Hampshire - A Day with Moths, Butterflies & Reptiles (Day Trip)

Throughout spring, summer and autumn a small private nature reserve in Hampshire, nestled between North Baddesley and Chandler's Ford, bustles with life unbeknown to passers-by. By night, a plethora of moth species take to the air and four years of moth-trapping here has revealed exquisite species.

Moths recorded from July to September include the rare Light Crimson and Dark Crimson Underwings, influxes of Jersey Tiger, the shimmering Burnished Brass and migratory species such as Vestal, Dewick’s Plusia and more. From May to July, a variety of impressive hawkmoths can be seen including Elephant, Poplar, Pine, Lime and Privet, as well as the diurnal Hummingbird Hawkmoth, which can turn up at any time throughout the year. During this period the Buff-Tip, one of nature’s wondrous masquerades, can also been seen. In September, autumnal species start to appear with the possibility of such beautiful species as Merveille du Jour, Frosted Orange, Barred Sallow, The Sallow and more visiting the trap. Of course, these are just a few examples of what can turn up, as moth-trapping is unpredictable; nearly 2000 moth species, with varying flight seasons, have been recorded in Hampshire!

During the day we will take time to observe butterflies, of which 36 species have been recorded on site including White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary, while other unique invertebrates include the striking Wasp Spider, Violet Ground Beetle, predatory Glow Worm larvae and more. In addition, several years of reptile monitoring by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group (HIWARG) has found healthy populations of Britain’s four widespread reptiles; Adders, Grass Snakes, Slow Worms and Viviparous Lizards all dwell in the reserve and we will take time to observe and photograph them while collecting records for HIWARG’s database.

While walking around this slice of valuable habitat, raptors such as Peregrine, Kestrel, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk can be seen overhead, while more secretive passerines such Spotted Flycatcher, Firecrest and Marsh Tit occasionally reveal themselves along the wooded edge. An old barn on site has been occupied by nesting Barn Swallows for many years and we will take time to view the nests from a respectable distance should they continue to return.

Small mammals such as Short-tailed Vole and Wood Mouse are regularly seen under the reptile refugia, while signs of Weasel have been found and Water Shrew was seen here for the first time in 2024.

Please note that this is a weather-dependent tour and dates may be rearranged in the event of heavy rain.