Farm Butterfly & Day-flying Moth Walk

Join us for a summertime wander around the farm, in search of some of our most amazing and special butterflies and moths, lead by conservationist Nick Patel. 

FarmED is home to no less than 25 species of butterflies and during July most of these can be seen in the wide ranging farmland habitat present on site. From the hedegrows, to the wildflower meadows, to the buffer strips and the wetlands.

July is well known for some of the more widely known common countryside species, such as Meadow brown, Small tortoiseshell, Large white and Gatekeeper. But FarmED is also home to several of our more interesting summer species, the likes of Brown argus, Marbled white, Purple hairstreak, Holly blue. 

During this walk we will hopefully show how the conservation work on site is boosting the habitat around the farm to further benefit many of these fast declining species.

There are also many moth species recorded on site too, taking advantage of the bountiful nectar supply, as well as the many food plants available for the larvae to thrive on.

Using a light trap left overnight we will see what interesting nocturnal species are visiting the site, as well as during the butterfly walk itself keeping an eye for any day-flying moths present on the farm.

Approximate timings: 

9.30 - Arrival tea/coffee 

9.45 - View moths in light trap 

10.00 - Farm walk (with a stop for a cold drink & slice of cake!) 

12.00 - Depart

Suitable for all ages. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear for walking around the farm.

You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy from one of the picnic benches overlooking the valley if you'd like to stay on after the walk. 

Nick Patel, Biography

For the past four years Nick has been warden at Moore Nature Reserve in Cheshire. A reclaimed quarry site with reed bed systems, wet wood habits and wildflower meadows, it’s part of the mitigation for a neighbouring waste site. Nick trained at various RSPB reserves and is particularly passionate about wetland habitats, wildflower meadows, grasslands and how regenerative farming can help to change perceptions about what farmers can do to make space for nature.