We started our special insect discovery day with an inspection of the traps we set last night. Our insect specialists - Louise and Mark - helped us to understand what was in the bottom of the traps and the differences between some creepy crawlies which at first look similar.
The children learned many new words as well as all the different reasons that insects and bugs can be useful in our garden. They also learned to conquer their fears and try holding a range of creepy crawlies.... or at least looking at them more closely!
We stopped for a snack of freshly picked grapes and focaccia.
After snack the children turned their attention to building an insect hotel near the vegetable garden to encourage insects to stay and eat the smaller creatures which have a taste for our plants! Mark explained the kinds of habitats which insects like, such as little holes and cosy gaps between natural materials. So the children went out to look for things which might be suitable.
Then Mark and James helped the children use tools to cut the materials to size.
Before lunch they filled up the hotel, so that all kinds of creepy crawlies would enjoy staying there.
After lunch we released the creatures from the traps right next to the hotel - I think some might stay!
In the afternoon the children enjoyed some free time, a dip in the pool and they finished off the jam pots to take home.
In the evening we had to say 'Goodbye' to one Hazelhutter and 'Thank you!' to her mum for the delicious crostata!! It was the best desert this week!
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