Beasts, bees and butterflies

Two children look into a magnifying glass to inspect bugs

When you wander into the Orchard Garden you are sure to be welcomed by the gentle hum of wildlife hovering among the long grass or scurrying through the undergrowth.

We’re kicking off the summer months with a whole programme of nature activities dedicated to the mini-beasts, bees and butterflies found in our gardens. We’re going to be joined by the team from Egg Seeds to help you learn about the mini-beasts living in our gardens and what you can do to help these species thrive. 

The Slip Garden is a heaven for creepy crawlies. Take a closer look and you’ll discover a whole other world right on the woodland floor. Keep your eyes open for millipedes and centipedes, spiders, beetles and caterpillars.

The Orchard Garden is filled with an array of winged beauties. From bright orange butterflies to electric blue damselflies there are many different species to spot as you relax among the wildflowers.

How many different butterflies can you spot?
Silver studded blue butterfly on a flower
How many different butterflies can you spot?

Bees will also be found buzzing away in the Orchard Garden, busy transferring pollen from one flower to another. If you peek into one of the many tubular blooms found on the towering foxglove plants you will likely come across and bee or two collecting the pollen to carry to their next flower.   

What’s going on?

Helping our bees

From 23-24 June the Egg Seeds team will be helping you make wildflower bombs to take home and plant in your back garden.

They will also be looking for an army of volunteers to help rebuild a bug hotel for the beasts, bees and butterflies holidaying at Tredegar House over the summer months.

Protecting the environment

We’re talking all things good for the environment over the weekend of the 30 June. Use pedal power for pond racing and hook a plastic fish as Egg Seeds help you learn about the importance of protecting the environment.

All things mini-beasts

Our final weekend with the Egg Seeds team from 7-8 July will involve making your own log home for the mini beasts in your gardens. You can then decorate the log to your hearts content with some pyrography.

What you need to know

  • Dates: 23, 24, 30 June, 1, 7, 8, July
  • Times: 11am – 4pm
  • Prices:  Normal admission prices apply. National Trust members go free.
  • Booking: There is no booking in advance, please turn up on the day and pay at our Visitor Reception.