 Date: 18 July 2021 Location: The Lost Gardens of Heligan Photographer: Rowena Castillo-Nicholls A very enjoyable Moth Evening at The Lost Gardens of Heligan with expert Dave Gibbon, Cornwall Butterfly and Moth Society and Devon Moth Group.  Moth Traps Some of the gorgeous Moths at The Lost Gardens of Heligan
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 Date: 18 July 2021 Location: The Lost Gardens of Heligan Photographer: Rowena Castillo-Nicholls Moth Evening at The Lost Gardens of Heligan with friends from the Cornwall Butterfly and Moth Society and the Devon Moth Group lead by Dave Gibbon. It's been an enjoyable evening. There's been loads of species of beautiful moths in various colours, sizes and shapes. Checking out the area where to set-up the Moth Traps Moth Traps Dave Gibbon with friends from the Cornwall Butterfly and Moth Society and Devon Moth Group Some of the gorgeous Moths at The Lost Gardens of Heligan The mysterious "Waxing Crescent Moon" last night!!!
■ Venus continues to shine low in the western twilight this week. Tiny, distant Mars, a mere 1/200 as bright, is sliding away to Venus's lower right as shown below. Meanwhile, twinkly Regulus, a half magnitude brighter than Mars, is rapidly moving in on Venus from the upper left. ■ First-quarter Moon this evening and tomorrow evening (the Moon is exactly first quarter at 6:11 a.m. on July 17th EDT). Tonight, spot Spica about 6° to the Moon's lower left. Great day out! Nature and wildlife walk in Kings Wood, Clay Area and St Mewan Beacon. Long, lovely and enjoyable walk.So delighted to have seen 4x Silver-washed Fritillary. It really made my day.  Kings Wood is a 58.5-hectare (144.6-acre) site situated on the eastern side of the scenic Pentewan Valley Road (B3273). Kings Wood is part of a panoramic wooded terrain that slopes down the breath-taking Cornish landscape of Pentewan Valley. It is a designated County Wildlife Site, highly regarded for its rich ground flora and fantastic scenic views across the stunning south coast of Cornwall.       Trewoon had a major part to play in the china clay industry in Cornwall being the home to the Blackpool Clay Pits and Dryers. The Clay Trails are a series of scenic routes for walking, cycling and horse riding for the general public. This is the China Clay Country where china clay (KAOLIN) has been extracted for aver 300 years, a process that has literally shaped the landscape. There are pits, that have become blue / green coloured lakes and spoil heaps, now overgrown and forming the "Cornish Alps".       St Mewan Beacon is a natural landmark lies some distance from the village, to the north-west of Trewoon. It is a tor exposure of quartz-topaz-tourmaline rocks that has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geological characteristics. St Mewan Beacon was studied by Cornish mining engineer and mineralogist Joseph Henry Collins who published an account of it in 1914.             Great day out! Nature and wildlife walk in Portmellon Valley. Rich and diverse flora and fauna. Seen loads of amazing wildlife. Butterflies: Common Blue, Green Hairstreak, Large Skipper, Large White, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Ringlet, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Speckled Wood Dragonflies, Damselflies and Demoiselles Portmellon (Cornish: Porthmelin) is a coastal settlement in south and lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Almost a third of Cornwall has AONB designation, with the same status and protection as a National Park. The sandy beach at Portmellon is safe for bathing and there is a public slipway for launching boats. Portmellon has a long history of building boats with many wooden–hulled boats leaving the workshop over the years, including Denis Hame's 20-footer named Vivian. The sandy beach is set in a small cove, a 20-minute walk from Mevagissey. The beach is around 150 metres long but is completely covered at high tide. At low tide rock pools are exposed and on some occasions seals can be seen swimming off the beach or resting on the rocks.     Portmellon Valley  Rob with the big fallen tree.  Beautiful Portmellon Valley Butterflies  Moth Dragonflies Damselflies Demoiselles Great day out! Nature and wildlife walk in Trevose Head and Bedruthan Steps. Nothing beats the spectacular, dramatic and rugged North Cornwall Coast. Rich and diverse flora and fauna. Love it.  Trevose Head (Cornish: Penn Trenfos, meaning farm of the wall's headland[citation needed]) is a headland on the Atlantic coast of north Cornwall. It is situated approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) west of Padstow. The South West Coast Path runs around the whole promontory and is within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Trevose Head Heritage Coast. The headland is within the Trevose Head and Constantine Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is designated for both its biological and geological interests. Wild asparagus grows on the cliffs of Dinas Head and shore dock at the base of the cliffs. The cliffs are also important for breeding fulmar, razorbill and guillemot.  Trevose Lighthouse in the background.  Trevose Head   Beautiful Meadows Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps (Cornish: Karn Havos, meaning "rock-pile of summer dwelling" and Cornish: Bos Rudhen, meaning "Red-one's dwelling") is a stretch of coastline located on the north Cornish coast. The section of coastline from Carnewas to Stepper Point is part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty[9] and subject to special landscape protection. In addition, Bedruthan Steps and Park Head is an 80.8-hectare (200-acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest, designated for its geological and biological interest in 1951. The site was subject to a revision in 1973 and renotified in 1986. It is noted for its slates and fossils from the Middle Devonian period, various mosses, and beetles. Bedruthan Steps is also a Geological Conservation Review site because it is a ″source of rare fish specimens″, which were first reported in 1848 by W Pengelly. Flora: The coast here is exposed to westerly winds and the clifftops provide an exposed environment best suited to low-growing plants. Flowers to be found along the cost between Mawgan Porth and Bedruthan include Bird's foot trefoil, Kidney vetch, Sheep’s-bit and Spring squill, plus the distinctly maritime species Sea Pink (Thrift) and Sea Campion. Geology: The bedrock at Bedruthan Steps is at the northernmost extent of a series of sedimentary rocks classified as sandstone, siltstone and mudstone and known as the Bedruthan Formation. The underlying rock from Bedruthan Steps to Trevose Head is Middle Devonian slates (386–377 Mya) with Staddon Grits to the south towards Trenance Point. The thickness of the slates have been estimated at over 2,000 m (6,600 ft). Marine erosion by the sea carrying sand and pebbles has worn away the weaker, softer rocks to leave the stacks seen today. Fossils of fish, corals, trilobites, etc. have been found in the Eifelian slates on Samaritan and Pendarves Islands. Few fossils are useful for dating here, but one (although considered to be problematical) Pteroconus mirus dates the formations to the Eifelian. At the end of the headland of Park Head (grid reference SW840708) is a subvolcanic rock, Diabase. Dark Sky discovery site In 2014, the area was granted "Dark Sky" status by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. Dark Sky discovery sites must be free from light pollution and have good views of stars and the Milky Way, and be accessible to the public.    Bedruthan Steps
Great day out! Nature and wildlife walk in St Anthony Head. Scenic views. Seen loads of amazing wildlife but only manage to get a few photos and videos. Loads of people too! Good thing, I always bring with me my Soroptimist face mask and jumper. St Anthony Head is a National Trust property situated at the southernmost tip of the Roseland Peninsula, overlooking the entrance to one of the world's largest natural harbours: Carrick Roads and the estuary of River Fal. It preserves the former St Anthony Battery, built in 1895–97 to defend the estuary of the River Fal. The headland is designated as part of Carricknath Point to Porthbean Beach and Lower Fal and Helford Intertidal Sites of Special Scientific Interest. At its tip lies St Anthony's Lighthouse.  St Mawes in the distance  Falmouth in the distance  St Anthony Head Light House  Battery Observation Post St Anthony Head Wearing my Soroptimist Face Mask and Jumper
Kestrel Great day out! Enjoyable walk in Nare Head today. Spectacular views. Seen loads of amazing wildlife. Butterflies: Common Blue, Clouded Yellow, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Copper, Small Heath, Speckled Wood and Wall. Birds: Guillemots, Razorbills, Yellowhammers, Black Redstart, Swallows, Swifts, Kestrel, Buzzards and a lot more...    Nare Head The fresh Cornish sea air is just refreshing and invigorating! Rob, my walking buddy for life!  Wearing my Soroptimist Face Mask and Jumper Turning and Jumping  Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia, is one of the rare butterflies in the UK and it's also my favourite butterfly. The caterpillar foodplant is Devil’s-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis. The flight time is from May to July. I've seen this gorgeous butterfly in a few places in Cornwall: Breney Common, Garrow Tor, Goss Moor, Predannak and Trelusback Farm. For the past few years, me and my husband Rob have been leading a fieldtrip to see this gorgeous butterfly in Breney Common and Garrow Tor. Photographs and videos were taken on 13 June 2021 at Trelusback Farm.  A mating pair of Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia  A mating pair of Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia  Male Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia - upperwing  Female Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia - upperwing  Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia - underwing  Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia - underwing  Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia Eggs on Devil’s-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis A mating pair of Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia on my Camera Me, my Camera and the Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia  It's just me... Busy taking Photographs and Videos of the Marsh Fritillary Euphydryas aurinia Conservation Areas Beautiful Wildflower Meadows  The "ROWENA" is finally out for the very first time after 15 months of hibernation! I had my 1st and 2nd dose of Oxford-Astrazeneca Vaccine. I am now confident to go out in the world. But of course, I still follow the Health and Safety Guidelines: social distancing, face mask, face shield, hand sanitizer and handwashing. A few days before my Self-isolation and Lockdown.. 3 March 2020 - I went on a nature and wildlife walk on the North Cornwall Coast to celebrate World Wildlife Day. 4 March 2020 - Attended Probus Ladies Group Annual General Meeting. 5 March 2020 - Attended Soroptimist St Austell and District Club Meeting. 7 March 2020 - Attended Campaign to Protect Rural Cornwall Annual General Meeting. 8 March 2020 - Attended Unsung Heroine Awards of Soroptimist St Austell and District at Carlyon Bay Golf Club. 9 March 2020 - Attended Ladock Parish Wildlife Group talk and presentation at Ladock Community Hall. 10 March 2020 - A parcel has arrived from my Mom and Dad in the Philippines. 10 March 2020 - Attended the Cornish Chough Pre-Season Briefing by the National Trust and RSPB. 11 March 2020 - I went on a nature and wildlife walk in Bedruthan Steps. 11 March 2020 - I gave a talk and presentation on "Top 20 Rarity Sighting of the Decade 2010 to 2019" to the Lion's Club of St Austell. My Self-isolation and Lockdown Begins... 12 March 2020 - The news about the deadly covid-19 virus got me really worried and scared. So, I just went into immediate isolation and total lockdown. 25 March 2020 - I launched “Connect with Nature” online. My aim is to promote, raise awareness and encourage people to connect with nature because it benefits both the mental health and physical well-being. You can do this wherever you are. But you don’t have to walk and drive miles and miles to do this most especially at this time of the pandemic. You can do this in your home or in your garden. 25 April 2020 - I had a huge accident when I had a "Moth Evening" in my back garden. I went out at 11:00pm to check on my traps. I missed one of the steps and I fell flat on my face. My head, cheeks, lips, arms and legs were bruised and swollen. My chest was aching, I can barely breath. I cannot walk for 2 weeks. I have difficulty in eating and swallowing. I refused to go and see the doctor. I have not taken any pain medication. I just endured the pain. I never complained. I just prayed and it really helps. I never told my family and friends about the accident because I do not want to worry them. When I got better and back to my normal self, that's when I told them about my accident. 18 June 2020 - I had a severe stomach pain. I have been constipated for a few days. So I stop eating steaks, rice, bread and potatoes. I started eating more fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibre. I started drinking Yakult too. In no time, my stomach feels better again. I have been eating more healthier now. 2 January 2021 – In January 2021, I started organising events again, but this time it’s VIRTUAL, via ZOOM. 15 March 2021 – Beavers in Cornwall by Chris Jones. 5 April 2021 – I gave a talk and presentation on “A Decade of Chough Watching”. 3 May 2021 – Dragonflies and Damselflies in Cornwall by David Cooper. 7 June 2021 – I gave a talk and presentation on Butterflies in Cornwall, virtual butterfly-watching around the spectacular countryside of Cornwall. I set-up "Ladock Parish Wildlife Group" in July 2019. I started organising events in January 2020 - talks and presentation in Ladock Community Hall and nature and wildlife walks around Ladock Parish. But due to the covid-19 pandemic, I only managed to have talks and presentation in 13 January 2020, 10 February 2020 and 9 March 2020. I have to cancel the rest of the events from April to December. 10 January 2021 - My 2nd premolar tooth, which has undergone a RCT (Root Canal Treatment) a few years ago is painful and there's swelling on the surrounding gums. I've been having loads of problem with this tooth. I am not really a huge fan of RCT (Root Canal Treatment). I have difficulty in opening my mouth. I cannot eat solid food. I was on liquid diet for weeks. 24 February 2021 - I had my 1st dose of vaccine at The Clays Practice in Roche. 12 May 2021 - I had my second dose of vaccine at The MS Merlyn Centre in Hewas Water. 2 June 2021 - 3 week inoculation period had passed. Medical Conditions I have a few medical conditions. I have experienced a lot of pain and discomfort, I just endured and tolerated it. I would have gone and see the doctor, but I’m just so scared to go out of the safety of my home. I told myself, I will only go out when I have my 1st and 2nd dose of vaccine. I managed to surpassed all the hurdles of my condition for the past 15 months. I have "Diabetes and Asthma". For the past 15 months, I have not seen my Doctor and Nurse. Every 3 months I usually have a blood test to check my glucose, potassium, etc… It’s also to check if my kidney, heart and liver are functioning properly. One of the things I will be doing these coming days is to book an appointment to see the Doctor and Nurse. In 2016, I developed a "Hypersensitivity in my Airway Passage". I have seen 3 consultants in Treliske Hospital and 1 consultant in Penrice Hospital. Every time I smell something strong or eat something my throat doesn't like, I cough sporadically until I end up vomiting and having a sore throat. I had sore throat many times for the past 15 months. But I try my best to avoid my triggers. In 2014, I had "Laser Peripheral Iridotomy" on both eyes to treat my Angle Closure Glaucoma. For the past 15 months, I have not been to the Optician to have my eyes check. There were days that my eyes are really blurry. All I see is a blank space. I have been spending a lot of time on my computer. They really need to rest and recuperate. One of the things I will be doing these coming days is to book an appointment to see the Optician. How I manage to get thru the pandemic... Virtual Chat via Zoom, Google Hangouts and Messenger - I speak to my Mommy and Daddy (Philippines) everyday. I speak to my brother, sister-in-law and 2 nephew (Dubai) every weekend. I speak to my sister (Canada) everyday. Every Friday is our "Virtual Family Get Together". I also speak with my friends around the globe. Thanks to modern technology, we get in touch with everyone. Thank God for the amazing support system I have from my family and friends. Connect with Nature because it benefits both the mental health and physical well-being - I have always love nature and wildlife. Before the pandemic, I go walking, bird-watching, butterfly-watching and taking photographs around the spectacular countryside of Cornwall. But now, I do these in my own garden. Wildlife Watching – I have been Bird-watching in my garden. I’m really lucky that I have plenty of birds and other species of wildlife in my garden. Photography and Videography - I have been taking photos and videos of the flora and fauna in my garden. Gardening - I have been planting herbs, vegetables and other plants. I have been watering my plants everyday. Baking - I have found and learned a new hobby. I have been baking bread and cakes everyday. Cooking - I have always love cooking. I have been trying our new recipes and even making my own one. Reading - I have been reading "again" all my favourite books from my favourite authors: Judith McNaught and Johanna Lindsey. I have read all their books a hundred times but I never get tired of reading them. I just love the stories. Writing - I have been writing a book. Webinars - I have been attending several interesting webinars. Work - I have been keeping myself busy doing voluntary works for my various organisations virtually and online. Virtual Talks and Presentation - I gave a talk and presentation for Ladock Women's institute on "A Decade of Chough Watching" in January. I gave a talk and presentation for Ladock Parish Wildlife Group on "A Decade of Chough Watching" in April and "Butterflies in Cornwall" in June. Advocacy and Raising Awareness - I'm a "Wildlife Advocate". I have been raising awareness on the importance of wildlife through "Wildlife Matters". I'm a "Metal Health and Physical Well-being Advocate". I have been raising awareness through “Connect with Nature” because it benefits both the mental health and physical well-being. I have been promoting the beauty and wonder of Cornwall with my photographs through "Cornwall Matters". I have been awareness online via my Website and Social Media. Stronger, Wiser and Happier... I had numerous ordeals for the past 15 months. I've been through a lot. But I came out STRONGER, WISER and HAPPIER. I have realized many things during the pandemic. Reflected on various things. I have eliminated everything that causes me unhappiness, stress and anxiety. I avoid anything that triggers me. I have removed all negative thoughts. I only think positive. I only encourage positive vibes. And above all, I keep on praying. I know that sometimes, it will not turn out the way you wanted, but don't get disappointed. Just remember, there's a rainbow after the rain. 8 June 2021 - Finally out for the very first time after 15 months of Hibernation! Lovely walk in Portscatho! Beautiful meadows in Roseland! Went to Goss Moor with our friend Paul Miles. We're so delighted to see 4x Marsh Fritillary butterfly and loads of Dragonflies, Damselflies and Demoiselles. Demoiselles in Goss Moor. Damselflies in Goss Moor. Dragonflies in Goss Moor.
  Join us on Monday, 7th June 2021 at 7:30pm via ZOOM for a Virtual Butterfly-watching around the spectacular countryside of Cornwall by Rowena Castillo-Nicholls to celebrate World Environment Day and Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD).
Rowena is a nature and wildlife enthusiast. She loves walking, bird-watching and butterfly-watching. She's a "Wildlife Advocate". She's been raising awareness on the importance of wildlife through "Wildlife Matters". She's a "Metal Health and Physical Well-being Advocate." She's been raising awareness through “Connect with Nature” because it benefits both the mental health and physical well-being. She have been promoting the beauty and wonder of Cornwall with her photographs through "Cornwall Matters". Rowena started Ladock Parish Wildlife Group in January 2020 to share her love of nature and wildlife in Cornwall. She invites wildlife experts to give talks and presentations. She arranged wildlife walks and trips. But unfortunately, due to covid-19, she has cancelled some of the events. This 2021, she’s been holding the events virtually via ZOOM till everything is back to normality. Please contact Rowena on ilovecornwall8@yahoo.com to get the ZOOM link. Facebook Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/329734281990570 |
Rowena
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