Nature Notes 6 July 2021

Nature Notes 6 July 2021

Common Lizards (c) Philip McErlean

Observations from staff, volunteers and members on our Nature Reserves this week.

Nature reserves may look completely wild, but our 19 reserves across Northern Ireland are actually carefully managed by a dedicated team. We protect, restore and create a mix of habitats where wildlife can thrive.

Slievenacloy Nature Reserve

Two 'mums-to-be' and a juvenile Common Lizard were among 8 lizards seen at Slievenacloy this week by volunteer lizard surveyor Philip McErlean. Look out for them basking on rocks and logs on warm summer days.  

Umbra Nature Reserve

We set up a moth trap at the Umbra Nature Reserve last week – one of the best sites in Northern Ireland for rare species of moths and butterflies. And it didn't disappoint. We found a hemp agrimony plume moth – the second only time the adult has been seen in Northern Ireland!

We also spotted a male and female drinker, garden tiger, peach blossom, Agapeta hamana, barred straw, archer's dart, common white wave, and burnished brass ~ Andy Crory, Nature Reserves Manager.