Big, brown and hairy

There's a few of these chaps about just now...

They are OK when you come across one on a path, but they are a bit vulnerable when crossing roads, as they can't run very fast. 

The cabbages in the gardens don't need to panic, these guys eat heather. They eventually turn into a Northern Eggar Moth, which is a browny yellow moth with a wing span of as much as 9cm.

Heather must be more nutritious that it looks...