Silwood Park welcomes record crowds to Bugs, Birds & Beasts Day

Imperial’s Silwood Park campus in Ascot welcomed record crowds as the annual Bugs, Birds & Beasts Day returned bigger and better than ever before.

Silwood Park was a hive of activity on 29 July as scientists and volunteers welcomed families to explore the wonders of the natural world at this free nature day which is open to all. Across the campus, a variety of interactive stalls and displays offered visitors the chance to discover wildlife up close and learn more about the environment around them.

"Bugs Day 2025 was a tremendous success. We not only scaled up - doubling in size from last year - but I also had the privilege of witnessing the spark of scientific curiosity ignite in the next generation." Katarina Piponi PhD student

Set in the picturesque village of Sunningdale near Ascot, Imperial’s Silwood Park is a world-renowned centre for research and teaching in ecology, evolution and conservation. Each summer, Bugs, Birds & Beasts Day opens the campus to the public, with activities ranging from pond dipping and birds of prey displays to butterfly walks, all designed to showcase how nature enriches our lives.

Organised by Imperial’s Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, led by Professor Vincent Savolainen, the event brings together a handpicked group of exhibitors, aiming to inspire visitors of all ages to connect with the natural world through engaging, science-focused experiences.

New and diverse programme

Visitors enjoyed an expanded programme of activities this year, reflecting the event’s growing popularity. Tried-and-tested favourites, including live bird egg hatchings, dramatic falconry displays, pond dipping and guided butterfly walks, gave attendees the chance to observe and engage with local wildlife like never before. Exciting new additions included a nature-themed orchestra, the Mosquito Zoo, the Grantham Institute, tree walks and story-time sessions, adding fresh experiences to the day’s line-up. Guests also learned about the importance of biodiversity and how the natural world supports life, both visible and unseen, in a richer, more interactive experience than previous years.

Katarina Piponi, PhD student in the Savolainen Lab, said: ‘Bugs Day 2025 was a tremendous success. We not only scaled up - doubling in size from last year - but I also had the privilege, as a volunteer, of witnessing the spark of scientific curiosity ignite in the next generation. Children aged 3 to 16 were captivated by the novelty of our research, their eyes widening with excitement. As a PhD student, the experience has been deeply motivating, reinforcing my passion for continuing our work.’

Animal Masks

Young visitors got creative at the arts and crafts stand, designing and decorating animal masks from paper plates. Volunteers were on hand to chat with the children and help with any tricky cutting, making it a fun and engaging activity for the festival’s youngest guests.

Volunteer Nell Pates, a PhD student from the Pearse Lab said: ‘The day was really scaled up this year – we had more tents, stalls and stands, and even more visitors through the gates. I volunteer every year and it’s great to see people exploring the work we do here and getting to connect to science and nature.’

Mosquito Zoo

Visitors explored the fascinating world of mosquitoes at the Mosquito Zoo stand, hosted by the Transmission Zero team from South Kensington, where they could discover just how attractive they were to these tiny insects. In the flight chamber, guests observed live mosquitoes up close and learned about the science behind what draws them in. A giant magnifying glass offered a closer look at the mosquito life cycle, from egg to adult, with live specimens reared in the lab.

"Volunteering was an incredible experience and it's always a joy bringing science to the public - looking forward to next year!" Alex Bailey Transmission Zero

Alex Bailey, volunteer, said: ‘It was amazing to see so many people turn out for Bugs, Birds, and Beasts Day this year at Silwood Park, especially so many young families engaging with researchers and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Volunteering at the event was an incredible experience and it's always a joy bringing science to the public - looking forward to next year!’

Looking forward

This year, Bugs, Birds & Beasts Day continued to reach a wider and more diverse audience, with initiatives like the popular shuttle bus from Ascot helping visitors from all backgrounds experience Silwood Park for the first time. Looking ahead, the team plan to scale up the festival even further, with new exhibitors from across Imperial and beyond, ensuring the day is welcoming and accessible to everyone. The aim remains the same: to inspire curiosity, encourage care for the natural world, and encourage the scientists of tomorrow.

Find out more about Bugs, Birds & Beasts Day and future events