I have just had an email from Caroline Kelly at BC asking me to pass on recording forms for Goat and Forester moths to anyone who is likely to be working in areas where they occur / might occur. Text as follows:

Dear County moth recorder, Please find attached the proposed site survey forms for the Goat and Forester moth that have been sent out to the relevant VC’s these species have occurred in recently (from 1980). We are asking volunteers and staff to add some extra detail to their survey notes this year to try to establish a clearer picture of their ecology, as to date, there is very little information available. As, I am sure you are aware, the Forester and Goat Moth became UK BAP Priority species in 2007, we are currently endeavoring to collate as much information about their current habitat, larval foodplant and nectar requirements to create a clearer understanding of their ecology. This information will be compiled with the intention of being used to inform management decisions and to produce locations maps. I am writing to ask if it would be possible for you to pass on the attached site survey form to recorders that you know will be going to sites in your area where the Forester or Goat moth occur. We understand and appreciate the time that volunteers spend recording and do not wish to ask that site survey forms are completed by every recorder. The information being requested is envisaged to not take too much time to complete as they are mainly visual observations. We would appreciate if you could send us any records of Forester/Goat moth that you receive (with or without the additional information we are requesting). If we receive any records of these species directly from recorders we will ensure that you will be sent the records. On the survey form the field ‘Grid ref of negative searches’ is mainly for sites that are visited where the species has previously been recorded but signs or sightings of the species were not recorded on that particular visit. We would appreciate any information if you (or other recorders) are on sites that they occur in, this year or in the future. Thank you for your time Regards Caroline Kelly Conservation Officer

Anyone requiring forms please email me and I will send them