We’re going on a Bug Hunt!
Bugs are the little things that run the world. Without them, the forest would look very different.
Join the Ugly Bug Hunt
In a recent survey of 500 primary school children aged six-to-11, we found that 38% couldn’t identify a ladybird, and 61% didn’t know a daddy long-legs.
We are teaming up with conservation charity Buglife to launch The Ugly Bug Hunt – a new interactive activity focussed on small but mighty insects across all 13 of our forest locations. Our aim is to encourage a greater understanding of the natural world around us and get more children enjoying the great outdoors.
The recent study also showed that although 41% said they enjoy the outdoors most days of the week, many aren't making the most of that time when it comes to engaging with nature. It turns out only 39% look for insects, even though 59% are interested in learning about them.
"Bugs and insects are fascinating once you stop to really look. Whether it’s the way they camouflage themselves, how they break down organic matter or their role in pollination, they’re vital to forest life. The research shows there’s a gap in knowledge and understanding – but also a real curiosity.” - Gerry O'Brien, Forest Ranger at Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
This spring, you’ll be able to make the most of the guided woodland Ugly Bug Hunt sessions led by our expert Forest Rangers. Children will learn how to spot, identify and understand the role bugs play in keeping our forests alive and thriving.
Each Ugly Bug Hunt will include a range of exciting games, crafts and immersive activities, using bug-catching nets and microscopes to discover the unexpected world of these misunderstood mini-beasts.
Buglife are helping us take the ‘creepy’ out of creepy crawly as we encourage adventure in the forest - through the colours, shapes, and secret lives of the UK’s smallest creatures.
You’ll learn they’re not ‘ugly bugs’ after all!
“We believe helping children experience this first-hand is key to building long-term awareness, empathy and respect for nature and through our work with Forest Holidays, we hope to spark that fascination early on." - Paul Hetherington, Buglife
