Like the rest of the country, the reserve has taken a battering this week from high winds. It's calmed down a lot now and a spot of September sun is warming visitors on the viewing platform.
Residential volunteer Laura and Reserve Assistant Becky have been carrying out searches for Argent and Sable caterpillars. Last year, an Argent and Sable moth was spotted - the first in over a decade at Coombes! Its caterpillars like to feed on young birch trees, less than 3m tall. This was due to our woodland management work where we clear an area of trees to allow more light onto the woodland floor. As well as being beneficial for flowering plants, insects and the birds and mammals that feed on them - it has created the perfect habitat for the Argent and Sable moth.
Argent and Sable moth
It's not as easy as it sounds walking up and down the woodland, meticulously searching for caterpillars on every leaf and plant. I'm always envious of their wildlife spots while they're out and about in the undergrowth. Yesterday they were lucky enough to see a grass snake and a common lizard! Siskins were also spotted as were coal tits. However, the search for the Argent and Sable moth and caterpillar continues...
Grass snake