News

COUNTDOWN TO NATIONAL INSECT WEEK BEGINS WITH LAUNCH OF OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The countdown to National Insect Week 2008 began in earnest on Tuesday 25 March when the Royal Entomological Society officially re-launched www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk

Designed to have universal appeal, the site will enable people of all ages to learn more about the wonders of the insect world both before and during National Insect Week, which takes place from 23-29 June 2008.

The website, which will remain live throughout 2008 and beyond, will serve as a resource both for those who want to get actively involved in National Insect Week or simply want to learn more about the most abundant creatures on earth.

Visitors to www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk can learn how to make their garden more insect friendly, take part in nationwide insect surveys, and have their own insect event listed in the What’s On pages.

There are also sections aimed at Scout groups on pond-dipping and night-time moth hunts, in addition to details of how to enter a photography competition sponsored by the Environment Agency.

The Royal Entomological Society’s third National Insect Week will build on the success of the first two initiatives, held in 2004 and 2006, with events such as insect walks, hunts and lectures taking place at locations around the UK.

Once again, it will engage with children and adults, scientists and nature lovers around the country, raising awareness of insects, their diversity and the crucial role they play in our everyday lives.

The Royal Entomological Society’s President Jim Hardie said, “After the phenomenal success of National Insect Week in previous years, we are really looking forward to enthusing an even wider audience about the wonderful world of insects, and the website will play a crucial role in spreading the message about just how important they are to the wellbeing of our world.”

Defra Minister Joan Ruddock will launch National Insect Week 2008 on Monday 23 June at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London.

National Insect Week 2008 is sponsored in part by the Environment Agency and is working with a wide range of partners, from specialist entomological societies to national organisations concerned with many aspects of wildlife, agriculture and natural recreation.

Visit www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk for more information.

All media enquiries please contact Liz Powell/Amy Sutherland at Cicada Communications on 01423 567111 / 07837 718638. Email [email protected]

Photo caption: Painted lady butterfly, taken by Glynn McDonald © Royal Entomological Society

Notes to Editors

Official National Insect Week partners are:

  • Amateur Entomologists' Society
  • Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society
  • Biological Records Centre
  • British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
  • British Beekeepers Association - BBKA
  • British Dragonfly Society
  • British Entomological and Natural History Society
  • Buglife
  • Central Association of Bee-Keepers
  • Dipterists Forum
  • Environment Agency
  • Field Studies Council
  • Forestry Commission
  • Freshwater Biological Association
  • National Biodiversity Network Trust
  • Natural History Museum
  • Pond Conservation
  • Riverfly Partnership
  • Rothamsted Research
  • Royal Horticultural Society
  • Year of Food and Farming

About the Royal Entomological Society

Founded in 1833 as the Entomological Society of London, the Royal Entomological Society plays a major national and international role in disseminating information about insects and improving communication between entomologists.

In 1855 a Royal Charter was granted to the Entomological Society by Queen Victoria and the privilege of adding the word "Royal" to the title was granted by King George V in 1933, the Centenary of the Society's foundation.

Many eminent scientists of the past, Darwin and Wallace to mention but two, have been Fellows of the Society. Through the years, most internationally recognised entomologists have been, and are, numbered among the Fellowship.