Safeguarding the Silky Wave Moth in the Avon Gorge

The rare Silky Wave moth is only found at a single English site; the Avon Gorge. Through a programme of targeted conservation work, invasive Cotoneaster and Holm Oak removal will be undertaken in two quarries within the gorge by specialist contractors and volunteers in order to increase the area of bare ground on the quarry floor and sides. This will provide the optimum growing conditions for Common Rock-rose, the larval foodplant of the Silky Wave, enabling the species to spread. The Avon Gorge is noted for several rare and endemic plant species which will also benefit from the project work.