Minibeasts - EYFS/Early Years activities, Displays and ideas

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FEATURED RESOURCEs

Core ‘Minibeast’ resources

‘Minibeast’ resources in ‘OUTDOOR AREA’…

Including various sizes of ‘Minibeast Investigation Area’ signs.

‘Minibeast’ resources in ‘Forest School’…

‘Minibeast’ resources in ‘LIFE CYCLES’…

‘Minibeast’ resources in ‘SCIENCE’…

‘Minibeast’ resources in ‘SPRING’…

‘Minibeasts’ themed resources available in ‘Nursery Rhymes’…

‘Minibeasts’ themed resources available in our ‘Get Organised’ sections!…

Related Special Dates

Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD)

Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD) is an annual event observed on the first Saturday of June, dedicated to promoting the importance of butterflies, their conservation, and the role they play in our ecosystems. In 2025, BEAD will be celebrated on Saturday, 7th June.

🦋 What is BEAD?

Established in 1992 by the Association for Butterflies (AFB), BEAD aims to raise public awareness about the benefits and necessity of butterfly conservation. The day serves as a platform to educate the public and inspire action towards protecting these delicate and beautiful creatures.

🌍 Significance in the UK

In the UK, butterflies are a vital part of the ecosystem, acting as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. However, many native species are under threat due to habitat loss and climate change. BEAD provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to engage in activities that promote butterfly education and conservation.

🌱 How to Participate

Here are some ways you can get involved in BEAD:

• Learn About Butterflies: Educate yourself and others about different butterfly species, their habitats, and life cycles.

• Create Butterfly-Friendly Gardens: Plant native flowers and host plants that attract butterflies, providing them with nectar sources and breeding grounds.

• Participate in Citizen Science Projects: Join initiatives that focus on monitoring butterfly populations and recording sightings.

• Organise Educational Events: Collaborate with local schools or community centres to host workshops or talks about butterflies.

• Share Knowledge: Use social media platforms to spread information about butterflies and their conservation.

By participating in BEAD, you contribute to the conservation of butterflies and the health of our ecosystems.

For more information and resources, you can visit the Association for Butterflies website.

Insect Week

Insect Week is an annual celebration in the UK, taking place from 23rd to 29th June 2025, dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of insects and their vital roles in ecosystems. Organised by the Royal Entomological Society, the event aims to engage people of all ages in learning about insects through various activities and educational resources.

🐞 Purpose and Significance

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms on Earth, with over 24,000 species in the UK alone. They play crucial roles such as pollination, decomposition, and serving as a food source for other animals. Insect Week highlights these contributions and encourages conservation efforts to protect insect populations.

📅 Events and Activities

During Insect Week, a variety of events are organised across the UK, including:

• Bug hunts and field trips: Opportunities to observe insects in their natural habitats.

• Workshops and talks: Educational sessions led by entomologists and conservationists.

• Art and photography competitions: Encouraging creative expression inspired by insects.

• School programs: Interactive activities designed for students to learn about insect biology and ecology.

These events are often supported by partner organisations interested in science, natural history, and conservation.

🧒 Educational Resources

The Royal Entomological Society provides various resources to facilitate learning during Insect Week, such as:

• INSTAR Magazine: A digital publication aimed at young entomologists, featuring articles on insect science and activities.

• Online materials: Lesson plans, fact sheets, and identification guides available on the Insect Week website.

🌍 How to Participate

Individuals and organisations can get involved by:

• Attending local events: Check the Insect Week website for a calendar of activities in your area.

• Hosting events: Organise your own insect-themed event and submit it to be featured on the official Insect Week platform.

• Engaging on social media: Share your experiences and learnings using the hashtag #InsectWeek.

For more information and resources, visit the official Insect Week website: insectweek.org

The Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide citizen science initiative organised by the charity Butterfly Conservation. Launched in 2010, it aims to assess the health of the environment by tracking the abundance and distribution of butterflies and day-flying moths. Butterflies are considered vital indicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.

🗓️ When Is It?

The 2025 Big Butterfly Count is scheduled to take place from 18th July to 10th August.

🦋 How to Participate

1. Choose a Location: Select a sunny spot such as your garden, a local park, or any green space.

2. Observe for 15 Minutes: Spend 15 minutes counting and identifying the butterflies and day-flying moths you see.

3. Record Your Sightings: Use the free Big Butterfly Count app or download an ID chart from the official website to log your observations.

4. Submit Your Data: Upload your findings via the app or the Big Butterfly Count website.

This activity is suitable for individuals of all ages and contributes valuable data to conservation efforts.

🌍 Why It Matters

Butterfly populations are declining due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Data from the Big Butterfly Count helps scientists monitor these trends and implement conservation strategies. For instance, the 2024 count recorded the lowest average number of butterflies per count since the survey began, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.

💚 Additional Benefits

Participating in the count not only aids scientific research but also offers personal benefits. Engaging with nature through activities like butterfly counting has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase awareness of local biodiversity.

For more information and resources, visit the official Big Butterfly Count website.

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