01623 675304
Office/Meeting Space
Menu

The Moths of Ransom Wood


In 2011, we were approached by the RSPB with a view to their members being allowed to survey Ransom Wood. We thought this was an excellent opportunity to fully understand the flora and forna of Ransom Wood. The RSPB have many members who are interested in birds but also have expert knowledge of insects and reptiles.

Our friends at the RSPB asked permission to hold a series of moth nights on the Park. The first night produced many interesting moths, which are detailed below:

The Green Carpet moth was the most common moth caught in trap 1 with a total of 21. This moth thrives in woodland and heath-land of which we have both. Its bright green colour soon fades to a yellow colour with age.

The Small Phoenix again enjoys wood land and open spaces and its larvae feed on willow herbs. You can see them during May and July and then again in August and September.

The Brimstone moth feeds on hawthorn and blackthorn, both of which are found at Ransom Wood. During the survey only one of these species was found.

The elephant hawk moth is so called because of its resemblance to the trunk of an elephant whilst still in its caterpillar stage. The adult moth is coloured pink and green and drinks nectar from plant such as honeysuckle. Look out for it from May – July. The larvae feed on rosebay willow herb, a common weed / wild flower found on the Park. This moth was spotted near The Willows on the night of the survey. Only one was found!

FACTS:

  • Moths and butterflies are inspects
  • They form part a group called Lepidoptera ( it means scaly winged )
  • Each colour and pattern is made up of 1,000’s of tiny scales.
  • There are 2,500 types of moth inBritain
  • Some moths migrate to theUK, others live their whole lives here.
  • Did you know that an average brood of Blue Tits will eat 15,000 caterpillars   (mainly moth)?!!
  • A caterpillar splits and sheds its old skin many times before it reaches its maximum size. This can take weeks or even years!
  • Some moths emit a squeak to confuse a bats echolocation
  • Other moths have developed ear-like organs to hear the squeaks produced by bats.

Moths not only pollinate flowers but they are vital food for other animals. They are food for spiders, frogs, toads, lizards, shrews, hedgehogs, bats and birds. They have evolved some amazing camouflage in an attempt to avoid being eaten!.

Myths about Moths

  • Moths are not as beautiful as butterflies – Not true.
  • Moths only fly by night – Not true.
  • Moths are furrier and hairier than butterflies. Not true
  • All moths eat your clothes – Not true.

Problems for moths.

Many moth species are in decline including the luxurious sounding “White Ermine” which was spotted by the RSPB on their moth night.

The population of this moth has decreased by 77% since 1968. It is not clear why moth numbers are decreasing as many of the habitats are on the increase. Perhaps it is a sign that there is an effect due to climate change. I know that many people and companies are trying to reduce their carbon footprint which will help.

Helping moths

We should try to reduce pollution in the atmosphere and reduce the amount of pesticides and herbicides we use in gardening. Here at Ransom Wood we have imported lady bird larvae to the Park in an attempt to use “good” pest control. Another good idea is to plant flowers which give a large quantity of nectar. These could include bluebells, clover, forget-me –not, buddleia and lavender.

Caterpillars also need food to be able to thrive. They eat the leaves of native trees like oak, birch and willow. They also eat weeds like brambles, nettles and dandelions so an area left “wild ” in your garden would be beneficial.

Related Articles


Harry crop

Published: 23rd October 2024

Harry Hedgehog gets some TLC

We’ve recently helped to rescue a little hedgehog who was in need of a bit of TLC over the Winter.

Read More

noctitherus-387042-1

Published: 23rd May 2019

The Ransom Wood Nightjars

There is a special connection at Ransom Wood to Night Jars – learn a bit more about this in our Nightjar article.

 

 

Read More

news-list-image-the-old-man-of-the-woods

Published: 14th January 2013

The Old Man of The Woods and Friends

Say hello to our old man of the woods. Isn’t he great! He was carved for us by Mark Butler who has won several prizes for his work.

Read More

Google Reviews


  • PAUL EDWARDS

    19/09/2024

    Very well kept estate. Friendly staff beautiful surroundings lovely cafe.

  • clair meade

    19/12/2023

    Brilliant place. Nature. Trees. Bliss.

  • Dirk R De Boer

    26/10/2023

    The old hospital, now a business centre, lots of parking, great surroundings

  • Sarah Dean

    16/05/2023

    Beautiful peaceful location. A hidden gem!

  • Derek Scott

    08/05/2023

    Very busy. All types of business are there

  • Neil Holmes

    31/01/2023

    A great venue

  • Sarah Beaumont

    15/12/2022

    This is such a beautiful setting for an office. Lovely & peaceful and the Ransomwood team are excellent! The maintenance team are always around if needed, great internet facilities and a fabulous café onsite too. I would highly recommend this place if you are looking for premises in the area.

  • Susan Pagdin

    02/12/2022

  • Alan Benton

    28/11/2022

    Nice place for a business meeting

  • 1ndyskies

    15/09/2022

    I was on a speed awareness course at Ransom Hall, so not the ideal situation. The place however looked lovely. Very tranquil.

  • Ann Revill

    09/08/2022

    Lovely animals to watch and birds

  • Melvin Crofts

    30/05/2022

    Lovely place

  • Paul Gillon

    13/12/2021

    A well maintained business grounds with 100s of offices and a restaurant in the centre. Speed controlled and beautiful woodland surroundings, this place seems to be consistently upgrading.

  • Gareth Childs

    03/09/2021

    Great park to host a business

  • Dave Watts

    17/08/2021

    Love this place

  • Maxine Dillon

    15/07/2021

    We rent an office here and it’s just such a lovely place to drive into everyday

  • Chris Kho

    22/06/2021

    Still love to walk around. I used to live in the big house at the top of the drive, it was Oak House then and I nursed at Ransom Hospital , Byron Ward which was on the left side of Ransom Hall car park. Oak House used to be Sisters accommodation. I think the main chef lived upstairs when I lived there and just me downstairs mostly. I loved it but had to keep my kitchen door closed because of the squirrels. Loved looking down the drive out of my bedroom and lounge windows, beautiful in Autumn and when it snowed, I worked at Ransom Hospital until it closed in 1987. Wonder why Oak House was later named Ash House? Lovely dining at Forever Green in the grounds whilst I reminisce.

  • Tony Lewis

    20/05/2021

    Absolutely spot on as regards setting up a virtual office. Really friendly and helpful reception staff, with onsite meeting rooms available if needed. Very pleased.

  • Matthew Sheppard

    07/03/2021

    Beautiful

  • John Redfern

    20/07/2020

    Good food

  • David Draper

    25/02/2020

    Great place for taking pets a walk, lovely cafe with meeting rooms.

  • Pete Edwards

    08/02/2020

    A great place

  • Daryl Statham-waring

    20/11/2019

    Brilliant place, they have all sorts of businesses there. A cafe, hypnotherapy, hypnopuncture as well many others. Worth a drive up just to see what's there. Furthermore, it's in lovely surroundings.

  • Jo Harris

    13/10/2019

    Just go there and walk for miles! Beautiful views from strawberry hill too.

  • Philip Merry

    04/08/2018

    Go experience

  • victoria chandler

    28/06/2018

    Great place,hidden away

  • T Butler

    24/05/2018

    Set in beautiful woodland.. a very relaxing place to work.

  • Bec Ward

    12/03/2018

    Very tranquil here, feel at real ease could get lost in my own thoughts

  • S Curran

    17/01/2018

    Lots of meeting rooms. Follow signes not sat nav to find entrence as its moved. Plenty of parking.

  • Andy long

    03/12/2017

    Nice business offices and restaurant

  • Robert West

    05/02/2017

    Love it. Great setting, and reasonable rents.

View More