These were the services Douglas provided described in his own words



Training

moth and butterfly training course

'I can provide a range of training programmes, covering all aspects of Lepidoptera. In the past, I've run successful day sessions, all well as an in-depth 4-day training course. I can offer flexibility in the content and structure available, catering to the needs of any group. Training typically involves both slideshow presentations and live specimen examination, and can be tailored for complete beginners through to more advanced participants. Topics can include the catching and identification of Lepidoptera, through to more general themes such as their natural history, ecology, and conservation. Training courses can focus on butterflies, macro or micro-moths. More specialist methods such as leaf miners and genitalia dissection can be offered. Past clients include the University of Oxford, Field Studies Council, Oxford University Press, as well as local field societies and citizen science projects.

Public talks and moth events

speaking at moth meeting

I am happy to speak to a wide range of audiences about anything related to Lepidoptera. I am flexible regarding content. In the past, I have presented results from several of my research projects, spoke about my work as county butterfly recorder, and provided general introductions to British moths. The photo shows me speaking at the 2017 UK Moth Recorders' Meeting.

I also organise public moth trapping events. Events usually run from dusk until well into the night. Alternatively, they can be held in the morning, where the previous night's catch is examined. Public events are typically accompanied by a talk on general natural history and the context behind moth trapping.

Surveying

moth trapping and moth surveying

I am available to carry out butterfly and moth surveys for ecological monitoring, or for expanding site species lists. I have experience walking transects and moth trapping in a range of habitats, from coastal sand dunes to mountainous moorland and everything in between. I use a range of equipment and techniques including night and daytime sampling, allowing for a good understanding of the Lepidoptera fauna at a site.

I am currently undertaking a comprehensive baseline survey of the moths of Wytham Woods, the University of Oxford's famous ancient woodland.

Supporting recording

butterfly and moth recording

The image shows examples of materials I've produced to support recording in my area. In my role as county butterfly recorder, I wrote this digital atlas with the aim of increasing recording coverage. The resource contains information on species and general recording, as well as providing distribution maps. The document can be read here.
Other initiatives to encourage recording include Operation Orange-tip.'