Have you ever wondered what's flying around your garden once the sun goes down? This summer, High Life Highland is opening up a whole new world of nocturnal wildlife — and all you need to do is borrow a trap from your local library.
We've launched a free moth trap lending scheme through our Green Library Hubs, alongside a programme of ranger-led workshops running across the Highlands. Whether you've never thought about moths before or you're already curious about the creatures of the night, there's never been an easier time to get involved.
Why moths matter
Moths are far more than just the things that flutter round your porch light. They're vital pollinators and a key part of the food chain that supports bats, birds and other wildlife we love to see in the Highlands.
Many species are in decline, and large parts of the Highlands remain under-recorded. Pressures including climate change, land use and light pollution are all affecting biodiversity — and community-led recording can help fill the gaps and build a clearer picture of what's happening to species across the region.
Libraries as a gateway to nature
Our Head of Libraries, Julie Corcoran, sees this as a natural extension of what our libraries are for.
"Our libraries are increasingly places where people can connect not only with books, but with learning, wellbeing and the natural world around them. By offering moth traps through our Green Library Hubs, we're removing barriers to participation and giving people the tools to explore wildlife right on their doorstep. It's a fantastic way to support community science while sparking curiosity and care for nature."
What's on offer
Through our Green Library Hubs, library members can borrow a moth trap completely free of charge. Take it home, set it up in your garden, croft or green space, and see what turns up overnight.
Alongside the lending scheme, our rangers are running a series of hands-on identification workshops across the region. You'll learn how to use the traps safely, handle moths responsibly and identify some of the species you might find — no prior knowledge needed.
Senior Ranger Eilidh Ann Phillips, who is coordinating the workshop programme, explains why this scheme matters so much.
"Moths are extraordinary insects, but because they're active at night, most people rarely get the chance to see them up close. These workshops open a window into that hidden world, showing just how beautiful, varied and important moths are.
"You don't need any prior knowledge — many people are opening a moth trap for the first time, and that sense of discovery is what makes it so special."
You don't need any prior knowledge — many people are opening a moth trap for the first time, and that sense of discovery is what makes it so special.
Senior High Life Highland Ranger
Your records make a real difference
This isn't just about a lovely night in the garden — every observation genuinely contributes to our understanding of Highland wildlife.
Eilidh Ann puts it well: "Every record made in a garden, croft or village is genuinely valuable. In a region as vast as the Highlands, local observations help us understand how species are responding to environmental change. These small individual actions can add up to something with real scientific impact."
Many of our Green Library Hubs also stock seed libraries, so you can pick up night-scented, moth-friendly plants to help support local species right at home.
Upcoming workshops
- Gairloch Museum — 16 May, 9am: Night Garden Moth Watch Workshop
- Culloden Library — 2 June, 6pm: Marvellous Moths
- Assynt Leisure Centre — 4 June, 10am: Moth Workshop
- Ardnamurchan Library — 9 June, 7pm: Marvellous, Magical Moths
- Dingwall Library — 17 June, 10am: Moth Morning – A Wildlife Discovery Workshop
- Caol Library — 22 June, 3.30pm: Magical Moths – A Wildlife Discovery Workshop
- East Caithness Community Facility, Wick — 26 June, 6pm: Marvellous Moths – Green Libraries ID Workshop
- Thurso Library — 27 June, 10.30am: Moths for Beginners
- Grantown-on-Spey Library — 27 June, 11am: Marvellous, Magical, Magnificent Moths
All workshops and equipment are free, funded through the Scottish Library and Information Council's 'Cultivating Climate Champions' programme.
Where to borrow a moth trap
Traps are currently available from Green Library Hubs in Dingwall, Culloden, Fortrose, Caol, Fort William, Ardnamurchan, Thurso, Wick and Ullapool, with more locations expected to join the scheme. Contact your local participating library to check availability.
Want to find out more before you dive in? Our rangers have written a brilliant introduction to the project: Read Meet the Night Flyers here.
Book your free moth workshop
All workshops are free and no experience is needed — just bring your curiosity.
