I recently had the pleasure of talking with Catriona Walker – on The Citizen Science Show Podcast – a remarkable individual who lives on a small Scottish island. In our podcast discussion, I discovered a fascinating story of passion, sustainability, and scientific curiosity that transcends the rugged beauty of her surroundings.
Pacific Oysters in the Scottish Highlands
Catriona describes herself as a grower, forager, maker, and mender—a resourceful woman who has carved a unique life in the remote Scottish Highlands. Catriona and her husband moved to the island years ago to establish an oyster farm, which has since become their primary livelihood. Their venture thrives in the pristine waters of a secluded bay, where over a million Pacific oysters grow. While these oysters are considered invasive in parts of the world, Scotland’s colder waters prevent them from becoming a problem, making them an ideal choice for sustainable aquaculture.
“My garden serves as a kind of supermarket in the backyard, providing security during the stormy winters when ferries to the mainland are often delayed.”
Catriona Walker
Her days are busy, split between the oyster farm, part-time work for a local business, and tending her vegetable garden. The garden serves as a kind of supermarket in her backyard, providing security during the stormy winters when ferries to the mainland are often delayed. Beyond necessity, Catriona’s connection to the land and sea is evident in the way she forages for wild fruits and plants, crafting jams, syrups, and even wine from her island’s bounty.
A Passion for Moths
But what truly sets Catriona apart is her passion for moths—a fascination that began 11 years ago when volunteers from Butterfly Conservation brought their moth traps to the island. Inspired by their discoveries, she built her own moth trap using a bucket and a lightshade. This DIY creation opened a portal to an unseen world, and Catriona became captivated by the sheer variety of moths. Since then, she has documented 283 species in her garden alone, aiming for a goal of 300.
Her Instagram account, aptly named “Clouded Silver,” showcases her findings to a global audience. The name reflects her affection for a particular moth species that, while common across the UK, rarely visits her garden. For Catriona, these delicate creatures represent far more than their reputation as drab clothes-eaters. They are pollinators, food sources for birds and bats, and essential players in the intricate web of life.
Garden Veggies – Catriona Walker
Oysters – Catriona Walker
Early Thorn Moth – Catriona Walker
Buff-tip Moth – Catriona Walker
Gardening with Moths in Mind
Gardening with moths in mind, she recommends growing native plants and leaving untidy corners for caterpillars and overwintering stages. It’s advice rooted in her philosophy of maintaining a functioning ecosystem—one that thrives on natural balance rather than pesticides. Her citizen science efforts go beyond her garden, with her moth records contributing to national databases that monitor populations and inform conservation strategies.
“The decline of moths would ripple through ecosystems, impacting everything from birds to frogs.”
Catriona Walker
During our conversation, I learned how critical moths are as nocturnal pollinators and as prey for a host of animals. Their decline would ripple through ecosystems, impacting everything from birds to frogs. Despite the challenges, Catriona sees hope in the growing community of citizen scientists like herself who are helping to shed light on these overlooked creatures.
Our discussion circled back to her oyster farm, which, like her moth trapping, is a testament to her commitment to sustainable practices. It takes about three years for the oysters to grow to market size, and they are sold to local restaurants and mainland fishmongers. The farm’s location ensures clean water, and the oysters themselves play a role in maintaining water quality—a win-win for the environment and the business.
Oyster Bay – Catriona Walker
As our conversation came to an end, Catriona shared her future aspirations: to see more rare moth species, continue contributing to science, and inspire others to connect with nature. Her story is a reminder that even on a tiny island, one person’s curiosity and dedication can have a far-reaching impact.
Associate Professor Tanya Latty has spent her life captivated by the wonders of insects. From her childhood days chasing critters to her current role at the University of Sydney, Tanya’s passion for ecology and conservation has defined her career. Yet, her path to entomology wasn’t straightforward.
