National Moth Night (NMN) 2009 fell on the 18th and 19th September, the first time in the history of this event that the option of two nights had been contemplated.  The idea behind this was to allow for the fact that in September, the weather could be less than suitable on a one night event – well guess what?

Despite the rather poor conditions, the enthusiasm and effort of Lancashire ’s moth recorders was not daunted and a fantastic total of 146 different types of moth were recorded, fifty five of which were micromoths and the remaining ninety were macromoths.

Migration was the national theme of the event but apart from a few Diamond-back Moth, Rush Veneer, Dark Sword-grass and larger numbers of Silver Y (which were all unlikely to have been primary migrants) there was a total lack of any movement into or through the region.  Moths from a series of locations across the country, including one on the Wirral, were colour marked to attempt to track any movement, but no marked moths were reported from our region.

To date, 73 participants (ten up on last year) have sent in their lists sampling a total of 92 sites – an incredible result.  Thanks to all of you who participated.