Going batty for moths at Cecilly Brook

Did you know that there are 18 different species of bats in the UK or that moth species outnumber butterfly species by almost 2,500?

Common Pipistrelle bats, the smallest species, can live for up to 18 years and eat around 3,000 insects a night and our moths come in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes and colours from the magnificent hawk moths to the delicate micro-moths.

Join us this month to find out more fascinating facts about these creatures and see if you can spot some of those that live in the Staffordshire Moorlands at an evening walk, organised by Friends of Cecilly Brook and Hales Hall Pool, taking place at 7pm on Friday 16 September.

The Friends are inviting people to walk with them and look for bats with bat detectors followed by the chance to see what's in the moth trap.

Councillor Brian Johnson, cabinet member for leisure and countryside at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "This is an opportunity for wildlife lovers to learn more about these fascinating creatures and I'm sure it will be a real eye-opener.

"The Friends group work really hard to make sure places like Hales Hall Pool are protected and preserved for all of us to enjoy and events such as this help people understand why environments like this are so important to the plants and animals that call the Staffordshire Moorlands home. I'm sure everyone who goes along will enjoy the evening."

Those wishing to attend should meet at Hales Hall Pool entrance off Oakamoor Road, Cheadle grid reference SK019 437 and are advised to bring warm waterproof clothing and a torch. There is limited parking on site but ample parking in Cheadle town centre a short distance away.