Essex Moth Group

As a result of the national appeal for the formation of county moth recording groups, the Essex Moth Group was formed on January 20th 1996, at the Mistley home of Ian Rose, when 14 Essex moth recorders and enthusiasts set up the group, with Joe Firmin as Chairman.

Joe was already Chairman of the Essex Lepidoptera Panel which checks and monitors records, initially for the production of The Butterflies and Larger Moths of Essex (Essex Naturalists Trust, 1975). Currently the Essex Moth Group has more than 70 members using moth lamps and garden traps, as well as conducting field recording sessions throughout Essex. The Group welcomes new members and anyone interested in helping or seeking information can contact Joe Firmin at 55 Chapel Road, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3EZ (Tel: 01206 241389).

The Group arranges a popular annual meeting and exhibition, and this year's was on February 26th 2011, at Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford (10.30am - 5pm). A full day's programme of illustrated talks; exhibits; discussions; lunch. The event is attended by leading personalities of the entomological world.

Joe has booked the date for the next EMG annual meeting/exhibition in 2013. It will be at the usual venue, Venture Centre 2000, Lawford, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 (10.30am - 5pm). The 2011 annual review by Steve Rolls is available here.

There is a Wetland & Wainscots Training Course at Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve – Sunday July 22nd or Tuesday July 24th 2012. This will be of interest to Essex lepidopterists. Details and booking