Can you spot this rare moth on the foreshore?

Grazing cows near Derwentwater have led to the re-establishment of the rare netted carpet moth, which disappeared from the area nine years ago.

The moth is found at only a handful of sites in the Lake District and Wales and is dependent on the presence of a plant called touch-me-not balsam, which occurs in damp open woodland and dies within two years if it can not produce seedlings.

The National Trust has been working with a local farmer to introduce woodland grazing spots for hardy cattle, creating the right conditions for the plant, and spreading its seeds on the cattle’s hooves.

The winter grazing has taken place in selected areas of woodland to maintain balsam colonies, which has led to an increase in the moth population which would not have found its way back to Derwentwater without intervention.

The trust previously had success with the technique at Coniston. Now, surveys show that the moth has survived and bred over the past year around Derwentwater, and there are hopes that it will permanently re-establish itself.

Email the foreshore project at naomi.hewitt@nationaltrust.org.uk  if you spot this rare species.