This popular course will be concentrating on the identification and natural history of butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies. Checking the light traps for moths each morning will be followed by visits to local nature reserves, looking for day-flying species from all the groups.
Led by acclaimed wildlife illustrator Richard Lewington, this courseoffers a fascinating insight into the identification and natural history of butterflies, moths and other insect groups as well.
In the evenings we will set out light traps to attract night-flying moths that live in the gardens, wetlands, grasslands and woodlands surrounding the Centre. In the mornings we will examine and identify the moths we trap, after which they will be released in the early evening unharmed.
Later each day there will be field excursions to local wildlife reserves to observe butterflies, day-flying moths and other flying insects in their natural habitats.
As you will appreciate, insect activity is quite weather dependent. We may need to adjust the programme and offer more indoor activities if the weather is very poor, but we intend to be out as much as possible.
We may visit RSPB, Essex Wildlife Trust or Suffolk Wildlife Trust Reserves during this long weekend. If you are members of these organisations, please bring your membership cards with you. Non-members should please be prepared for modest entrance fees to certain reserves.
This is a great way of developing your interests, in the company of someone who has drawn and painted virtually all there is to see!
The content is also appropriate for anyone wishing to contribute to their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Richard Lewington lives in Oxfordshire, where he works as a freelance illustrator, specialising in insects and other invertebrates. Richard is one of the UKs best known natural history illustrators and author of many best-selling field guides to British and European species. He is also a keen birdwatcher.
Please take a few moments to visit Richard’s website:
He regularly leads courses in the UK and abroad and has been to Flatford Mill for several years.
- If you have any personal butterfly and moth books, a x10 hand lens, or moth-collecting pots, then do bring them along – although all of these will be available at the Centre for the beginner.
- Pens, pencils and a notebook.
- Close-focusing binoculars, if you have them, are always useful for getting a good view of our more retiring butterflies.
- Any photographs you have taken of butterflies and moths that you would like identified, or simply to share with other course members.
- Warm clothing for the moth-trapping, plus a lunchbox, thermos, comfortable shoes and waterproof clothing (just in case!) for the excursions.
Richard declares an interest, but here goes...... !
- Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland
Written and illustrated by Richard Lewington.
ISBN 0 9531399 1 3 RRP £9.95 (paperback).
‘A beautifully illustrated and portable guide to all of Britain’s butterflies.Includes all the resident species and migrants, also up-to-date distribution maps and life-cycle charts. Published in June 2003, this book is already being recommended as the best field guide to Britain’s butterflies.’
- Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland
Paul Waring and Martin Townsend, illustrated by Richard Lewington.
ISBN 0 9531399 2 1 RRP £29.95 (paperback).
‘A ground-breaking field guide to Britain’s macro-moths, with superb artwork for the first time showing the moths in their natural resting postures, rather than as pinned museum specimens.Comprehensive coverage of nearly every species of macro-moth that has been recorded in Great Britain and Ireland (including the Isle of Man and Channel Islands).’
- Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain and Ireland
Steve Brooks, illustrated by Richard Lewington.
ISBN: 0 9531399 0 5, RRP £18.95 (paperback).
’This highly-acclaimed guide describes and illustrates all resident and migrant species of dragonfly found in Britain and Ireland, including recent arrivals such as the Small Red-eyed Damselfly and Green Darner. Clear layouts with stunning colour artwork combine all the information needed to identify a dragonfly’.
All three books will be available for use on the course, but if you would like your own personal copy they are published by and available from:
British Wildlife Publishing
Online shop:
Telephone: 01256 760663
Email:
Richard will also have signed copies of his books available for purchase over the weekend.
Residential course fee includes:
- Full board accommodation including cooked breakfast, picnic lunch, homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary option available.
- Up to 8 hours teaching time a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and refreshments.
- Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day.
- Use of resources including library, workrooms, studios and the Centre grounds.
- Transport during the courses.
- Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident, legal liability and medical emergency.
If you choose to be a non-resident on a residential course, the fee will include all the above except accommodation and breakfast.
Afternoon tea is available from 1600 on Friday, but the first formal activity is dinner at 1900 (with the bar open from 1845!).
Residents: Please aim to arrive between 1600 and 1800 on Friday to allow us sufficient time to show you to your accommodation and around the communal areas.
Non-residents: You do not need to arrive quite so early but please can you be here by 1800 as we need to show you the communal areas as well.
The course will end at 1600 on Monday.
Bookings can be made by telephoning the Centre; we are open 0930 – 1700 weekdays and most weekends. Alternatively, bookings can be made via our website: