Eleven local wildlife groups and two of the country’s top spider and mini-bug specialists will put gardens and insects in the spotlight at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, near York on Sunday 29 June (10am-5pm) for National Insect Week (23-29 June).
Dr Geoff Oxford, spider specialist from the University of York, and Doctor Roger Key, an entomologist from Carthorpe, North Yorkshire are amongst those involved in a day full of activities including pond-dipping, bee identification walks, moth-trapping, bird-ringing, a wormery demonstration and children’s activities.
Event organiser Vanessa Cook, who has been welcoming wildlife into her RHS partner garden for over 35 years, says:
“It’s a real coup that we have not one, but two, of the country’s top spider and mini-bug specialists here to lead spider and bug adventures in the garden. Both are passionate, informed and engaging.”
Joining Vanessa and the Doctors are the British Arachnological Society (spiders), British Trust for Ornithology, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Lindum Turf, North Yorkshire Rotters, Hawk and Owl Trust, Selby Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Butterfly Trust, Yorkshire Mammal Group, West Yorkshire Bat Group and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
This will be third year that Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens has hosted the event. Its aim is to enthuse people about the wildlife in their gardens and provide practical tips on how to share even the smallest of spaces with animals, birds and insects. This year the event is part of National Insect Week.
Event details: Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, Stillingfleet, York YO19 6HP – Sun 29 Jun 2014, 10am-5pm. Suitable for all ages. Cost: £5 for adults, £1 for children (5-16). Under 5s free. Hot food and refreshments will be available.
Now in its sixth year and organised by the Royal Entomological Society, the week will see scores of events held across the UK, from bug hunts and bioblitzes to minibeast safaris and moth walks.
National Insect Week is a biennial initiative to promote awareness of the value of a diverse insect world to the environment and is supported by more than 50 national partner organisations concerned about natural history and biodiversity.
An interactive website www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk gives visitors all the information they need to get involved, from finding out about events taking place in their area to a photography competition and advice on bringing more British insects into our gardens.
Royal Entomological Society Director of Outreach, Luke Tilley said: “Insects may be small, but they have a huge impact on the natural world. There are a wide range of activities being staged during National Insect Week by local and regional wildlife organisations which will enable children and adults alike to explore the wonderful world of insects for themselves.”
For more information about the Stillingfleet Lodge Garden wildlife day contact Vanessa Cook 01904 728506 or visit www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk and click What’s Going On.
