Course: Moths and Moth Trapping for Beginners

In this beginner moth course you can delve into the night-time world! Find out more about British moths and how to identify them.

Moths are attractive, diverse and abundant. There are 2,500 species in Britain and Ireland, playing important roles in local ecosystems. Along with enjoying moths for their own sake, their study can tell us more about environmental conditions and the effects of climate change. Recording moth sightings has never been more important.

This course will include:

• An introduction to moths and their biology and ecology. 
• Guidance on how to approach moth identification, concentrating on the larger (macro) moths, and a review of moth identification resources – both in print and online.
• Hands-on identification of moths and practical experience of using light traps. 
• Advice on how to take moth recording further, including how to submit records of your sightings. 

Aimed at beginners, this course will provide a hands-on introduction to British moths, focusing on the identification of common species of larger (macro) moths. It will introduce moth biology and ecology, and will provide guidance on how to use a variety of identification resources. Course participants will help to set up moth traps during the evening session and will take part in a practical identification workshop the following morning using live moths that have been caught the night before. Advice will be given about how to further develop an interest in moths, including why and how to record your sightings.

Please note course times are split across two days: Friday 4th July 2025 6pm - 9pm, Saturday 5th July 2025 9am- 12pm.

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off.

Please refer to the Field Studies Council website for further information and to book.