Nature Features

This Saturday is National Moth Night, and hundreds of amateur naturalists are taking part in the country's largest survey of moth species.

Moths have always played second fiddle to its close relation, the butterfly. Now, though, the study of moths is growing in popularity in the UK, with many enthusiasts setting up moth traps in their back gardens.

High density bulbs attract moths

The traps - light boxes with egg cartons inside - have high density bulbs inside which attract night-flying moths. British moths come in many shapes and sizes and some, some varieties like the hawk-moths, are spectacular.

Moths are very diverse, with around 2,500 British species, compared to only 60 butterflies.

BBC Essex's Renee Hockley-Byam has been along to preview an event taking place at Cudmore Grove Country Park on East Mersea with Ranger, Dougal Urquhart.

The Moth Night Events at Cudmore Grove is on Saturday, 7, June and it's free! Meet in the car park at 9.30pm.