Mini-Beast and Bug-Fests Take Centre Stage  

The Little Things That Run the World stood up to be counted at various locations during National Insect Week which ran from June 23-29. Now in its sixth year and organised by the Royal Entomological Society, the week saw scores of events held across the UK, from bug hunts and bioblitzes to minibeast safaris and moth walks.

Events planned at key locations included:

• An invertebrate bioblitz (a snapshot of insect activity) in the garden at Highgrove, the private residence of HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, involving schoolchildren and a team of entomologists
• A launch, ‘Question Time’ style panel, photography exhibition and children’s bioblitz at London’s Natural History Museum supported by Jonathan Ross
• A Focus on Bugs at ZSL London Zoo
• An Insect Hunt at Butterfly World, St Albans

National Insect Week also saw the launch of its ever-popular photographic competition in which people are invited to submit their best shots on the theme of ‘Little Things That Run the World’.  This year’s competition is supported by the Environment Agency. Other NIW partners nationwide, many of whom held their own events included the National Trust, National History Museum, the RSPB, Wildlife Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society.