One of my regular sites for trapping at this year is BBOWT's splendid chalk down-land reserve near Radnage, Bucks. A second visit there last night proved to be much better than I was expecting, thanks mainly to the woodland at the top of the slope providing a perfect barrier against the usual stiff NE breeze. 232 moths of 64 species came to light, split between two MV traps. The best of the macros were a single very worn Light Feathered Rustic (expected here, but never previously recorded at the site) and a smart Dewick's Plusia, while first sightings for me this year included Privet Hawk-moth, Grass Rivulet, Shaded Pug, Grey Pug, Foxglove Pug, Shoulder-striped Wainscot, Reddish Light Arches, Middle-barred Minor, Large Nutmeg & Burnished Brass. Dominating the micros was Hypochalcia ahenella with 20 counted. Although still a cold three-hour stint, it made a welcome change to go somewhere and actually see a reasonable number of moths!
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| Hypochalcia ahenella, Yoesden Bank 31st May |
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| Dewick's Plusia, Yoesden Bank 31st May |
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| Reddish Light Arches, Yoesden Bank 31st May |
Dave Wilton Westcott, Bucks
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