One of the newest members of our Pulborough Brooks team, Margot, describes her experience on Saturday evening's 'After Dark!' event:
Attending the Saturday “After Dark” event was a marvellous experience.
To start the evening Anna had caught over 30 different moths and identified them, so we formed 2 groups. Trying to match the moths to their names meant we could challenge our knowledge, or make inspired guesses! When we released them some people really enjoyed the sensation of letting a moth sit on their hand to warm up before flying off.
As the light dropped we used the bat detectors provided to identify soprano pipistrelles bats on the edge of the woodland, and see them flit overhead.
Out on the heath the favoured nightjar haunts were pointed out to us. Almost immediately the first male started the distinctive churring sound that attract the females. Those with powerful binoculars were able to see him in flight despite the gathering gloom. Andy, one of our volunteers, fascinated the group with accounts of nightjar and owl habits.
The highlight for me was examining the pond by torchlight. We witnessed the extraordinary site of 5 emperor dragonflies emerging from their larvae.
I am lucky enough to have seen and heard all of these before, and they never cease to delight. What was unique for me was that we saw and heard all of these in one 2 hour evening walk.
As a member of the retail team I must point out that we sell bat detectors and a wide range of over 50 binoculars, in addition to many books and guides.
Thank you to Anna and her team of volunteers, do join them on a future event.
Anna - There are still a couple of places left on our Friday evening walk (29 May 8.30 - 10.30 pm). Plenty of spaces on the 20 June edition! If you would like to book a place, please give us a call at the Visitor Centre on 01798 875851.
Families are very welcome to come along for a special late night adventure!