Titchmarsh backs moth count bid

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A project aimed at finding out how rare some moth species have become is being backed by TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh.

Garden Moths Count was prompted by research suggesting that moth numbers in UK towns are down by about 50% in the UK compared with 35 years ago.

The initiative will encourage people to search their gardens for 20 types of moth on 22-24 June.

Mr Titchmarsh said moths can be found in gardens everywhere, and he wanted as many people as possible to be involved.

Climate change

Among the species being searched for is the Garden Tiger moth, which research suggests has declined by 90% in the past 35 years.

Moths Count manager Richard Fox said: "The Garden Tiger was once very abundant. It appears to be a victim of climate change.

"Climate change also means that many moth species are flying earlier each year. In the past we'd have waited until July to ask people to look out for the Garden Tiger, but not these days."

Members of the public will be able to report their findings via www.mothscount.org, and the site also contains an identification guide.

Garden Moths Count is part of the Moths Count project launched earlier this year and funded by an £806,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.