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Bugs, Birds and Beasts Day

"From falconry displays to the evolution of birds and other animals, there is something for everybody at Bugs, Birds and Beasts Day." Professor Vincent Savolainen Director, Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet

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Explore the amazing world of bugs and creatures that live on our planet

Join us for a day of hands-on activities, live demonstrations and fascinating facts - all delivered by the scientists and students who study and work at Silwood. You'll explore the wonders of the natural world through interactive exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and discovery. With pond dipping, falconry displays and butterfly walks, there's something for everyone.

Set in 100 hectares of grassland and woodland, Silwood's habitats are home to thriving wildlife and cutting-edge ecological research. Come and discover the amazing species that share our world!

Useful information

The event opens at 12:00 PM, but you’re welcome to arrive at any time during the afternoon until 4:00 PM.
When you arrive, please make your way to the Information Tent to collect a programme for the day and find out how to sign up for activities and walks.
A free shuttle bus will run between Ascot train station and Silwood Park at the following times:
- From Ascot to Silwood Park: Every 30 minutes, on the hour and half past, from 12:00 to 16:00.
- From Silwood Park back to Ascot: Every 30 minutes, on the hour and half past, from 12:30 to 17:00.
- The last shuttle leaves Silwood Park at 17:00.
If you’ve booked a parking space, you’re welcome to drive and park on site. However, please do consider using the shuttle bus, public transport or a car share where possible.
Food and refreshments available to purchase onsite and toilets available.
No Dogs, Please (as we have livestock on site)
St John Ambulance will be on site throughout the event.
No Smoking
There will be official photography during the event. If you’d prefer not to be photographed or filmed, you can collect a red sticker at the Information Desk to wear.

What's on

Here's a first look at just one or two of the exhibits that will be on offer this year. There’s lots more to come, so do check back as we reveal more exciting activities in the lead-up to the event!

Sustainable Silwood

Come and meet our Sustainability team and their mascot! Join us to make wildflower seed bombs, vote with beans on your eco-habits, and explore simple ways to live more sustainably. Chat with our team about what’s happening at Silwood Park to reduce our carbon footprint and pick up ideas to try at home.

Winged Wonders - Birds & Bats

Explore the fascinating world of our flying friends! Get up close with feathers and skulls under a powerful microscope, learn why bats are brilliant for the planet, and discover fun facts. With real-life props, stickers, and temporary tattoos, this interactive display brings the magic of birds and bats to life!

Bee health and research

Take a close-up look at live bumblebees and honeybees using zoom cameras, and explore models showing their anatomy and development. Meet the students leading cutting-edge research into bee health, from pesticides to climate change, and discover how they’re working to protect these vital pollinators and their ecosystems.

Tree walk

Join our friendly guides on one of our short nature walks. Explore trees, woodlands, streams, and lakes while spotting birds, bugs, and other wildlife along the way. Each walk highlights a different habitat and the amazing creatures that live there.

Primate Tree

Discover how primates are related! Help build a giant family tree by placing pictures of monkeys, apes, and more in the right spots. Match primates to their amazing adaptations - like night vision or strong arms - and learn how their bodies help them survive in the wild.

Invasive species management

Discover how CABI's scientists use nature to fight invasive plants like Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam. See real biocontrol insects and fungi up close, explore their impact through magnifiers and cameras, and learn how this work is helping protect native wildlife and save one of Britain’s rarest birds.

Songbird seekers

See your voice take flight in this fun, interactive stall! Visitors are challenged to imitate bird songs and watch their voices appear live on a colourful spectrogram display. Learn how sound is visualised, compare your vocal patterns to those of real birds, and see who in your family can chirp, tweet, or hoot the best!

Let’s go pond dipping!

Join our volunteers to discover the rich biodiversity of our local pond life! This hands-on activity invites you to learn all about the tiny creatures that thrive beneath the surface of the water. With trays, nets and magnifiers, explore how each species plays a role in a healthy freshwater ecosystem.

Face painting

Transform into your favourite character with a splash of colour and a swirl of creativity! Whether you fancy becoming a fluttering butterfly, a roaring tiger, or a leafy woodland sprite, this stall is for you. Sit back, get painted and explore a world of imagination!

Mosquito Zoo!

Ever wondered how tasty you are to a mosquito? Step into our interactive encounter and find out! Get up close with live mosquitoes in our flight chamber and explore the science behind what attracts them. Peer through a giant magnifying glass and discover the mosquito life cycle - from egg to adult - as we rear them in the lab.

Bird on the Hand: Falconry Experience

Join our expert falconers for an unforgettable hands-on experience with hawks, falcons, and owls. We bring you face-to-face with some of nature’s most awe-inspiring hunters - learn about their behaviour, conservation, and the ancient art of falconry. This is a rare chance to connect with the wild in a personal way.

ScAnt: See Insects Like Never Before

Step into the tiny world of insects - in giant, colourful 3D! scAnt uses cutting-edge photogrammetry to create detailed digital models of real bugs, ready for animation, games, and even AI. Watch our scanner in action, then see the results brought to life in a virtual environment. You can even handle scaled-up 3D-printed versions of the bugs!

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Bugs Day 2024

Hundreds of members of the general public joined us for last year's exciting day of exhibits, activities and demonstrations. Take a look at our short video from the public's point of view!

Hundreds of visitors joined us last year for an exciting day of exhibits, activities and demonstrations to remember. Learn about their experiences in this short video!