If you've got a love for nature and a beady eye for bugs, this wildlife challenge could be for you.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust are asking for residents to record their sightings of three 'green beauties' of the critter world as part of a national appreciation of nature.
The 30 Days Wild campaign asks Nottinghamshire locals to do something for wildlife or the natural environment, every day, for the thirty days of June.
This is not just for the first-timer to welcome nature into their life, but something for the more experienced wildlife fan.
So here is a live science project people can get involved in.
Have you spotted a green beauty?
This is a perfect random act of wildness that simply requires a bit of patience. Plus, you will be helping with some citizen science.
The three species listed below are widespread within the UK but records are scarce within the Miner2Major project area around Sherwood Forest.
Sightings will be helping to contribute data to the understanding of species population distribution which in turn will influence conservation management delivery.
All you have to do is record when, where (grid reference) and how many you see of any of the three insects and if you can get a photo that would be great, as it will help the project to verify the record.
This is not just in the Sherwood Forest area but helpful to record sightings across the county.
The green beauties to look out for are:
Green Hairstreak Butterfly
This distinctive butterfly that holds its wings closed when at rest, shows only the metallic green underside of its wings. It can be seen from late April to mid-July on heathlands, woodland clearings & rough grassland.
Green Tiger Beetle
You’ll find this iridescent green ground beetle in areas of bare ground or little vegetation, on sunny days from April—September. It is easily recognisable with its green body, purple-bronze legs and cream spots on its wing cases.
Forester Moth
This day-flying moth with its striking submetallic green forewings can be seen on sunny days from mid-May — July. On duller days it will rest on vegetation, in damp grassland, heathland and woodland clearings.
You can submit your records via Email to Miner2Major@nottscc.gov.uk or upload to iRecord either online or via the app and join the Miner2Major Project activity on the iRecord website.
You can read all about the Miner2Major project here, including this particular citizen science activity.
