Dragonflies, Bees, Moths & Butterflies

Dragonflies, Bees, Moths & Butterflies Week

This week we're celebrating some of nature's most fascinating and important insects through a variety of fun, stimulating and reminiscence-based activities. From the ancient dragonfly to the hardworking honeybee, from colourful butterflies to mysterious night-flying moths, there's plenty to discover, discuss and enjoy together.

Throughout the week we'll explore fascinating facts about dragonflies, bees, moths and butterflies, uncover well-known sayings and proverbs, share memories through reminiscence discussions, test our observation skills by matching butterflies to their names, and enjoy a TV and movie quiz featuring famous butterflies, bees and dragons from television and film.

We'll also discover some amazing Did You Know? factoids, including:

• 🐉 Dragonflies have been flying on Earth for over 300 million years, long before the dinosaurs.

• 🍯 Honey never spoils and edible honey has even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.

• 🌙 Many moths are important night-time pollinators, helping plants reproduce while we sleep.

• 🦋 The Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) is one of Britain's favourite plants for attracting butterflies during the summer months.

There will be opportunities to get creative too, making beautiful symmetrical butterflies using folded card and paint, along with preparing a soothing cup of honey and lemon tea to enjoy together while chatting about favourite gardens, wildlife and summer memories.

Our musical journey includes some wonderful themed favourites:

• 🎵 One Fine Day (Madam Butterfly)

• 🎵 Puff the Magic Dragon – Peter, Paul and Mary

• 🎵 A Taste of Honey – Herb Alpert

• 🎵 Honey – Bobby Goldsboro

• 🎵 Love Is Like a Butterfly – Dolly Parton

• 🎵 Honey Honey – ABBA

🦋 Join the Big Butterfly Count

Why not take part in the Big Butterfly Count, one of the UK's largest citizen science projects? Simply spend 15 minuteswatching butterflies and day-flying moths in your garden, local park or nearby green space, recording the different species you see. Every count helps conservationists monitor the health of butterfly populations and understand how our changing environment is affecting wildlife. It's an enjoyable activity for all ages, encourages gentle outdoor exercise, promotes mindfulness and observation skills, and reminds us just how much beauty can be found in the natural world. Even spotting just one butterfly contributes valuable information to this important national survey.