It was described as an accessible event, so it was useful to try it out.  I’m unsure where the event was originally advertised, but I found out afterwards it was on the Marches Mosses Boglife website. The event was run by volunteers Barry Probin and Stephen Barlow, and also Ellie from Natural England.

We met at the Manor House Car Park for a 9.30 am start. The original advert stated that “The site is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility” which I was pleased to find out was true.  We were able to park easily on the site, and nothing was far to reach in a wheelchair or on foot.  The Classroom building had an easy ramp up to it!  And I understand the toilets are accessible too.  

There was a lovely mix of very friendly and knowledgeable Moth enthusiasts, photographers, and young families. We were all there to join a morning of identifying and photographing moths. 

Barry had been running two Moth Traps throughout the night on the Friday. The next morning we were all able to see and photograph the many different species of night flying moths, which were amazing!  We looked at the different moth trap designs, text books useful in identification and a little bit of history on moth recording. Stephen Barlow was on hand to offer his expertise in getting a special photo, sharing his knowledge of how to get the perfect background and lighting.  Barry’s lifelong passion for Moths was infectious.

Any event with the word ‘nature’ or ‘wildlife’ in it, cannot be expected to be without the odd change in surface or effort needed.  However, the whole team at this event made the experience so much more than physically accessible.  They were all very thoughtful, and made sure I had every opportunity to get close to the traps and take part.  This was an inclusive event and the combination of a practical and accessible site, together with a genuinely kind and inclusive group of people, made it close to perfect.