Butts Close Bug Hunt July 2024

HITCHIN NATURE NETWORK BUG HUNT JULY 2024

 

A Bug Hunt took place on Sunday afternoon 21st July on Butts Close, organised by Hitchin Nature Network, and centred on the part of Butts Close by the swimming pool where there was plenty of long grass. The weather was kind, sunny and warm but not too hot. A table with books and posters, some moths to look at and insect nets to borrow was set up and even half an hour before the scheduled start we had eager customers wanting to chase bugs. Who knew that chasing insects would be so popular, especially amongst the younger generation who were delighted to catch even the smallest of things?

I was hoping people might find some unusual bugs and that I could record what we saw, how many of them there were and take some pretty photos. In the event I was rushed off my feet with a constant stream of youngsters, and those not so young, asking questions about what they had caught. It was delightful to be part of and see such enthusiasm and I think it fair to say the event was a success. In the end we had about 25 people attend many of who stayed for well over an hour & seemed to depart satisfied.

One thing that struck me was the large quantity of insects found: many Grass Bugs (looking very much like grass seeds) and dozens of Common Soldier Beetles. The insects are present because of certain areas of grass that have been allowed to grow long: a recent innovation on Butts Close I think. My favourite find was someone who caught a bright green Roesel's bush-cricket.

There are quite a few thankyous finish with:

-        -  This was a formal event sanctioned by North Herts council with proper permissions granted, thanks to Andrew Mills for waiving the normal booking fee

-         - Countryside Management Service provided third part insurance liability, my first aid and leadership training and loan of a first aid kit and to Heidi Hutton for supporting

-          - Friends of Butts Close and Tony Riley for supporting the idea

-         - Rosemary Pateman for loan of insect nets, wildlife posters

-         - Steve MacSweeney for loan of insect nets and laminated wildlife guides

-        - My daughter and boyfriend for helping set up and pack away

-          My wife for painting the sign

-          My fellow Hitchin Nature Network committee members for helping out and provided yet more equipment.




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