We’re going on a bug hunt
One morning in a little park beside a busy road in South Bristol, a ladybird crawled along the edge of a boy’s ear. He laughed as the beetle’s legs tickled his skin. A picnic blanket beneath his knees was strewn with clear plastic pots and picture guides to insects and spiders. This was a gathering…
Lacewebs, ant-mimics, false widows and more: learning how to spot a spider
I love spiders, and I want to get to know them better. But they often move fast, and it can be tricky to uncover their hiding places, let alone get a close look at them. On a spider discovery day at Arnos Vale in Bristol, I learned some great techniques for spider-spotting, and found some…
A thousand tiny helpers: our lasagne mulching project begins
We are mulching down a patch of grass in the garden, and we meet a thousand little creatures along the way who are doing the real hard work.
From envy to joy via despair: strong feelings about caterpillars (and ragwort)
The cinnabar caterpillars have run out of food again – but this time I’m fighting the urge to interfere.
Shield bugs, ladybugs, and baby bugs too
As I try to tame a fast growing willow, I’m learning about the remarkable lifecycles of some of the creatures in its branches: the green shield bug and the ladybird.
Moths and more: Bristol’s insect networks, and you
At a recent Insect Day in Bristol I discovered the value of nature networks in Bristol – for people and wildlife.
A determination of caterpillars
The cinnabar caterpillars have overpopulated, their only food is running out… but there’s a patch of hope around the corner.
The beauty of spiders
I’ve been discovering just how varied British spiders are, appreciating the skills of an orbweaver in our kitchen – and deciding not to tempt out the aggressive green-fanged spider living in our shed door.
The mysterious mega aphids
Some strange insects began huddling on the bark of our fast-growing willow branches. The grass beneath the tree was turning black. What was going on?
Born to bee wild: our native bees could use a helping hand
We often hear about honeybees. But while these fascinating, communal insects have a vital role to play in pollination, there are dozens of other bee species away from the headlines who need our attention. And there are simple ways we can help them.
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