Up close and personal with bugs

Children are being invited to get up close and personal with bugs by exploring a bug’s life.

Rochdale Boroughwide Libraries will be leading a hunt for 'mini beasts' so that children can learn just how important our insect neighbours are. Events are taking place in parks close to the following libraries across the borough:

Littleborough Library, Friday 16 August - drop in between 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Balderstone Library, Monday 19 August – drop in between 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Heywood Library, Tuesday 20 August – drop in between 2:30pm and 3:30 pm bug hunt
Rochdale Central Library, Wednesday 21 August – drop in between 2:30pm and 3:30pm
Middleton Library, Friday 23 August – drop in between 2:30pm and 3:30pm

Children will also be able to take part in arts and crafts activities. Come rain or shine the hunt is on so parents are asked to ensure children are dressed appropriately for the weather on the day.

Insects perform a vast number of important functions in the eco-system. They fertilise soil, pollinate blossoms; they also help decompose dead materials, thereby reintroducing nutrients into the soil. Burrowing bugs such as ants and beetles dig tunnels that provide channels for water, again benefiting plants. Through the pollination of many commercial crops such as tomatoes, peas, apples and strawberries, insects are estimated to contribute over £400 million per annum to the UK economy.