Conserving the Grey Carpet in the Brecks

A 12 month survey, research and practical project to enhance a network of sites in the Brecks for the Grey Carpet moth. The moth breeds in field margins, road verges and disturbed heath and conifer plantation, its larvae feed on flixweed, a plant which only occurs in disturbed, sandy soil. The project will take place across 13 sites, and will include survey/monitoring of moth and foodplant, management work including seed collection, planting, scarification/rotovation to test the effectiveness of disturbance regimes and GIS mapping so results can be shared with landowners and wider partners. The work would be carried out by a project officer, specialist contractor and significant volunteer contribution to survey work.

The project addresses the new UK Biodiversity Action Plan for Grey Carpet moth. The work would also benefit three other moth species of conservation concern, the Tawny Wave, Marbled Clover and Four-spotted.