Lydford Gorge National Trust

This understated beauty is a chimney sweeper moth 𝘖𝘥𝘦𝘻𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘢.

It's a day flying moth that is almost fully black except for two white tips to its wings. Although it does fade to a browner colour as it ages.

It can often be seen flying around the orchard meadow on sunny days at this time of year. Apparently, if you see one on an overcast day it's more likely to be a male.

The female moths lay eggs in summer, but the caterpillars don't hatch until April the next year. Then they feed almost exclusively on the flowers and seeds of pignut. Which is what the moth in the photo is perching on, and it is abundant in the orchard meadow.

Job opportunity - Food & Beverage team member
Apply here 👉 https://bit.ly/4uIOQ44

In this role you’d be making a real difference to the work of the National Trust, as well as helping to give people a memorable day out. So if you enjoy working with a fun team in a beautiful location - we want to hear from you.

Closing date Sunday 28 June
📷 © National Trust

We're hoping to see a little more sunshine this weekend 🌤

So don't forget to stop and look up to admire the view.

It's still fun to look up on a rainy day but there's a much higher chance of getting a raindrop in your eye 💧

Just a beautiful big oxeye daisy brightening up the orchard meadow.

Definitely worth a mooch around the mown paths to see what flowers are appearing.

As we come to the end of Volunteers Week we want to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who help to keep Lydford Gorge open for everyone.

Thanks for generously giving you time and expertise throughout the year. You're so passionate and dedicated, and we really couldn't do it without you as part of the team.

Lydford Gorge is back open today, Sunday 7 June, after some forecast high winds yesterday.

And after the recent sun and rain the plants have shot up and it's looking like a proper (temperate) rainforest 💚

The gorge trails, tea-rooms and bookshop will be closed tomorrow (Saturday 6 June) due to forecast high winds 💨 and the risk of falling trees 🌳

Please check http://bit.ly/gorgeinfo before travelling.
We hope to open again on Sunday, if safe to do so, however the trails may open later than usual as the paths will need to be checked for damage.

Thriving nature gives all of us a better future.

When we protect nature, we can provide a better quality of life for everyone.

Our future depends on nature - and that’s why we’ve launched a new campaign - to give nature the voice it deserves.

Find out more and see how you can get involved: https://bit.ly/3Q8GILY