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I've seen references to folks finding various species on winter moths "while searching tree trunks". I assume this involves torch-light manoeuvres in the dark but could people suggest the best sort of habitat / times of night / tips for finding the beasts?

Hello Alastair,
Although most moth enthusiasts have packed their moth traps away over the winter period ,some die-hards probably will run them on suitable
nights for the winter species,and I would think that a trap would be your best bet ,but don,t expect large numbers ,I would think you,d be very lucky
to catch 4 or 5 , other methods may work ,I don,t know if "sugaring " with a suitable mix may work but who knows ......... give it a go !
a few days ago I had a Winter moth (Operophtera brumata ) on the outside of my kitchen door ,and local moth-ers are posting bits and pieces . Good luck !! Regards Allan.W.

Searching tree trunks by torchlight is a technique for finding flightless females. The male Winter moth comes to light readily and as mentioned above will come to a well lit kitchen window at this time of year.

On the last "warmish" night in January I had 29 specimens of 7 species in my Robinson trap. I am usually inspired to put a trap out when I spot moths in my car headlights when returning from the local hostelry.

Do you mean Winter Moths or moths during winter? Flightless female Early Moths can be found by searching Blackthorn bushes shortly after dark. Easiest with a decent head torch. They climb onto exposed twigs to await some love interest. Take care as they will readily fall to the ground if the branch is shaken at all. Still cloudy nights are best.
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Tony Moore.