Mini beasts adventure to be held in garden
It will be creepy crawlies and woodland walks for families as they take on a garden trail.
The Dorothy Clive Garden, near Market Drayton will join forces with Harper Adams University for a Mini Beast Insect Trail.
The event, which will also be supported by RSPB Midlands and Cranfield Forensic Institute, will give families and visitors the chance to learn about insects, habitats and the garden.
There will be a number of stations around the 12 acre trail, run by Harper Adams University Entomology Department on June 17 and 18, from 10am to 5.30pm.
The stations will encourage families to explore and learn, including meeting moths which have been caught, collected and trapped, learning about insect bio-control, discovering soil bugs and pond dipping.
There will also be the opportunity to discover insects that help solve crimes with Dr Hannah Moore from Cranfield Forensic Institute of Cranfield University with her station Crime Scene Insects using Maggot Art.
The RSPB will also help children learn about meadow insects, also offering some arts and crafts.
Marketing and events manager from the Dorothy Clive Garden, Julia Roberts, said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with some very well-respected organisations.
"Our 12 acre woodland site is an ideal place for exploring mini eco-systems, finding mini beasts and learning all about the little things that run the world."
24-year-old Aidan Thomas, PhD student studying biological control at Harper Adam University, said: “Insects play a significant role in our ecosystem and this event should prove a fun way to find out more.
"By helping children to understand the role of insects, we could potentially be inspiring the entomologists of the future and this is extremely important given the current shortage of expertise in the subject.”
Lara Taylor from RSPB Midlands added: “Insects may be small, but they have a huge impact on the natural world, providing a food source for birds as well as pollinating flowers and plants."
Adults will be admitted to the garden for £5.00 and children 5-17 years for £2.00. Admission will be free for younger children and members and friends of the Dorothy Clive Garden.
For more information, call 01630 647237 or email info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk
Alternatively, visit www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk
