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National Trust Finds First Dark Bordered Beauty Record Since 1952

8/14/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Dr Dave Wainwright announced the first Dark Bordered Beauty record at Wallington estate, Northumberland, on 16 July 2026 since 1952.
Wainwright, project officer Charlotte Rankin and National Trust rangers found the first moth within 10 minutes and recorded several more.
The moth’s numbers fell to double digits after a May 2026 wildfire, leading rangers and farmer Fiona Goodfellow to cut grazing, restore peatland and aid 130 moth species.

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Story summary

Dr Dave Wainwright announced the first Dark Bordered Beauty record at Wallington estate, Northumberland, on 16 July 2026 since 1952.
Wainwright, project officer Charlotte Rankin and National Trust rangers found the first moth within 10 minutes and recorded several more.
The moth’s numbers fell to double digits after a May 2026 wildfire, leading rangers and farmer Fiona Goodfellow to cut grazing, restore peatland and aid 130 moth species.