A bug’s life – celebrating Insect Week

Science Oxford’s insect inspiration!

Here at the Science Oxford Centre we’re excited about Insect Week, a national celebration of brilliant bugs which runs from 24th to 30th June. Why? Because insects are ‘tiny things that run the world’ and the most ecologically important and diverse group of animals on land. Without them working hard on tasks like pollinating flowers or breaking down organic matter and returning important nutrients to the earth, the world would be a very different place.

Insects are VIP residents in our woodland at the Science Oxford Centre, and make their homes in a variety of habitats in the meadows and around the ponds. Did you know we’ve recently recorded 9 different species of dragonflies and damselflies, 17 species of butterflies and an incredible 42 different species of moths in our outdoor spaces around the Centre?

We’ve put together our top 5 minibeast-related resources and activity ideas for you to try at home, and get the insect bug…

Our top 5 resources and activity ideas for Insect Week:

1. Build a bug hotel

We’ve put up a bug hotel in our woodland at the Science Oxford Centre for a home for solitary bees, spiders, woodlice or beetles & ladybugs. Why not build your own? The RSPB has a great activity guide to help you build a bug hotel in your garden to create a cosy home for minibeasts. Building a bug hotel or nature stack can provide a safe hideaway for wildlife and also help make use of your garden waste.

2. Go on a bug hunt

Would you like to go on a bug hunt, see what minibeasts live around your environment and learn more about them? Read this helpful blog from Creative Star Learning to guide you along the way, including how to be careful and kind if handling insects.

3. Learn more about insects

Insect Week is organised by the Royal Entomological Society and they have put together some amazing learning resources and activities you can do in the classroom or at home. You can also enter their insect photography competition!

There are also some great resources from Open Air Laboratories, which was a citizen science programme led by Imperial College London from 2007 to 2019. Over 1 million people participated, contributing to important information about their local environments and helping scientists understand big problems such as loss of biodiversity and climate change. The Bug Count Survey was part of this programme. Although the project has ended, you can still use their helpful guides to identify bugs in your environment. Have a look at their Invertebrate Identification Guide.

4. Play Pestie or Bestie!

Try out exciting insect-inspired activities and have fun along the way with Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History Learning Zone. Have a go at designing your own insect, create a game of lifecycles or a bug board-game, and play Pestie or Bestie!

5. A bug’s life at the Science Oxford Centre

Visit the Science Oxford Centre on a summer Saturday for Nature Club, Family Day or STEM Clubs and get outdoors with an Explorer Backpack! With a bug pot, magnifying glass and ID guide, go on nature trails and see what creatures and habitats you can spot. Why not share your finds with us @scienceoxford #insectweek24. You can also check out our dedicated Science Oxford Centre Nature Instagram with our resident ecology expert, Dr Roger Baker.

However you celebrate Insect Week, enjoy the outdoors, learn more about insects and have fun in the sunshine!