The arrival of an immigrant swarm of Diamond-back Moths saw prodigious numbers recorded throughout the island: moth-trap totals included 383 at the Obs (in four traps) and 58 at the Grove (in one trap), but vast numbers - we'd guess at well into the low millions from the numbers seen in sample walks at several sites during the evening - were evident everywhere by day. The only other new immigrant lepidoptera logged were 3 Silver Y in various of the moth-traps and a lone Painted Lady in the Obs garden.
Diamond-back Moth - Portland Bill, 1st June 2016 © Max Hellicar
The Neil Arnold Memorial Fund
The Neil Arnold Memorial Fund
We hadn't intended to jump the gun when earlier in the year we announced the establishment of The Neil Arnold Memorial Fund but inevitably the administrative formalities required took longer than expected to complete. However, we're pleased to announce that the fund is now a UK registered charity in its own right, it has its own bank account to which donations may be made and it is now able to accept applications from young people (up to the age of 21) for support.
Initially the fund will provide financial support for young people wishing to visit Portland Bird Observatory, but as further funding becomes available it is anticipated that its remit will be broadened to encompass visits to any accredited UK bird observatory. Support will be available for all or part of the transport and accommodation costs incurred and potential applicants are invited to contact the warden at PBO to discuss their application.