bugs

It’s a bug’s life! Local housebuilder offers FREE bug hunting kits for kids this summer

An Exeter housebuilder is encouraging the community to embrace the nature on their doorstep by offering free bug quest kits to local children.

Redrow South West is inviting local children to take part in ‘The Big Bug Quest’ competition and collect a free bug quest kit* from St Michael’s Meadow, on Chudleigh Road.

The kits, which are available to collect throughout August*, include wildflower seeds to help local wildlife to thrive, a magnifying glass, a bug tick-list, and a pair of ‘make-your-own’ binoculars.

The housebuilder is inviting local children to make...

Breakthrough in understanding 'tummy bug' bacteria 

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sun, 01/31/2021 - 11:25pm

Scientists have discovered how bacteria commonly responsible for seafood-related stomach upsets can go dormant and then "wake up".

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a marine bacterium that can cause gastroenteritis in humans when eaten in raw or undercooked shellfish such as oysters and mussels.

Some of these bacteria are able to turn dormant in poor growth conditions such as cold temperatures – and can remain in that state of hibernation for long periods before resuscitating.

University of Exeter scientists have identified a population of these dormant cells that are...

Home is where the bugs are...

Home is where the bugs are...

Authored by Paigntonzoo
Posted: Sun, 11/10/2019 - 11:56am

Jammy has just moved into her new home and is a little unsure of her surroundings. Right now she’s doing what she always does when she lacks confidence - she’s covering her face and hoping it will all go away. It’s an endearing trait – and not one you’d expect to find in a red-kneed tarantula spider…

Just in time for Halloween, the small but fascinating invertebrate house at Paignton Zoo has been reimagined around the simple idea of home. You might not think you have anything in common with a tarantula – but everyone needs a home.

The zoo’s Head of Education Steve Nash: “...

Go wild at Mincinglake Valley Park

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 06/08/2018 - 12:00pm

A wildlife charity is inviting the local people of Exeter to go wild and celebrate nature at a family fun day in one of Exeter’s best-known Valley Parks: Mincinglake.

The event marks day 16 in Devon Wildlife Trusts’ month long 30 Days Wild challenge; in which members of the public pledge to complete a ‘random act of wildness’ each day, during the month of June.

With guided wildlife walks, wild crafts, bug hunting, and other wild activities on offer, the charity hopes to re-energise participants and inspire more people to take part.

The event is being held on...

Minibeast hunt at Cranbrook

Event Date: 
02/08/2017 - 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Venue: 
Standing Dead Trees, Post Coach Way, Cranbrook

Which bugs live in Cranbrook's green spaces?

Find out what lives in the meadow and stream with the Countryside rangers.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

No dogs please.

More info: http://eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside/countryside-events/august-2017/minib...

Bugs, Ponds and Dens

Event Date: 
08/04/2015 - 9:00am to 09/04/2015 - 4:30pm
Venue: 
Escot Park, Ottery St Mary

Creepy crawlies, things that jump, squirm, swim and have lots of wriggling legs - Oh yes! Join our Forest School team leaders and discover the mini-beasties that live in the Escot wetlands. You will be equipped with magnifying glasses, bug collection pots and fishing nets to help you in your quest. Then try your hand at making Blob Monsters or building a den with the help of Escot master den-builders! But will it stand up to the water test!

11.00am - 1.00pm

Members: £4 per child

Non-members: £5 per child.

Places are limited and booking is required. Children...

Nick Baker: For the Love of Bugs

Event Date: 
23/09/2014 - 7:30pm
Venue: 
Southernhay United Reformed Church, Dix's Field, Exeter

Fancy a Night with TV’s Nick Baker?

The star of Springwatch Unsprung and renowned naturalist Nick Baker is coming to Exeter to give a special talk about his passion for bugs.

‘For the Love of Bugs’ will take place at Southernhay’s United Reform Church, Exeter at 7.30 pm. Nick promises a talk that will be entertaining, informative and humorous – so how can you resist.

Tickets: RSPB members £6, non-members £8.

Click here to book tickets and for more information.

Nick collected and observed bugs from a young age even hiding them in his bedroom from his...