Places you can find a caterpillar

You’ll need a caterpillar to complete No.38 on our list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾: bring up a butterfly. Butterfly caterpillars can be tricky to find so don't worry if your caterpillar is a moth caterpillar instead. You can usually find caterpillars in wild gardens and meadows. Here are some of our favourite caterpillar-hunting grounds.

A caterpillar in the garden at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens   North Yorkshire

Beningbrough Hall, Yorkshire

In the walled garden at Beningbrough Hall, Yorkshire, there are lots of caterpillars and butterflies. If children are careful they are welcome to adopt a caterpillar from here.

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Bluebells and campion at Coed-y-Bwnydd

Clytha Estate, Monmouthshire 

Coed y Bwnydd woodland is very near to Clytha House, in Monmouthshire, and is a great place to find caterpillars and other wildlife.

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A marbled white butterfly rests on knapweed in a wild flower meadow
Knightshayes   Devon

Knighthayes, Devon

Knightshayes, in Devon, have a wild meadow and kitchen garden which are both the perfect habitat for caterpillars. Please be careful where you tread in the meadow as this space is home to lots of plants and little creatures.

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A pale tussock moth caterpillar
Penshaw Monument   Tyne & Wear

Penshaw Monument, County Durham

There are lots of wildflowers and woodlands around the Penshaw Monument, County Durham, so this is likely to be a good spot for finding caterpillars.

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A clifftop in Purbeck, Dorset
Spyway   Dorset

Purbeck, Dorset

Purbeck, in Dorset, is home to lots of caterpillars in spring and summer, especially on the coast.

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Common blue butterfly on yellow flower
The Weir Garden   Herefordshire

The Weir, Herefordshire

The Weir, in Herefordshire, has a very natural garden and is normally home to lots of caterpillars and butterflies.

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