Cemetery’s annual moth count complete
THE Friends of Newtown Road Cemetery gathered to complete their annual moth count in the cemetery last week.
The friends monitor and study the wildlife and insects in the cemetery and the moth count helps them to see if there have been any changes since the previous year.
They spend time humanely capturing the moths in glass jars so that they can be counted and studied.
The moths were then all released back into the cemetery at dusk.
Although the moth count is usually a public event, it was limited to just a few members due to the cemetery being closed.
Friends of Newtown Road Cemetery chairman Brian Sylvester said: “We like to keep an eye on the wildlife in the cemetery and note any changes and what could have caused them.
“It is always a lovely moment when the moths are released, watching them all fly away.
“We hope that next year’s event can be open to the public.”
The Friends of Newtown Road Cemetery nature group meet regularly to discuss the cemetery and how the wildlife and insects can be protected for future generations.