Rushen Abbey Gardens are in full bloom, and what better way to explore them than with a summers evening walk in the gardens and a bug hunting mission on Thursday 9th August.
With the expertise of Kate Hawkins, Curator of Natural History, her team of voluntary assistants and some special bug hunting equipment you’ll be searching for bugs and other mini-beasts amongst plants, in the pond, on the walls of the ruins and in the leaf litter!
The Bug Hunt will include the opportunity to have a go at pond dipping for dragonfly and damselfly larvae; catch and observe flying insects such as moths, butterflies, bees, flies, damselflies; use a sweep net to find bugs in foliage and tickle tree branches for beetles and spiders. Kate and her helpers armed with a series of guides and handbooks will help you to identify the creepy crawlies you find.
Kate Hawkins said:
“I always enjoy bug hunts with families. The children seem to be much more eagle-eyed than adults at spotting tiny creatures hiding in the vegetation and often surprise their parents with their powers of observation”.
In the event of wet weather, activities will be focused around pond dipping, so be sure to wear your wellies! The Bug Hunt starts at 6pm in Rushen Abbey Gardens. Standard admission charges apply, with free entry to all children with their ACE cards, season pass holders and FMNH members.
The exhibition centre, restaurant and gardens will also be open to visitors who would just like to discover the Abbey’s historic past, enjoy a meal or have a stroll in the gardens.
