Bugs galore at Beale Park

Monday 21st June 2010

Beale Park’s animal keepers, at Lower Basildon in Berkshire, have got the bug for “National Insect Week”, 21st-27th June, run by The Royal Entomological Society (RES). Dave Jones, Conservation Officer and Dave Coles, Curator, at the wildlife park, have taken the initiative to set up a series of insect surveys which will run over the coming months, as well as staging free pond dipping sessions for the children during the summer holidays.

Dave Coles said “The Park is keen to support RES in their work. Insects are a vital component in the food chain and often get forgotten. By supporting this campaign in two very different ways, we will be able to contribute to a national survey and introduce children to the world around them.”

The pair, plan to run surveys concentrating on ladybirds, grasshoppers, dragonflies, damselflies and moths, before moving onto glow worms later in the year. Their current survey has already unearthed some interesting results as they have caught, recorded, photographed and released four different species of the Hawk Moth – Popular, Elephant, Eyed and Privet – indicating a healthy flora on which their larvae can feed.

Dave Jones added, “This work is also key to our conservation initiatives in the Park as it gives us a clear indication of the bio-diversity of our surroundings. By surveying the insects which are present; recording their numbers, the frequency and when they visit, we can determine the health of our environment and then assist nature where necessary.”

Dave continued “Our data will be fed into the national survey run by RES, which will help to build a picture of the UK’s insect population. This will assist biologists in their attempts to support, maintain and nurture insects; a significant task given the current wellbeing of our bees, which are dwindling in numbers and threaten to affect our eco system.”

“National Insect Week” is an ideal opportunity for families to discovery what lurks at the bottom of their garden. The RES’s campaign has created a dedicated website to encourage people to take an interest in creepy crawlies: www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk.

Dave added, “Insects come in all shapes, sizes and colours and are fascinating to watch. We want to motivate families to go out and investigate for themselves. There are many ways in which people can get involved – they could even build their own hotel! Simply tie a few short lengths of bamboo together and pile them up in the shade. Each hole will act as a bedroom for a bug and the insects will entice birdlife; giving nature a helping hand.”

In addition to raising people’s awareness of our little buggy friends, Dave and his team are offering children the chance to meet them face-to-face in the summer with a programme of pond dipping in the lake. Sessions will be free and will run each Tuesday, (from 27th July) during the summer holidays, from 2pm-4pm.

Please note that parental supervision is required and that sessions will operate on a first come, first served based. To find out more about “National Insect Week”, please visit the RES website at : www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk.

Other summer activities at Beale Park New for 2010, Beale Park is introducing a limited series of “Junior Keeper Experience” Sessions, giving youngsters (10-15yrs) the chance to see behind the scenes and to meet the animals as they get up close and personal!

Feeding, cleaning and tidying of enclosures, are just a few of the many daily tasks that the kids can try their hand at; with sessions running throughout the summer holidays – 26th July to 3rd September. Each two hour session will take place in the Park’s popular, Pet’s Corner, enabling the children to work with animal favourites such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, pigs and goats; as they assist with all elements of their care.

Tasks range from cleaning and enclosure maintenance to the preparation of bedding. Dave Coles, Curator says “This is an ideal opportunity for children to work with various different animals and to gain an understanding of what is involved in caring for them.” Prices: All sessions are £30 per child. Please note: parental supervision is required. For further information please call Dave Coles, Curator on : Tel: 0118 9844 414 or email him at: dave.coles@bealepark.co.uk