Bug hunting and moth trapping on the Isle of Wight

Next Previous

What better way for you and your children to have fun on the Isle of Wight than an enlightening day out hunting for bugs or trapping moths as the light fades.

Discover the many interesting creepy crawlies and creatures that fly at night and share our countryside with us. 

Hunting for insects 

This can be done at any time, but why not join one of our organised bug hunts and learn more? You can use the sweep nets and bug pots that we provide to look for insects in the undergrowth and long grass. We have mats and hand magnifying glasses, and experts are around to identify what you find. On some events we set up a TV screen showing hugely magnified images of insects that people have caught. 
 
Butterflies may be flying if it’s sunny, and there are plenty of species on the island. We provide the butterfly nets and identification service, you provide the energy in catching them and letting them go afterwards.
 

Moth trapping

On certain evenings in the warmer summer months we set light traps for moths, and then come back next morning to see what amazing and beautiful creatures inhabit the night sky.

Where and when

We run our bug hunts at a number of locations throughout the year, including Mottistone, St Helens Duver, Bembridge Downs and Newtown. Moth trapping takes place at Mottistone and Newtown.