Families wanting to learn about wildlife this half term can head to Enderby Library for a free afternoon session on Monday 18th October.
There will be stories and learning sessions about animals, plus a chance to make a model hegehog from clay to take home and keep.
The session runs from 2.30pm for an hour and is free to attend. For more information contact Enderby Library on 0116 3053523.
If you are out for a walk or simply in your garden why not join in a survey of one of our most popular insects, the ladybird.
Ladybird spotting
The Historic and Natural Environment Team are calling on all ladybird spotters to take part in their annual survey. A free information pack with an identification guide is available to help you in your ladybird spotting. The commonest ladybirds in Leicestershire and Rutland include the 2 spot, 7-spot and the 14 spot. They can be found anywhere where there are plants with aphids.
A ladybird can eat up to 100 greenfly a day. Local conservationists also want to know how widespread the harlequin ladybird is in the two counties. The Harlequin ladybird is a voracious predator that out competes native ladybirds for food and has led to our native ladybird species being under threat. Through previous surveys volunteers have charted the spread of the harlequin in Leicestershire and Rutland and it is important that this work continues.
For a free ladybird pack visit www.leics.gov.uk/species_surveys
For books about nature, visit your local library
Medieval remains and wildflowers are among the attractions on offer from a unique chance to visit a Charnwood meadow on Saturday, May 2nd.
Buddon Brook Meadows
Leicestershire County Council has organised a guided walk through Quorn’s privately-owned Buddon Brook Meadows, which are jointly managed by the Council and the owner, but not usually open to the public. Ragged robin and wild garlic should be in bloom in the meadows, which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Walkers can also keep an eye open for greater and lesser spotted woodpeckers as well as numerous butterfly species. A key feature are the moated earthworks of a former medieval hunting lodge.
The walk starts at 10am and will last for about two hours. A local naturalist will point out the highlights.
Buddon Brook Meadows are off Chaveney Road, Quorn.
The walk is free, but booking is essential as numbers will be limited. Book early to avoid disappointment. No dogs please. Wellingtons or walking boots strongly advisable.
For more details and booking please contact Andy Hayes, Community Projects Officer for LCC on 0116 305 7269 or email: ahayes@leics.gov.uk
For books about nature, visit your local library
Discover Like Darwin
Local naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts are signing up to join a new programme to share their enthusiasm for the natural world and museum collections, as part of a new project called Discover Like Darwin. Leicestershire County Council has been inviting budding naturalists to join in the celebration of the science of natural history, local wildlife and Leicestershire’s landscape by developing a new programme of events for early summer through to the end of the year.
Ernie White, Cabinet member for Community Services, said; “This programme aims to raise awareness of the natural world through activities that inspire scientific exploration and observation of the environment and wildlife, whilst having fun!”
You can visit your local library to find books about natural history, insects, wildlife and more.
To register your interest in the ‘Discover Like Darwin’ programme, or for more information, visit www.leics.gov.uk/darwin
