A post for the mottephiliacs amongst you

Today there was a flurry of excitement (which, considering how busy the day was, was an achievement in relative terms) when a garden visitor was quite sure that he had spotted a rare tiger moth flittering and fluttering against the window of the manor front door.

He said, if I recall correctly, that it was a scarlet tiger moth.  Upon examination of the wonderful www.ukmoths.org.uk we have concluded that the identification was accurate, although we aren't sure of quite how rare it is.

This all bodes well for Iford's wildlife day on July 3rd this year, when Butterfly Conservation and the RSPB will be joining us, sponsored by the NFU Mutual, from 12 - 5pm.  These days are great fun for parents and children alike, are free to attend, and a really brilliant addition to the start of the summer holidays with face-painting, photo competitions, butterfly walks around the valley and such like.

The tearoom will be open from 12pm on that day, serving a range of homemade cakes, cream teas, ice creams and such like and the garden will be open as usual from 2 - 5pm - entry to the wildlife day, though, is free for all.

Have a look at the post from last year's butterfly day, and then cross your fingers for good weather.

And what of that beautiful moth?  We opened the door and released it onto a rosemary bush.