ponds, woods and in long meadow grass. We saw a range of species, listed below:

Venue: Dean Clough Reservoir
Date: Monday 21st May
​Weather: Dry

​A small group of 6 met at a junction on Parsonage Road. We then walked through a field towards the Reservoir, once at the Reservoir we walked anti clockwise around it following the path the whole way around. The rain stayed off for us and we had a variety of bird life around. Just before reaching the end of the walk we got to view the sun starting to set over the water. 

​Venue: White Coppice
Date: Monday 7th May 2018
Weather: Fine Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 23

A party of 23 met at White Coppice for the popular annual Cuckoo Walk.
Walked south down the Valley scouring the sloping hillside for any movement. At a stile over The Goit gave way to a Cycleway that led back to White Coppice.
Some of the group relaxed in The Red Lion Wheelton for a a well deserved drink

Venue: Frodsham River Weaver
Date: Saturday 5th May 2018
Weather: Fine Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 7 +2


A party of seven members parked down Marsh Lane at the bottom of Frodsham's main road and walked over the M56. Two bird watchers started talking to us and asked if they could join us so continued down a track then turned right.
There were birds everywhere singing and flying around. We were told about a Black Restart at the top of the track. We searched for it and eventually found it using the natural cover of a tree and scrub. It would fly down to the track then perch on a barbed wire fence.
Continued on a path that led to the River Weaver and we followed it to sit down for lunch opposite the famous Weaver Bend.
ConinueD along the river and eventually passed under the M56 then along the edge of a Housing estate. Came to the main Street and I pointed out some older houses that were sat on Red Sandstone and the newer road had been cut through the Sandstone.
It was a lovely day but a trifle warm.
We took 5 hours to walk 5 miles.
3 of us sat outside The Stretton Fox for a well deserved Shandy.