Galloway Members’ Centre, a Scottish Wildlife Trust members’ group, has been awarded funding from the Awards for All programme for a project sharing the amazing world of moths with local people.

The United Kingdom is home to more than 2,400 species of moth, but most people are unaware of them as are they are rarely seen – because they tend to fly at night.

The money will help to raise awareness of these intriguing insects and will go towards purchasing a range of moth trapping and interpretation materials, as well as equipment for illustrated talks. The group plans to target local tourist businesses, community groups and schools, among others, and involve them in capturing and identifying the moths.

Members’ Centre chairman Brian Smith said: “This award gives us a great opportunity to work with other organisations.

“The project has two main strands. The first is to enable us to trap and identify moths without causing them any harm and to monitor what species are found in different locations and show people these amazing creatures. Once identified, the moths will be safely released.” He added: “The second aim of the project is to acquire the equipment needed to let SWT’s Galloway Members’ Centre go out into the community and give presentations on a range of topics.

“These will cover the local environment, its wildlife and how to get involved in finding out more about it. We will also be telling people about local moths following the moth trapping events. We hope the project will help people develop an interest in the countryside and a desire to protect it.”

Initially, the group will visit tourist spots and venues such as caravan sites and holiday parks to enlist interest and promote awareness.

A moth event in conjunction with the NTS rangers at Threave Garden is planned for early August and it is hoped that other popular visitor sites will ask the group to come and trap moths.

People would be invited to come and set up the traps the night before as well as to turn up to inspect and release the insects early the next day. The project will last from this June until the end of May 2008.

Galloway Members’ Centre is now searching for invitations from local businesses and organisations to hold moth trapping events on their premises. If you are interested in having the group organise an event at your location, please get in touch with Brian Smith on +44 (0)1556 620617