Get up close and personal with Bugs and Butterflies

Derry City Council has organised an event at the Bay Road Park Local Nature Reserve on Saturday, August 21 from 10am – 2pm, where the public are invited to join in the family fun at the ‘Bug, Butterflies and Moth Morning.’

Annie Mullan, Wildlife Education Officer with Derry City Council said: “Often people aren’t aware of the diversity and beauty of invertebrate life that can be found in the meadows and woodlands all around them. The variety found at this local nature reserve will be uncovered by experts so everyone has a chance to see up close beautiful moths, butterflies and other bugs. Young and old will also be able to take part in craft activities, games and view our wildlife garden to get some ideas to take home.”

The winner’s of Derry City Council’s ‘Wildlife Gardening Competition’ will also be announced at this event with Mayor, Colum Eastwood presenting the prizes.

The event is part of the ‘Wildlife & Wellbeing’ project funded through the ‘Areas at Risk’ programme by Department for Social Development and as a ‘Do One Thing’ event funded by Northern Ireland Environment Agency. This is one of a range of events being held across the world for the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity 2010, to highlight the vital role the biodiversity plays in maintaining the life support system on Planet Earth.

Bay Road Park is an undiscovered haven of wildlife for many. It is situated on the shores of the River Foyle, just south of the Foyle Bridge. The main entrance is from Bay Road behind Da Vinci’s Hotel.

For more information contact: Annie Mullan, Wildlife Education Officer, Derry City Council, 02871365151 email: [email protected].