Much Ado About Mothing

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Although mostly unseen, moths are everywhere, and their capacity to delight is astounding. Inspired by a revelatory encounter with a Poplar Hawk-moth, James Lowen embarks on a year-long quest to celebrate Britain's rarest and most remarkable moths. By hiking mountains, wading through marshes, and roaming ancient woodlands at night, he follows the trails of Victorian collectors and modern conservationists. His investigations reveal a world filled with criminality, controversy, and determination, uncovering why both enthusiasts and ordinary people cherish what many dismiss. From Cornwall to the Cairngorms, he explores British landscapes to coax these much-maligned creatures into the light. Moths emerge as attractive, astonishing, and approachable, showcasing migratory feats and camouflage mastery that reflect the state of the nation's habitats. Alongside his young daughter, James tracks the seasons through a kaleidoscope of moth species in their suburban garden, bonding over the uncommon beauty of common creatures. He discovers that moths, while ubiquitous, are also accessible, inspiring a shared joy. Ultimately, these creatures may be uniquely positioned to inspire future environmentalists, reminding us of their presence in our lives.