Varteg Lepidoptera Survey 2010

Andrew King and Norman Lowe for

Hawkeswood Ecology

Third Party Disclaimer Any disclosure of this report to a third party is subject to this disclaimer. The report was prepared at the instruction of, and for use by, our client named on the front of the report. It does not in any way constitute advice to any third party who is able to access it by any means. The authors exclude to the fullest extent lawfully permitted all liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising from reliance on the contents of this report. We do not however exclude our liability (if any) for personal injury or death resulting from our negligence, for fraud or any other matter in relation to which we cannot legally exclude liability.

We confirm that in preparing this Report we have exercised reasonable skill and care, taking into account the project objectives, the agreed scope of the work and prevailing site conditions.

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CONTENTS

Non Technical Summary

1. Introduction Page 1

2. Methodology Page 1

3. Survey Team Experience Page 4

4. Relevant Legislation Page 4

5. Field Survey Results Page 4

6. Evaluation of Findings

7 Impact Assessment Page 5

8. Mitigation Page 7

8. Ecological Summary of Key Features To Inform Mitigation Page 8

9. Conclusions Page 13

10. References Page 14

Appendix 1: Butterfly Survey Results Page 15

Appendix 2: Butterfly Species Recorded Page 17

Appendix 3: Moth Survey Results Page 19

Appendix 4: Moth Species Recorded Page 24

Appendix 5: Site Map Page 27

Varteg Lepidoptera Survey 2010

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

The authors were commissioned by Hawkeswood Ecology to undertake an assessment of the Varteg land reclamation site to provide a report on the populations of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), concentrating especially on those species with statutory protection and including an account of impacts and possible mitigation of this coal recovery site.

The report was intended to build on a previous site survey of Lepidoptera carried out in 2005. The present survey focussed on operational areas and targeted habitats most likely to support a good representative range of Lepidoptera. Some off-site areas were also surveyed where these were considered to be important supporting habitat.

Butterflies and day-flying moths were recorded by walking a route around the site that included the majority of habitats. Night-flying moths were recorded in the main by attracting them to ultra-violet light, though other techniques such as netting at dusk and attracting to sugar were also used.

A total of 107 species of Lepidoptera was recorded, made up of 19 species of butterfly and 88 species of moth. Four species of butterfly are so-called Section 42 (S42) species, regarding which a duty is placed on the Local Authority to maintain and enhance populations. Three locally scarce butterfly species were also found. Of the moths, 11 were S42 species and a further 12 were considered to be locally scarce.

Specific recommendations for mitigation and remediation in the Varteg study area are made relating to seven species of butterfly, including those four S42 species found in 2010.

Less is known about the exact habitat requirements of most moths than for most species of butterfly. In consequence, although recommendations were made for mitigation and remediation relating to 25 species of moth, they are more general in nature than those relating to butterflies.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The authors were commissioned by Hawkeswood Ecology to undertake an assessment of the Varteg land reclamation site (see attached plan at Appendix 5) to provide a report on the populations of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera). The report was intended to build on a previous survey in 2005, concentrating especially on those species of conservation importance and to include an account of the likely impact of any coal recovery and proposals for subsequent mitigation. It was considered important that the survey should encompass as wide a variety of species as possible and therefore both day-flying and night-flying moths were targeted.

1.2 The objectives of the survey were summarised as: • To record species of butterflies and moths at the site; • To indicate the habitat requirements of these species, concentrating especially on those of conservation importance; • To assess the value of the site for Lepidoptera; • To identify any impacts of operations on Lepidoptera; • To provide information on mitigation.

1.3 Most species of butterflies and moths have flight periods between May and September, and in consequence the surveys were timed to cover this period of the year, although no moth survey was carried out in May as it was considered that most species flying then would also be flying in June.

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Overview

2.1.1 Six daytime and four dusk/night-time visits were made. On the following dates visits were made to record butterflies and day-flying moths, with searches for Lepidoptera between the 11.15 and 15.00 hours. On two of these dates (M-M) checks for larval stages of micro-moths were made: 23 May 2010 12 June 2010 17 July 2010 8 August 2010 (M-M) 27 August 2010 12 September 2010 (M-M) On the following dates dusk visits were made that extended into night-time moth- trapping until approximately 3 hours after sunset: 15 June 2010 17 July 2010 16 August 2010 9 September 2010

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2.1.2 Butterflies and day-flying moth searches were made by following a set route (transect) around the site. The route was similar to that taken in the 2005 Lepidoptera study, with the inclusion of additional sections in the western section of the study area. The transect methodology adopted by Butterfly Conservation for their Butterfly Monitoring Scheme is based on a 5 metre x 5 metre ‘walking box’ approach. That rigid methodology was not considered appropriate for this study, a more typical search area being a band 10 metre wide by 20 metre in advance of the surveyor. This more flexible approach to recording was adopted to increase the number of species encountered, and to gain a better appreciation of numbers and habitat use by butterflies and day-flying moths.

2.1.3 Table 1 below indicates the range of habitats in each of nine transect sections. The main habitats within each section are described. An eight-figure grid reference is included within table 1 to indicate the approximate mid-point of each length. Sections 1-4 and 8-9 of the present survey had also been covered in the 2005 survey.

Table 1: Habitat description of butterfly transect sections. Transect section Habitat description 1. SO26250613 Bilberry heath, bare tip, hollows with trefoil, light scrub 2. SO26200595 Dense scrub, heather heath, bramble, bare tips 3. SO26050585 Bare tips, bilberry, bracken, grasses with trefoils 4. SO25880584 Grass verges with trefoils, dry bilberry/heather heath 5. SO25630602 Grazed grass verges, marshy grassland with Juncus stands 6. SO25670634 Grazed grass haul-road, acid grasslands 7. SO25980625 Steep heather bank 8. SO26090634 Dry heath, damp hollows, hawthorns, rushes, grass verge 9. SO26200631 + Moth trapping Sparse grasslands, scant hedge, bare tip, reedmace sites A and B

2.1.4 The previous survey in 2005 had indicated that wind was a factor in effective surveying of this site for Lepidoptera. With this in mind Sections 1-9 of the daytime transect route encompassed all the primary habitats, covering the full spectrum of aspect and altitude, but as far as possible were sheltered from the prevailing SW winds..

2.1.5 Most of the surveys covered the area of the site where it is proposed to carry out coal recovery operations. However the daytime surveys included part of the hill (section 7) running between the two arms of the impact area and which contained most of the heathland surveyed as this was considered to be an important supporting habitat. A map of the transect route, numbered sections and locations of the two moth-trapping sites can be found at Appendix 5.

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2.1.6 On the 12 June and 8 August daytime visits, the northern section of the trackway and adjacent rank dry heathland with light scrub regeneration in the northern wedge were sampled.

2.2 Butterflies

2.2.1 Butterflies were recorded by walking a route that started at the Salisbury Terrace entrance (section 1), proceeding clockwise around the site. All nine transect sections described in Table 1 were visited on each of six visits, with the exception of 12 June 2010 when sections 1-3 were substituted for a search of damp habitats and adjoining dry heath at the north of the site. Day-flying Lepidoptera were observed, identified and counted along this route. Although similar to a transect, the route was flexible allowing detours to investigate anything of interest that was seen. Survey findings (see Appendix 1) relate solely to flying adults; no systematic searches for egg, larval or pupal life-stages were made. A butterfly net was carried but used only sparingly to confirm identification of difficult or worn individuals. Typically, the walk took just over 2 hours to complete, with the majority starting in late-morning extending to around 2pm. Weather conditions during visits were not considered a constraint, although the 8 August visit was carried out in warm but sunless conditions, and the wind-strength exceeded Force 5 on the two final visits.

2.3 Moths

2.3.1 Both day-flying and night-flying moths were recorded. Day-flying moths were noted during the butterfly surveys, but in addition searches were carried out for leaf-mining micro-moths and, opportunistically, other larvae. Night-flying moths were attracted to ultra-violet (UV) light either to a commercially-available Heath Trap or to a white sheet laid on the ground. In each case the light source was a 6 Watt actinic tube powered by a dry-cell battery. An additional technique was employed on 9 September when sugar was applied to various fence posts and bushes within about 100m of the sheet.

2.3.2 As recorded in the 2005 survey, the site is subject to strong winds, and in fact these were experienced on each moth-trapping visit. Accordingly, two sites were chosen within the transect section 9 that contained or were near to habitats predicted to support moth species, but were also protected from the westerly and south-westerly winds. Reference was also made to the 2005 survey, and both sites chosen in 2010 were between Sites 1 and 2 of the first survey. The first site, Site A, was situated in the lee of a hedge, which both provided shelter from the wind and a flight-path for night-flying moths. Site B was nearby, adjacent to a bank which again provided shelter from the wind. On the first site visit the sheet method was employed at Site B in conjunction with a Heath Trap sited nearby, but for the three remaining visits the sheet was used at Site A and the Heath Trap positioned at Site B.

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2.3.3 It was found by experience that the most successful recording method at this site was the sheet method. The disadvantage of this method is that it is difficult to quantify the number of moths of each species but it was considered that the main aim of the moth survey was to establish whether a particular species was present rather than to record numbers. Most night-flying moths are therefore recorded as “present” although on occasions where small numbers were coming to the light source or sugar, numbers have been included (see Appendix 3).

2.3.4 Identification of most adult macro-moths was achieved using external characteristics by reference to Skinner and Wilson (2009). Identification of the Ear Moth was confirmed by genitalia dissection and reference to Heath and Emmet (1983) and of some pug species by genitalia dissection and reference to Riley and Prior (2003). Macro-moth larvae were identified using Porter (1997).

2.3.5 For the micro-moths, identification of adults was made by external characteristics confirmed where necessary by genitalia dissection. Identification of Pyralidae was determined using Goater (1986), of Tortricoidae by Bradley et al (1973 and 1979) and of other micro-moths, including leaf-miners, by using the appropriate volume of Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland (Vols 2,3,4(i) and 4 (ii)).

3. SURVEY TEAM EXPERIENCE

3.1 The surveys were carried out by Andrew King and Norman Lowe. Andrew has had an interest in butterflies for 30 years, following his graduation with a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of London in 1977. He has been VC42 (Breconshire) County Butterfly Recorder for six years. Norman has recorded moths for over 50 years and in 1969 obtained a BSc in Zoology specialising in Entomology from the University of London. He has been VC42 (Breconshire) County Moth Recorder since 1985 and is currently chairman of the Brecknock Wildlife Trust Conservation Committee.

4 RELEVANT LEGISLATION

4.1 161 moth species and 16 butterfly species are listed under Section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act (2006) as Species of Principal Importance for Biological Conservation in Wales. This is a list of species considered at threat within Wales and in need of conservation management to maintain and enhance population numbers. In the body of the report these are referred to as S42 species.

4.2 The NERC Act places a statutory duty on the Local Authority by the Welsh Assembly Government to maintain and enhance populations of S42 species.

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5 FIELD SURVEY RESULTS

Overview

5.1 A total of 107 species of Lepidoptera was recorded, made up of 19 species of butterfly and 88 species of moth.

Butterflies

5.2 19 species of butterfly were recorded in six visits to the study area in 2010 (see Appendices 1 and 2). The 2005 survey also found this number, with Dingy Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary, Red Admiral and Ringlet additional in 2010. Large Skipper, Large White, Comma and Wall Brown were found in the earlier study, giving a cumulative total of 23 species found in both studies, a respectable total for an exposed brownfield site at altitude ranging from 360 – 420 metres. All habitats visited were found to hold butterflies, but some were limited numerically and in their diversity.

Moths

5.3 88 species of moth were recorded in the survey (see Appendices 3 and 4). Of these 72 species were attracted to UV light, although some of these were also recorded by day or as larvae. Seven were recorded only as larvae, either as leaf- miners or, in one instance as a larval case. Seven species were recorded flying in the daytime and one species was only recorded at sugar. Two species of moth were recorded as species aggregates since neither could be positively identified to the precise species, only as a species pair. The species pairs were Common Rustic/Lesser Common Rustic and the micro-moths Coleophora alticolella/Coleophora glaucicolella. In each case neither of the species in the pair were considered to be nationally or locally scarce or in need of protection (see Section 6) and there would have been no added value to the survey in establishing exactly which species was present, even if this were practicable.

6 EVALUATION OF FINDINGS

6.1 Overview

6.1.1 All the Lepidoptera found in this survey will be adversely affected by any change to the Varteg habitat. It is recognised, however, that the Varteg and adjoining areas are rich in post-industrial sites currently offering similar mosaics of habitat and diversity of species, and therefore opportunities for immigration. As long as some comparable sites are retained within 2-3 kilometres of this site, retention of some habitat around the periphery of the study area, and this site is restored with an equivalent range of habitat mosaics, the authors consider that the majority of species found will be likely to recolonise within a 10-20 year timespan.

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6.1.2 In assessing Lepidoptera of conservation importance, apart from S42 status, use has been made of two reference works that are recognised as the most complete and up-to-date accounts. Horton (1994) provides an overview of species status for the county of Monmouthshire (hereafter referred to as VC35), and Fox et al (2006) covers the UK status of butterflies only.

6.2 Butterflies

6.2.1 Four species of butterfly recorded in the present survey are listed as S42 species. One other species (Wall Brown) was found in the study area during the 2005 survey, and rather surprisingly was not seen in 2010. The five species were: • Dingy Skipper • Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary • Grayling • Small Heath • Wall Brown (2005 only).

6.2.2 A further three species of butterfly are described in Horton (1994) as being local or scarce in Gwent, and these are listed in Table 2. It is considered therefore that the Varteg site has national (S42 species) or local (i.e. VC35, Gwent) significance for a total of eight species of butterfly.

Table 2 VC35 local and scarce butterflies recorded at Varteg Species Status in VC35 Green Hairstreak Local Dark Green Fritillary Very scarce Marbled White Local

6.3 Moths

6.3.1 Eleven species of moth recorded in the present survey are S42 species and two additional species were recorded during the 2005 survey. The species are shown in Table 3 below, together with an indication of the status in VC35 as recorded by Horton (1994). Five species, Neglected Rustic, Heath Rustic, Rosy Minor, Ear Moth and Anomalous are both nationally important and reported as scarce, local or infrequent in VC35. In particular, Neglected Rustic and Ear Moth are reported as scarce in VC35 and only three records are documented by Horton (1994) for Heath Rustic.

Table 3 S42 moths recorded at Varteg Species VC35 status Cinnabar Common Autumnal Rustic Common Neglected Rustic Scarce

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Heath Rustic Three records Broom Fairly common Feathered Gothic Common Shoulder-striped Wainscot Common Knot-grass Common Rosy Minor Local and infrequent Ear Moth Local and scarce Anomalous Local White Ermine (2005 only) Common Dusky Brocade (2005 only) Fairly common

6.3.2 A further 12 species of moth recorded in the current survey are noted as local or scarce in VC35 and these are listed in Table 4 together with an indication of the status as recorded by Horton (1994).

Table 4 VC35 local and scarce moths recorded at Varteg Species Status in VC35 Orange Swift Occurs sparingly Smoky Wave Occurs locally Devon Carpet Recorded from one site only. Now increasing Ling Pug Recorded from the N of the county Golden-rod Pug A few records Least Yellow Underwing Scarce and local Dotted Clay Local and infrequent Shears Occurs at low density Brown Rustic Rarely numerous Rustic Shoulder-knot Not very common Cloaked Minor Widespread at low density Gold Spot Local

6.3.3 Horton (1994) provides relatively little information of the status of micro-moths in VC35. For this reason and because all the recorded micro-moths are considered to be common by one of the authors in the adjacent county of Breconshire, where he is the County Recorder, no micro-moths found at Varteg were considered to be nationally or locally scarce.

6.3.4 In total 13 species of S42 moth and a further 12 locally-scarce species were found, making a total of 25 species of moth for which this site is important either nationally or locally.

7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

7.1.1 For all species of Lepidoptera the coal recovery operations will have major negative impact locally, and for some species moderate impact on a county level.

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Retention of any peripheral areas within the site could assist in maintaining viable populations. These should include, where possible, a mix of wet and dry habitats, flower-rich swards to provide nectar, thin open swards and bare areas.

7.1.2 Damage to retained areas of heathland by vehicle movements, altered hydrology, changed grazing management and settlement of water-borne or air-borne pollutants will adversely affect populations of heathland moths. This is particularly relevant to the S42 and locally-scarce heathland species, Heath Rustic and Neglected Rustic.

7.1.3 In general, impact will be minimised by maintaining similar and varied post- industrial habitat within this part of Torfaen, and particularly within 3 kms. Such areas will be important for future recolonisation.

8 ECOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF KEY FEATURES TO INFORM MITIGATION

8.1 Butterflies

8.1.1 The study area is a mosaic of largely early successional habitats typical of post- industrial sites in the South Wales coalfield. In the main they comprise lightly grazed unimproved grasslands, wet and dry heath with limited scrub invasion, and bare or sparsely regenerating coal-tips. The butterflies found reflect these habitats. Mitigation considerations during the restoration phase are given as bullet-points.

8.1.2 Twelve species recorded are dependent on commonly occurring grasses, herbs and nettle as larval food-plants. These are widely distributed and generalist species, therefore the Varteg area is not especially important. However for these: • Grasslands should be managed to encourage a range of flowers providing as long a flowering season as possible. Bird’s Foot Trefoil should be introduced and actively encouraged with appropriate grazing and management of inputs. • A mosaic of grasslands should be provided with significant edge against other habitat types that preferably offer shelter and alternative nectar sources eg bramble. • As wide a range of sward-types (species composition, density and height) as possible should be included. • There should be minimal-input grassland management. • Management should include a mix of grazing species and pressure. The remaining seven species, including those four S42 species found in 2010, are worthy of especial mention with regard to the Varteg study area.

8.1.3 Marbled White is a localised species for which Gwent still remains the stronghold in Wales with only a seemingly slow and protracted expansion of its range north and westwards. A small population at Varteg is indicated by its finding in both the 2005 and 2010 surveys. Its required habitat consists of unimproved grasslands

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with Fescues and Yorkshire Fog species over thin, dry soils together with bare patches that aid rapid warming, and the presence of scrub and shelter. • Grassland should be allowed to grow tall with minimal grazing management • Varied land levels should be provided to aid provision of thin, dry swards providing warmth and subtle shelter opportunities • Light scrub colonisation should be allowed from thicker areas of adjacent woodland, scrub or bramble to provide shelter.

8.1.4 Green Hairstreak is another local species, with a habitat preference for dry heathland with gorse, heather or bilberry. Although only two individuals were found in 2010, both were males with strong territorial affinity for scattered hawthorns in the lighthouse area. Restoration should include: • A mosaic of predominantly dry heath habitat • Light scrub invasion over heather or bilberry

8.1.5 A single Dark Green Fritillary seen flying strongly at the southern edge of the site may have come from off the study area, but suitable habitat of flower-rich grassland (including its foodplant Viola spp) with scrub does occur within. Although it is not known whether this species is breeding on the site, restoration should provide for this habitat mosaic. 2010 was a particularly good year for this species across South Wales. • Acid grassland on a warm or south-facing site should be provided with adjoining bracken, bramble and scrub. • Bracken areas should be permitted to build up a layer of litter, particularly if associated with Violet. As Marsh Violet is likely to be the main food-plant of a small population locally, bracken banks on a warm site should be adjacent to wet flushes.

8.1.6 Dingy Skipper, given S42 status in recent years, is locally distributed in Gwent, in decline in the UK and uncommonly found at altitude. However, suitable habitat conditions at Varteg with Bird’s Foot Trefoil growing in sparse swards may have aided recent colonisation from other sites nearby. Its powers of colonisation are not good and its conservation depends on maintaining a network of habitat patches across a large area. Evidence from 2010 suggests the verges of the farm access track and some of the hollows above Pembroke Terrace appear to be the extent of its current distribution on the site. Restoration should provide: • Varied and graded landforms to create mounds and hollows with thin, dry soils such as is typical of old coal and quarry sites. • Sparse and open grass swards with good growth of Bird’s Foot Trefoil. • Taller grassland or scrub nearby to provide shelter. • Bare ground element to encourage activity through warming, and for colonisation by trefoils and vetches.

8.1.7 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, the second S42 species, occupies only limited areas of the study area where the foodplant, Marsh Violet occurs. This species’ western distribution in the UK, coupled with an advancing rate of retraction to the

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far west through loss of sites, makes this species the most vulnerable of all the species found in this study. Its presence was confirmed within the same areas identified in the previous 2005 study, namely around the ‘lighthouse’ and east of the northern access track just inside the pony field. Here small hollows of Juncus and marsh plants maintain wetness throughout the year. No Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary were found in the more extensively grazed and Juncus-dominated marshes at the west of the site. These were widely searched in the flight period. • Restoration should include the provision of wet hollows and flushes to remain wet all year. Ditches and areas of arrested drainage off the steep heather bank north of the ‘lighthouse’ area appears to provide suitable habitat conditions at present, and should be re-created during the restoration phase. • Wet areas should be provisioned with varied and level landforms to create these conditions. This butterfly will not colonise where water runoff is canalised, rapid or direct. • Some invasion of tall grasses or light stands of Juncus into wet areas would provide basking and resting sites. • Marsh Violet may require re-introduction once suitable restored habitat is available.

8.1.8 Numbers of Grayling, the third S42 species, indicate a strong and healthy population. A classic species of post-industrial landscapes, the Grayling requires a scant sward of fine-leaved grasses over a thin, free-draining warm soil. Bare coal- tips provide ample basking opportunities. Even though distribution of this species is local and patchy in the UK, particularly inland, there appears to be much suitable brownfield habitat around Varteg. That, coupled with this species greater power to colonise new areas of suitable habitat, has contributed to the authors’ opinion that mitigation measures for this species need be less critical than for Dingy Skipper. • Restoration after coal recovery phase should provide significant bare ground, preferably of coarse substrate equivalent to the tip waste that is currently on site. • Mounds of suitable material should be contoured with no shading from adjacent vegetation-types. • Mounds will provide a variety of aspect, and opportunity for basking on bare areas at different times of day. • Thin surface substrate should be applied unevenly with bare areas to encourage an open sward of fine-leaved fescues and bents. • Wet areas close by should be provided to allow for growth of coarser tussock grasses suitable for larval hibernation. • Shallow ponds and scrapes that retain water in dry summers would allow adults access to minerals.

8.1.9 Finally, to the fourth S42 species found in 2010 – the Small Heath. This species has only recently attracted concern due to a decline in range in Britain of 29% since the 1970’s, and a reduction in population over the same period of 52% (Fox et al 2006). However, at Varteg it proved to be the second most numerous species

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(after Green-veined White) with a long flight-period and an ability to apparently occupy all habitat apart from scrub. Retained grasslands on the site during the coal recovery phase should be grazed with moderate pressure to ensure a thin and cropped flower-rich sward. With appropriate management and protection these should retain a population of Small Heath on the periphery to allow rapid colonisation during the restoration phase. • Open unimproved grassland within mosaics of dry heath offer the best opportunity for rapid recolonisation during the recovery phase. • Grass swards should comprise fescues, meadow-grasses and bents on thin, dry soils providing the best environment for larval stages. • Moderate grazing pressure can be tolerated, preferably by ponies. • Nectar sources include predominantly yellow flowers such as hawkbits, dandelions and vetches.

8.1.10 Wall Brown, another S42 species, was found in 2005 but not in 2010. This might be because the pony grazed fields closer to habitation, gardens and lanes where the habitat appears to be most suitable, were not covered in the 2010 study. Wall Brown relies on coarser-bladed grasses as its larval foodplant, and is easily missed by its tendency to fly only on the warmest days and in generally low numbers. Its recent classification as a priority species reflects a significant decline in population size, and a contraction in range particularly at inland sites in Britain. Retention of suitable habitat (short, open grassland comprising Cock’s Foot, Wavy Hair-grass and Yorkshire Fog) during the coal recovery phase eg close to Pembroke and Salisbury Terraces will improve the chances of colonisation during restoration. There is no known requirement for damp or wet habitats, although dry heath and exposed rock in warm positions are likely to aid colonisation and provide dry edges. Restoration should include: • Provision of open grassland of coarser species, with light grazing pressure. • Varied landforms to create mounds and troughs with bare or scalped areas of rock or coarse substrate which is important for egg-laying. • South-facing aspect to promote a warm/hot microclimate is seen as important for Wall Brown, therefore providing opportunities for basking and egg-laying in suitable habitat.

8.1.11 In summary, mitigation for the range of butterflies found at the Varteg site should include restoration of the mosaic of wet and dry habitats that are currently present, and are typical of brownfield sites in general. Close attention to the final landscaping of the site should provide for varied landforms and substrate materials to recreate warm habitats as required by Lepidoptera. Restoration of open sward grasslands of mixed natural species on scant soils with abundant bare areas should be a priority. Reintroduction and seeding of trefoils and vetches, clovers and sorrel onto the grasslands may also be preferable to speed up provision of nectaring opportunities within the grasslands. Grazing management of these grasslands should be based around low stocking levels, and preferably maintaining pony or very low sheep numbers. Dry heath with a mix of heather, bilberry and patches of scrub and bracken should also be included in the restored

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mosaic. Wet habitats by the provision of small shallow ponds, wet hollows and flushes that retain water throughout the year will also be important to attract back species requiring such habitat.

8.2 Moths

8.2.1 The recording at this site of 26 species of moth that are either nationally or locally scarce or declining indicates that the site is an important habitat for moths. In general the habitat requirements of most moth species are less well understood than for most butterflies. Whilst the larvae of some moth species will feed only on one or a few species of plant, others appear to be polyphagous, accepting a wide variety of plant species. Nevertheless, some of these polyphagous species are scarce or localised and it must be presumed that they have particular habitat or micro-climate requirements only satisfied by the locality in which they are resident. In almost all cases, however, the details of these requirements are not known. Accordingly, the information provided in this report on mitigation for moths will in general be less specific than for butterflies.

8.2.2 Table 5 shows the habitat requirements and larval foodplants of the S42 and locally scarce species listed in Section 6. It can be seen that three S42 and three locally scarce species are associated either entirely or partially with heathland, most of these feeding on heather. Two of these species, Heath Rustic and Neglected Rustic, are both S42 species and locally scarce and therefore of especial importance. These species are likely to be affected by dust emissions from coal recovery and their recovery will be aided by maintaining existing heathland during the restoration phase.

Table 5 Habitat requirements and foodplants of S42 and local moth species at Varteg Species Habitat requirements Foodplants Section 42 species Cinnabar No specific habitat Ragwort Heathland, moorland Polyphagous on a wide variety of Autumnal Rustic and woodland edges plants Neglected Rustic Heathland Heather Heath Rustic Heathland Heather Polyphagous on a wide variety of Broom No specific habitat plants Feathered Gothic Grassland Grasses Shoulder-striped Grassland Grasses Wainscot Polyphagous on a wide variety of Knot-grass No specific habitat plants Rosy Minor Grassland Grasses Roots of tufted hair-grass and other Ear Moth Marshy grassland plants

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Anomalous Upland grassland Wavy hair-grass and other grasses Polyphagous on a wide variety of White Ermine No specific habitat plants Dusky Brocade Grassland Grasses Species scarce and local in VC35 Orange Swift No specific habitat Roots of herbaceous plants Smoky Wave Heathland Heather and bilberry Devon Carpet Damp woodland Bedstraw Ling Pug Heathland Heather Golden-rod Pug No specific habitat Includes ragwort Least Yellow No specific habitat Grasses and herbaceous plants Underwing Heathland and Polyphagous on a wide variety of Dotted Clay woodland plants Shears No specific habitat Various low-growing plants Brown Rustic No specific habitat Various low-growing plants Rustic Shoulder-knot Grassland Grasses Cloaked Minor Grassland Grasses Gold Spot Marshy places Marshland plants

8.2.3 A small number of the species listed in Table 5 are associated with particular larval foodplants other than heather. In particular, Cinnabar and Golden-rod Pug larvae feed on ragwort and Devon Carpet larvae feed on bedstraw. Whilst it is recognised that ragwort is considered harmful to stock animals nevertheless some should be encouraged during restoration, especially in association with unimproved lightly-grazed grassland. Bedstraw is likely to occur in heathland and assuming that this habitat is present no particular management practices would be required to retain this species of plant.

8.2.4 A further five S42 and two locally scarce species were associated with grassland; three of these, Rosy Minor, Ear Moth and Anomalous are both S42 and local or scarce in VC42. Their precise habitat requirements are not known, although Ear Moth is associated with marshy grassland and Anomalous with upland grassland. Also, Gold Spot is associated with marshy habitats. Their presence here indicated that the particular grassland habitat of the site must be favourable to these species. In order to protect these species, therefore, the marshy grassland habitat should be allowed to re-develop after coal recovery has been completed.

8.2.5 Three S42 species and four locally scarce species were not reported by Skinner and Wilson (2009) as being associated strongly with any habitat type or larval foodplant. The fact that they are nationally or locally scarce or declining indicates that the Varteg site may provide an overall habitat favourable for these species. No specific mitigation can be identified for these species except to restore all of the habitat types present at the time of the surveys of 2005 and 2010.

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9 CONCLUSIONS

9.1 107 species of lepidoptera were recorded during the survey, comprising 19 butterflies and 88 moths. Of the butterflies, 4 were S42 species, although a further S42 species had been recorded in 2005, and an additional 3 species were locally scarce. Of the moths 13 were S42 species (2 of which were only recorded in 2005) and a further 12 were locally scarce or declining. The existence at the site of these scarce and local species of butterfly and moth indicated that the site is valuable for Lepidoptera and measures should be taken to protect these during and after any coal recovery operations.

9.2 Four species of butterfly, Dingy Skipper, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Pearl- bordered Fritillary and Small Heath were considered to be in especial need of protection through mitigation and post-operational remediation.

9.3 Since there is less information available on the precise habitat requirements of most moth species, recommendations on mitigation and remediation of scarce and local moth species were more generalised. However it was considered that the heathland areas should be protected as far as possible from damage resulting from nearby coal recovery operations. In order to protect a number of scarce moth species unimproved both heathland and marshy grassland should be allowed to regenerate after recovery operations have finished.

9.4 Assuming appropriate attention to detail in providing these habitats after coal recovery the authors consider that within 5 years many of the generalist species of Lepidoptera will have returned to the area, and that within 10-20 years there is a strong likelihood that the majority of the S42 and locally scarce species will also have returned.

10 REFERENCES

Asher, et al, The Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press, 2001 Bradley JD, Tremewan WG and Smith A, British Tortricoid Moths 1 , Ray Society, 1973. Bradley JD, Tremewan WG and Smith A, British Tortricoid Moths 2 , Ray Society, 1979 Emmet AM (Ed) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 3, Harley Books, 1996 Emmet AM and Langmaid JR (Eds) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 4 (Part I), Harley Books, 2002 Emmet AM and Langmaid JR (Eds) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 4 (Part II), Harley Books, 2002 Ford EB, Butterflies, Collins, 1945 Fox R et al, The State of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland, Pisces Publications, 2006

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Goater B, British Pyralid Moths, Harley Books, 1986 Heath J (Ed) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 1, Harley Books, 1976 Heath J and Emmet AM (Eds) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 2, Harley Books, 1985 Heath J and Emmet AM (Eds) The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland 10, Harley Books, 1983 Horton GAN, Monmouthshire Lepidoptera, Comma International Biological Systems, 1994 Lewington R, Pocket Guide to the Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, British Wildlife Publishing, 2003 Porter J, The Colour Identification Guide to Caterpillars of the British Isles, Viking, 1997 Riley AM and Prior G, British and Irish Pug Moths, Harley Books, 2003 Skinner B, The Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles, Apollo Books, 2009.

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APPENDIX 1 Butterfly Survey Results

The tables below indicate the range and number of butterflies seen on 6 visits. A transect route was broadly kept, although butterflies were counted as seen, rather than using the ‘walking box 5m x 5m transect’ methodology favoured by Butterfly Conservation. See study map at Appendix 5 for transect locations.

Visit 1: 23 May 2010 Weather conditions: Hot (25C), wind light F 1-3, southerly. 100% sun

Species S42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Dingy Skipper Y 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 G-V White N 13 3 3 3 68 5 0 3 8 Orange tip N 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Green Hairstreak N 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Common Blue N 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Small Heath Y 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 2

Visit 2: 12 June 2010 Weather conditions: warm (22C), wind light F 2-3, south-westerly. 80% sun

Species S42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Dingy Skipper Y 1 0 0 0 0 0 G-V White N 2 12 0 0 1 0 Green Hairstreak N 0 0 0 0 2 0 Small Copper N 1 0 0 0 0 1 Common Blue N 4 0 0 0 2 4 SPB Fritillary Y 0 0 0 0 1 0 Small Heath Y 5 7 0 0 10 3

Sections 1 – 3 were not walked. In their place, the pony fields and rank heath to the north of the site entrance and the trackway verge were searched specifically for Small Pearl- bordered Fritillary. The timing of this visit and findings from the 2005 survey justified a specific search in these areas to the detriment of coverage of sections 1-3. This proved successful with 4 found in a wet flush running parallel with the farm access lane (approx SO26280650), and another 3 along a wet ditch on the verge of the farm access drive on the edge of the development area (approx SO26180653).

Visit 3: 17 July 2010 Weather conditions; warm (22C), wind strong but variable F 3-6, southerly. 100% sun.

Species S42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Small Skipper N 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 G-V White N 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 0

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Dk-green Fritillary N 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Marbled White N 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 Grayling N 12 2 5 7 0 0 3 5 5 Gatekeeper N 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Meadow Brown N 5 0 0 0 2 1 1 6 0 Small Heath Y 3 0 11 9 28 8 3 13 4 Ringlet N 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 5 1

Visit 4: 8 August 2010 Weather conditions: mild (18 – 19C), wind F 2-3 southerly. 0% sun

Species S42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 G-V White N 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 0 Small White N 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Common Blue N 5 7 1 2 0 2 0 4 7 Sm Tortoiseshell N 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Peacock N 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Grayling N 2 7 0 0 0 1 5 1 1 Gatekeeper N 4 5 0 0 0 0 1 7 4 Meadow Brown N 4 1 0 2 2 2 1 0 0 Small Heath Y 2 8 1 4 4 1 3 3 0

Visit 5: 27 August 2010 Weather conditions: mild (18 C), wind F 4-5 north-easterly. 50% sun

Species S42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 G-V White N 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 0 Small Copper N 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Common Blue N 7 0 2 3 4 0 0 5 1 Red Admiral N 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sm Tortoiseshell N 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Peacock N 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Grayling N 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Gatekeeper N 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Meadow Brown N 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Small Heath Y 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1

Visit 6: 12 September 2010 Weather conditions: mild (18C), wind F5-6 north-westerly. 80% sun.

Species S42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Sm Tortoiseshell N 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 Grayling N 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Small Heath Y 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

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APPENDIX 2 Butterfly Species Recorded

Species status

Code Vernacular Status in GB Status in VC35 Comments 1526 Small Skipper Common Common 1532 Dingy Skipper Local Not uncommon, Section 42 declining 1550 Small White Common Common 1551 Green-veined White Common Common 1553 Orange-tip Common Common 1555 Green Hairstreak Local Local 1561 Small Copper Common Common 1574 Common Blue Common Common 1590 Red Admiral Migrant Common 1593 Small Tortoiseshell Common Common 1597 Peacock Common Common 1600 Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Local Local Section 42 1607 Dark Green Fritillary Local Very scarce 1620 Marbled White Local Local 1621 Grayling Local Local Section 42 1625 Gatekeeper Common Common 1626 Meadow Brown Common Common 1627 Small Heath Common Locally common Section 42 1629 Ringlet Common Locally common

Foodplants

Vernacular Foodplant Small Skipper Yorkshire Fog grasses Dingy Skipper Common Birds-foot-trefoil Small White Wild Crucifers, cultivated Brassicae Green-veined White Wild Crucifers eg Cuckoo-flower Orange-tip Wild Crucifers eg Cuckoo-flower Green Hairstreak Gorse, Bilberry, Common Birds-foot-trefoil Small Copper Common and Sheep’s Sorrel Common Blue Common Birds-foot-trefoil, Clovers Red Admiral Nettle Small Tortoiseshell Nettle Peacock Nettle Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Marsh Violet, Common Dog-violet Dark Green Fritillary Common Dog-violet

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Marbled White Sheep’s Fescue, Red Fescue Grayling Sheep’s Fescue, Bents, Tufted Hair-grass Gatekeeper Cocksfoot, Meadow-grasses, Fescues Meadow Brown Fescues, Meadow-grasses, Bents Small Heath Fescues, Meadow-grasses, Bents Ringlet Cocksfoot, Tufted Hair-grass

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APPENDIX 3 Moth Survey Results

23 May 2010 Daytime visit. Weather conditions: Hot (25C), wind light F 1-3, southerly. 100% sun

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 1682 Blood-vein SO2606 1 Day-flying 1776 Green Carpet SO2606 1 Day-flying 1902 Brown Silver-line SO2606 5 Day-flying 1952 Common Heath SO2606 Present Day-flying

12 June 2010 Daytime visit. Weather conditions: warm (22C), wind light F 2-3, south-westerly. 80% sun

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 1301 Crambus lathoniellus SO2606 3 Day-flying 1694 Smoky Wave SO2606 4 Day-flying 1952 Common Heath SO2606 Present Day-flying 2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot SO2606 1 Day-flying 2463 Burnet Companion SO2606 6 Day-flying

15 June 2010 Light-trapping. Minimum temperature 8C.

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 169 Six-spot Burnet SO262063 1 At rest 945 Aethes cnicana SO262063 1 UV & sheet 1301 Crambus lathoniellus SO262063 Present UV & sheet 1333 Scoparia pyralella SO262063 Present UV & sheet 1334 Scoparia ambigualis SO262063 Present UV & sheet 1638 Fox Moth SO262063 Present UV & sheet 1727 Silver-ground Carpet SO262063 5 UV & sheet 1846 Narrow-winged Pug SO262063 1 UV & sheet 2107 Large Yellow Underwing SO262063 1 UV & sheet 2147 Shears SO262063 2 UV & sheet 2163 Broom Moth SO262063 1 UV & sheet 2205 Shoulder-striped Wainscot SO262063 1 UV & sheet 2302 Brown Rustic SO262063 3 UV & sheet

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17 July 2010 Daytime visit - weather conditions; warm (22C), wind strong but variable F 3-6, southerly. 100% sun.

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 169 Six-spot Burnet SO2606 2 Day-flying 170 Five-spot Burnet SO2606 2 Day-flying

17 July 2010 Light-trapping. Minimum temperature 11C.

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 170 Five-spot Burnet SO261063 1 UV & sheet 706 Agonopterix nervosa SO261063 Present UV & sheet 787 Bryotropha terrella SO261063 1 UV & sheet 1294 Crambus pascuella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1301 Crambus lathoniellus SO261063 1 UV & sheet 1304 Agriphila straminella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1333 Scoparia pyralella SO261063 2 UV & sheet 1334 Scoparia ambigualis SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1504 Platyptilia pallidactyla SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1640 Drinker SO261063 1 UV & sheet 1713 Riband Wave SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1742 Yellow Shell SO261063 1 UV & sheet 1752 Purple Bar SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1846 Narrow-winged Pug SO261063 1 UV & sheet 1906 Brimstone Moth SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2069 Cinnabar SO262063 Present UV Heath Trap 2102 Flame Shoulder SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2118 True Lover's Knot SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2120 Ingrailed Clay SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2122 Purple Clay SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2130 Dotted Clay SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2154 Cabbage Moth SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2160 Bright-line Brown-eye SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2176 Antler SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2193 Clay SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2198 Smoky Wainscot SO262063 Present UV Heath Trap 2198 Smoky Wainscot SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2321 Dark Arches SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2342 Rosy Minor SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2439 Gold Spot SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2477 Snout SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2343x Common Rustic agg. SO261063 Present UV & sheet

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8 August 2010 Daytime visit. Weather conditions: mild (18 – 19C), wind F 2-3 southerly. 0% sun

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 72 Stigmella myrtillella SO2606 Present Leaf mine on bilberry 103 Stigmella nylandriella SO2606 Present Leaf mine on rowan 104 Stigmella magdalenae SO2606 Present Leaf mine on rowan 108 Stigmella crataegella SO2606 Present Leaf mine on hawthorn 169 Six-spot Burnet SO2606 Present Day-flying 263 Apple Leaf Miner SO2606 Present Leaf mine on hawthorn 303 Parornix anglicella SO2606 Present Leaf mine on hawthorn 883 Mompha raschkiella SO2606 Present Leaf mine on rose-bay 954 Eupoecilia angustana SO2606 Present Day-flying 1159 Rhopobota naevana SO2606 Present Day-flying 1219 Lathronympha strigana SO2606 Present Day-flying 1255 Cydia ulicetana SO2606 Present Day-flying 1304 Agriphila straminella SO2606 Present Day-flying 1305 Agriphila tristella SO2606 Present Day-flying 1309 Agriphila geniculea SO2606 Present Day-flying 1638 Fox Moth SO2606 Present Day-flying 1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet SO2606 1 Day-flying 1851 Golden-rod Pug SO2606 Present Day-flying 2441 Silver Y SO2606 1 Day-flying

16 August 2010 Light-trapping. Minimum temperature 16C.

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 15 Orange Swift SO261063 Present UV & sheet 706 Agonopterix nervosa SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1294 Crambus pascuella SO262063 Present Heath Trap 1294 Crambus pascuella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1304 Agriphila straminella SO262063 Present Heath Trap 1304 Agriphila straminella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1305 Agriphila tristella SO262063 Present Heath Trap 1305 Agriphila tristella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1524 Emmelina monodactyla SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1702 Small Fan-footed Wave SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1738 Common Carpet SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1751 Devon Carpet SO262063 Present Heath Trap 1752 Purple Bar SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1809 Twin-spot Carpet SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1831 Ling Pug SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1838 Tawny-speckled Pug SO261063 Present UV & sheet

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Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 2102 Flame Shoulder SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2107 Large Yellow Underwing SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2107 Large Yellow Underwing SO261063 Present UV & sheet Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow 2111 Underwing SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2112 Least Yellow Underwing SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2132 Neglected Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2134 Square-spot Rustic SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2134 Square-spot Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2176 Antler SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2176 Antler SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2289 Knot Grass SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2321 Dark Arches SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2341 Cloaked Minor SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2343x Common Rustic agg. SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2353 Flounced Rustic SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2353 Flounced Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2360 Ear Moth SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2394 Anomalous SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2394 Anomalous SO261063 Present UV & sheet

27 August 2010 Daytime visit. Weather conditions: mild (18 C), wind F 4-5 north-easterly. 50% sun

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 1304 Agriphila straminella SO2606 Present Day-flying 2441 Silver Y SO2606 Present Day-flying

9 September 2010 Light-trapping. Minimum temperature 16C.

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 697 Agonopterix arenella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1304 Agriphila straminella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1305 Agriphila tristella SO262063 Present Heath Trap 1344 Eudonia mercurella SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1638 Fox Moth SO261063 3 UV & sheet 1702 Small Fan-footed Wave SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1738 Common Carpet SO261063 Present UV & sheet 1752 Purple Bar SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2091 Dark Sword-grass SO260063 1 At sugar 2107 Large Yellow Underwing SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2117 Autumnal Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet

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Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2132 Neglected Rustic SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2132 Neglected Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2134 Square-spot Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2134 Square-spot Rustic SO261063 1 At sugar 2135 Heath Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2176 Antler SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2178 Feathered Gothic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2353 Flounced Rustic SO262063 Present Heath Trap 2353 Flounced Rustic SO261063 Present UV & sheet 2394 Anomalous SO261063 Present UV & sheet

12 September 2010 Daytime visit. Weather conditions: mild (18C), wind F5-6 north-westerly. 80% sun.

Code Name Gridref Quantity Comment 0584x Coleophora alticolella/glaucicolella SO2606 Present Day-flying 1305 Agriphila tristella SO2606 Present Day-flying 1309 Agriphila geniculea SO2606 Present Day-flying 1638 Fox Moth SO2606 Present Larva

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APPENDIX 4 Moth Species Recorded

Code Vernacular Status in VC35 15 Orange Swift Occurs sparingly 72 Stigmella myrtillella One record 103 Stigmella nylandriella Recorded 104 Stigmella magdalenae Recorded 108 Stigmella crataegella One record 169 Six-spot Burnet Common 170 Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Common 263 Apple Leaf Miner One record 303 Parornix anglicella 3 records Both species known to be abundant 0584x Coleophora alticolella/glaucicolella nationally 697 Agonopterix arenella Recorded frequently 706 Agonopterix nervosa One record 787 Bryotropha terrella No records 883 Mompha raschkiella 2 records 945 Aethes cnicana Frequent and widespread 954 Eupoecilia angustana One record 1159 Rhopobota naevana Widespread and common 1219 Lathronympha strigana Common 1255 Cydia ulicetana Known to be common 1294 Crambus pascuella Common 1301 Crambus lathoniellus Fairly common 1304 Agriphila straminella Common 1305 Agriphila tristella Common 1309 Agriphila geniculea Locally plentiful 1333 Scoparia pyralella 3 records 1334 Scoparia ambigualis Common 1344 Eudonia mercurella Fairly common 1504 Platyptilia pallidactyla 5 records 1524 Emmelina monodactyla Common 1638 Fox Moth Abundant 1640 Drinker Common 1682 Blood-vein Locally common 1694 Smoky Wave Occurs locally 1702 Small Fan-footed Wave Common 1713 Riband Wave Common 1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet Common 1727 Silver-ground Carpet Common 1738 Common Carpet Common 1742 Yellow Shell Fairly common 1751 Devon Carpet Recorded from one site only. 1752 Purple Bar Fairly common

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1776 Green Carpet Common 1809 Twin-spot Carpet Abundant Code Vernacular Status in VC35 1831 Ling Pug Recorded from the N of the county 1838 Tawny-speckled Pug Not uncommon 1846 Narrow-winged Pug Plentiful 1851 Golden-rod Pug A few records 1902 Brown Silver-line Common 1906 Brimstone Moth Common 1952 Common Heath Fairly common 2069 Cinnabar Common but decreasing 2091 Dark Sword-grass Migrant 2102 Flame Shoulder Common 2107 Large Yellow Underwing Abundant Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow 2111 Common Underwing 2112 Least Yellow Underwing Scarce and local 2117 Autumnal Rustic Common 2118 True Lover's Knot Common 2120 Ingrailed Clay Common 2122 Purple Clay Fairly common 2126 Setaceous Hebrew Character Common but decreasing 2130 Dotted Clay Local and infrequent 2132 Neglected Rustic Scarce 2134 Square-spot Rustic Common 2135 Heath Rustic Several records 2147 Shears Occurs at low density 2154 Cabbage Moth Common 2160 Bright-line Brown-eye Common but decreasing 2163 Broom Moth Fairly common 2176 Antler Common 2178 Feathered Gothic Common 2193 Clay Fairly common 2198 Smoky Wainscot Common 2205 Shoulder-striped Wainscot Common 2289 Knot Grass Common 2302 Brown Rustic Rarely numerous 2321 Dark Arches Common 2334 Rustic Shoulder-knot Not very common 2341 Cloaked Minor Widespread at low density 2342 Rosy Minor Local and infrequent 2343x Common Rustic agg. Abundant 2353 Flounced Rustic Locally common 2360 Ear Moth Local and scarce 2394 Anomalous Local

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2439 Gold Spot Local 2441 Silver Y Migrant 2463 Burnet Companion Local 2477 Snout Common

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Appendix 5 Site Map

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