Warnham LNR - Creepy Crawly Day

 

Stag Beetle - Bob Howell

Today is what being a Countryside Warden is all about...a wonderful volunteer group put on a truly brilliant day of activities which were enjoyed by over 130 children. On behalf of the Countryside Team I would like to thank all of the people involved today it was a fantastic and very rewarding day.

Elephant Hawk-moth

The day started with drizzle but this did not stop the intrepid Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve turning up to set up pond-dipping, creepy crawly trails, gazebo's and much more. The gates swung open at 10.00am and there was no looking back. Children and their families were steadily filing through the doors, picking up their trail sheets and the bug hunt was on.

Many of the families were bringing back all sorts of bugs for the experts to identify including Cardinal Beetles, Moths, Ladybirds, Crickets, Grasshoppers and even a Smooth Newt! It was brilliant to see the kids so animated by finding their own wildlife however big or small.

Indian Owl Moth Caterpillar

After completing the creepy crawly trail the children then had the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the Friends groups own creepy crawlies. On offer were Stag Beetles, Cockchafer Beetles, huge Indian Owl Moth larvae, slightly smaller Emperor Moth larvae as well as a range of moths from the previous nights moth trap.

Emperor Moth Caterpillar

After looking at the range of bugs and mini-beasts on offer the children could then get a specially made creepy crawly balloon as well as making their own origami animal to take home with them. There really was something for everyone's taste even the adults! Most of which ended up being dragged away by their children as they stared in amazement at some of the incredible animals on show.

Cockchafer Beetle

Once again our thanks go to the excellent work which the Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve do for the residents of the Horsham area and the reserve itself. We are extremely proud to be able to host such wonderful events which allow the next generation to be able to engage with the wildlife on their doorstep. If you have not been to one of their events before then it really is worth the effort. The next big event coming up is the Warnham Open Day and is in the summer holidays on the 11th August. It will have a different range of activities including local wildlife exhibitors as well as guided walks, wildlife talks and nest boxes and feeders on sale too. Come and join in the fun...!