Bringing the flittering mysteries of night to light!

Join us to shed light on the mysteries of moths and other nocturnal insects and celebrate their vital role in pollination and our ecosystems on Friday 8 March from 8.30pm at Black Hill Reserve, 110 Blackhill School Road, Kyneton!
Image: How to lightsheet for moths https://nhm.org/stories/how-lightsheet-moths

As the sun sets and the world quiets down, a hidden realm comes alive – the realm of moths and other nocturnal insects. While we may catch fleeting glimpses of these tireless pollinators fluttering around streetlights, their true magic unfolds in the darkness, as they diligently visit flowers, pollinating them under the cover of night, often unnoticed by human eyes.

Lightsheeting, a simple technique used by community scientists to explore the mysterious world of moths and flying insects, is bringing these nocturnal creatures into the light. Lightsheeting involves setting up a welcoming light and providing a soft landing spot, typically a white sheet, where creatures can gather for observation and study.

Lightsheeting can be a year-round adventure, however, its magic truly comes alive on warmer nights when the air is alive with the flittering dance of insects. As temperatures rise, so does the activity level of nocturnal creatures, offering a greater chance to attract a diverse array of species to your sheet.

For community scientists eager to delve into the intricate world of moths and flying insects, lightsheeting serves as an accessible tool for observation and documentation. By establishing a lightsheeting station and regularly monitoring the nocturnal guests, enthusiasts contribute invaluable data to scientific research through platforms such as iNaturalist; enriching our understanding of insect populations and biodiversity.

Nocturnal pollinators visit a remarkable diversity of plants visit under the cloak of night. Cultivating moth-friendly habitats with native plants that bloom or emit fragrant scents at night is a crucial step towards preserving and enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance. Moths and other nocturnal insects are more than just pollinators; they are key components in local and global ecosystems. As vital food sources for nocturnal mammals and birds, and as providers for countless caterpillars relied upon by daytime creatures, moths weave a tapestry of interconnectedness within ecosystems. By encouraging native diversity in our plantings, we not only nurture moth and insect populations but also cater to the needs of the broader community of wildlife dependent on their existence.

If you are eager to welcome these enchanting creatures into your garden, consider planting white or pale-colored flowers with open cup or tube shapes, preferably emitting alluring scents. In doing so, you create a haven for moths and other insects, enhancing biodiversity and bolstering ecological resilience, all while most of us are wrapped in the embrace of slumber.

Our reimagined Macro Photography workshops

When trying to learn a new skill, or improve on an existing one, learning efficiently is key. That’s why our new workshop format offers bite-sized sessions on each macro photography topic that fluidly blends theory with hands-on practice, ensuring you grasp concepts quickly and apply them effectively.

Our new Macro Photography workshops, led by UCLN President, John Walter, will be a fantastic opportunity for photography enthusiasts to improve their skills or newbies to learn the basics!

With a focus on theory and practical sessions over both days, participants can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of their cameras and how to effectively utilize them for macro photography.

For those attending the workshops, it’s essential to come prepared with your CHARGED camera equipment, your camera manual and a willingness to learn.

John’s expertise and guidance will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and techniques to enhance participants’ macro photography abilities.

If you’re interested in attending, be sure to mark your calendar for the weekend of May 4th and 5th, or the weekend of May 11th and 12th. Remember to register by Friday 1st May.

These workshops form part of the UCLN Project: POLLINATOR PATCHES, USING SEED BALLS TO CREATE POLLINATOR HABITAT funded through the Victorian Landcare Grants.

Introduction to livestock diseases and biosecurity planning for small livestock owners

Sunday 20 August, 2pm to 5pm @ 5 Tylden-Woodend Road, Tylden VIC

Do you have cattle, sheep, goats or alpacas in the Tylden area?

Agriculture Victoria and Ashbourne Landcare are inviting you to a free workshop on biosecurity threats, biosecurity planning and requirements for all livestock owners (sheep, cattle, goats and alpacas).

Topics include

1. Biosecurity – what is it and why is it important for small landholders?

2. Introduction to the basics

  • Property Identification Codes (PICs), the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) and your obligations
  • National Livestock Standstill and what to expect

3. What are some of the significant threats?

  • Foot-and-mouth disease
  • Lumpy skin disease
  • Equine influenza
  • Avian influenzas
  • Q fever

4. Making a biosecurity plan for your property

  • Simple measures – ‘come clean, go clean’
Presenter

Gavin Beever, Cumbre Consulting

Gavin has extensive experience in the fields of extension (adult learning), group facilitation, project management, business planning, farm management, boards, monitoring and evaluation, computer aided extension, animal husbandry, agronomy, natural resource management, vegetation assessment, soil conservation, environmental planning, catchment management, property management planning and staff recruiting and management.

Gavin’s key strengths are he is an extremely good facilitator, with excellent interpersonal skills; he enjoys creating high functioning teams who achieve their goals and really enjoy doing so.  He is outcome focused; but likes to ensure people keep a balance with their goals, have fun, build better relationships and enjoy the journey.

He has a broad range of practical experience in business, farming, government agencies, board positions, planning schemes, research and development corporations, project management, the thoroughbred industry and coaching and enjoys bringing this experience with sound processes to meet client needs.

REGISTER HERE

More information

For more information contact Jennifer Shaw on jennifer.shaw@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 0499 684 237.