Natural England

Natural England is inviting children to join its free ‘Butterfly Bling’ craft activity workshop being held at Derby’s Museum and Art Gallery this Saturday (10 November) as part of the BBC’s Breathing Places Tree Party for Autumn Watch.

‘Butterfly Bling’ is designed to encourage young people to go out and explore the countryside or just their own garden. Between 11am and 4pm children will be able to create a colourful butterfly from a range of different craft materials whilst learning about insects and how they live.

The fun event is just one of many activities taking place throughout the day in celebration of Derby’s urban wildlife featuring on the BBC’s Nature of Britain programme recently. Derby City Council is also holding its 'Tree-mendous Fun' workshop in the museum, which is packed full of activities, such as seed planting, tree ‘bling’ and tree collage.

In addition, people can head along to the council’s Great Tree Giveaway, between 10am and 3pm in the Market Place, where they can get a free tree (one per family), some top tree tips, and visit the BBC Bus to have a photo taken with their tree.

Daniel Abrahams, Natural England Conservation Officer, said: “During this time of year insects such as butterflies and moths go into hibernation in quiet and shady places such as outhouses or garden sheds. During the past few years, red admirals have hibernated successfully in gardens and can be spotted on mild sunny winter days. The hummingbird hawkmoth too is surviving the winter in warm areas and feeds on early flowers.

“Our ‘Butterfly Bling’ craft activity is about having fun and learning about what fantastic creatures children can find in their very own garden, or in the countryside around them. We encourage as many people as possible to come along and join in the fun!”

There is no need to book a place for ‘Butterfly Bling’ – just head down on the day. For more information please call Mike Ross at Natural England on 0115 900 5311.

Notes to Editors:
1. The day’s events have all been coordinated by Derby City Council and the BBC. For further information about WildDerby visit www.derby.gov.uk/wildderby

2. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

Issued on behalf of Natural England by Government News Network East Midlands. Media enquiries to Gaby Hateley on 0115 971 2797 or gabrielle.hateley@gnn.gsi.gov.uk