Country diary: A peachy, summer beauty that loves the clean air | Nigel Brown

Ynys Môn (Anglesey): The rosy footman is a relative newcomer to this part of Wales, bringing with it nectarine tones and markings like hieroglyphsI have a routine in the summer months that I like to keep to as often as I can. That is, to start my day in the company of moths.This morning, after a gentle night  – too cloudy to see the flight of Perseid meteors but mild enough to encourage the flight of moths – I head out to my Robinson light trap. It’s 40 years old and somewhat shabby, and sits between the meadow plots in our wildlife garden like a tiny flying saucer. With cuppa to hand, and joined by our familiar robin, who knows this routine well, I examine the live catch. Continue reading...