By Katie Goldsbrough

Hi there!

Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to Creature Candy for having me as a guest blogger! (virtual hugs!)

We are living in the strangest times seen in our generation. The year so far has been a huge messy blur and I know the road ahead seems tough… but one thing that has united people and brought lockdown joy to many has been our wonderful wildlife. Nature continues to nurture us even though our world has flipped topsy-turvy, and I am writing today to give a huge shout out to my saving graces during this challenging period- the 2 sides of the coin- the evolutionary rivals- moths & bats!

When lockdown was first announced I made a quick decision to order a moth trap from NHBS, and I’m super glad I did! Previously I had always used moth traps at work, and when we closed due to COVID-19 I didn’t think in all the rushing around to grab one to take home with me. I had never trapped at home before and OMG it has been amazing! I have managed to trap over 25 different species including my favourite of all time- the privet hawk-moth! One of the days (that all seemed to blur into one) I spent hours just sitting looking at this beautiful privet hawk-moth, studying all his features and just appreciating the amazingness of this creature. It has been so interesting chatting to people online that had previously thought of moths just as being boring, brown and determined to eat all your clothes. Then they saw some of my photographs and were surprised at how diverse and incredibly cute they can actually be! Even the brown ones!

The first time I caught a pale tussock moth, I melted with just how cute and floofy he was. It has been amazing how just a few photographs can change peoples perceptions on a whole group of species, right?! I have a friend on social media who is now no longer afraid of moths, because they saw the photograph of the pale tussock moth and how much he looked like Yoda.. now they love them! What a result for moths! As you have most likely noticed I am obsessed with moths faces, hence why most of my moth photographs on social media are so close-up. I think they are so fascinating! It’s a whole micro world we are not a part of and I appreciate the small insights I manage to be graced with when trapping (although I do imagine them doing a photo shoot with vogue playing in the background when I’m taking photos up close haha). For awesome ID guides and moth info check out Butterfly Conservation.

Next up, the arch nemesis of the moth… the bat! So, as those who know me know, I am batty for bats! I love them so much the thought of a bat makes me smile so hard my face feels like its gonna fall off. Lockdown happened just as survey season was going to start kicking off, so I created my own ‘bat time’ by completing BCT courses online, reading and dreaming of sky puppies. LUCKILY when June came around socially distanced safe surveys were able to begin again and the dusk surveys started to roll in. I think I could sit forever with bats whizzing by, clicking and giving the best aerobatic displays. It is so special just sitting quietly, listening and watching bats zooming around, in their world of flight and echolocation, something we could never imagine being a part of. It is wonderful. If you haven’t tried it, I 1000% recommend bat watching! Especially this time of year, June and July is the months for baby bats, otherwise known as pups! (SO CUTE!)

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many misconceptions and fears of bats transmitting the virus. This is untrue and there are no zoonotic coronaviruses in any of our UK bat species, so there is no need to worry! Our bats are just a beautiful group of species that play an important role in our ecosystems and need our help to protect them. The Bat Conservation Trust website is amazing for all bat information you will ever need! Check it out here.

I hope that some positivity has come to you during this time in the form of nature. I feel like the situation has highlighted how much we need the outdoors in our lives. The biggest lesson I have learned is to let your passions drive you and they will help you find happiness even in the darkest of situations. If you love wildlife shout it from the rooftops! If you see a bee and it makes you happy- do a little dance! Spread your passion for wildlife everywhere like sprinkles on ice cream! By doing this you will inspire others and be a beacon for helping nature for generations to come.