Wonderful World of Insects at Wicken Fen

Visitors to the Wicken Fen Big Green Day Out on 22 June will be able to make model insects and hibernation chambers from recycled materials as part of lead up to National Insect Week.

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is home to 7966 species of wildlife, with insects accounting for an amazing 5695 species.

Wicken Fen is home to over 1000 species of Moths, 35 species of Butterflies, 1473 species of Beetle, 1891 species of Flies and 24 species of Dragon & Damselflies. 107 species of insect found at Wicken Fen are listed as Endangered Species in the UK's Red Data Book and a priority for conservation in the UK BAP (the Governments Biodiversity Action Plan). A further 294 species are listed as scarce.

Earlier this year the extremely rare Crucifix Ground Beetle was rediscovered after an absence of more than 50 years. Before discovery at Wicken Fen the beetle was thought to survive at only three places in the UK, and at one of those it had not been seen for over 10 years.

Forthcoming events at Wicken Fen include the popular Dragonfly Safari Shows (5-6 & 26-27 July), an opportunity to learn about and hopefully see many of the 24 species of Dragonfly and Damselflies found at Wicken Fen.

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For further information contact: Howard Cooper, Communications Officer, Wicken Fen Tel 01353 720274 Mobile 07826 874133 or e-mail howard.cooper@nationaltrust.org.uk or visit www.wicken.org.uk