AWEG's brilliant trip to Whixall Moss

The Audlem Wildlife & Ecology Group enjoyed a particularly successful trip yesterday to Whixall Moss, just south of Whitchurch, yesterday, in perfect weather.

Brilliant? Yes, because the ten AWEG members saw every single species named by guides Barry Probin and Alf Cornwell before they set out on to the extensive moss which extends over 948 hectares (2,340 acres) and is a fascinating site for a wide-range of wildlife.

The rare white-faced darter, a dragonfly, which is found at only a few sites in Britain, was seen in decent numbers and very close up. See top photograph.

The raft spider, possibly a horror to any arachnophobe – it's surprisingly large and floats on the surface of a pond – was then seen. See the photo to the right, which you can enlarge by clicking on it – if you dare!

Butterflies included the brimstone, peacock and common blue while the caterpillar of the yellow tail moth was spotted.

To top it all, the group had been told the moss was home to a particularly striking but rarely seen day moth, the Argent and Sable – see the third photo. By this time all in the party realised this was their lucky day as one was soon spotted in a clump of vegetation just feet away.

The AWEG members were warned that the moss is home to adders but it would be extremely unusual to see one. Inevitably, a member of the group almost immediately tripped over a male adder which slithered away quickly and unharmed into the undergrowth.

The hobby, a bird of prey still rare enough to excite most birdwatchers, was seen swooping in front of the group – see bottom photo. Other bird species seen included stonechats, reed buntings and curlews while dragonflies – favourite food for the hobby – included four spotted chasers, azure damsel flies and large red damsel flies.

The group later retreated after an excellent morning to the Dog & Bull pub on the Whitchurch to Wem road for a splendid lunch where the group thanked Barry and Alf for a superb morning.

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