Munching Caterpillars is a Butterfly Conservation education campaign aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of butterflies, moths and their caterpillars among young people and their families.

Having volunteered with us in 2017, as part of her degree at the University of West England, we were delighted to welcome Lucy back as the Munching Caterpillar contractor for the Somerset & Bristol branch.

Munching Caterpillars in Bristol (Lucy Cunningham) - Robbie Labonowski
Lucy at St Werburghs School, Bristol

Lucy visits primary schools in Bristol and teaches children about butterflies and moths, their lifecycles, habitats and foodplants, and about how they can help to conserve our British species. Her workshops include opportunities to see live specimens and to get hands-on, planting nectar and food plants in the school grounds. They are fun, interactive and a great way to capture the children’s interest in the wildlife that can be found on their doorstep.


Summer 2022:

At last, Lucy has been able to return to visiting primary schools in Bristol to offer free workshops about butterflies and moths.

Some of the schools that Lucy has already visited this season include:

  • Glenfrome Primary, Eastville
  • Stoke Park
  • St Werburgh's
  • Cabot Primary
  • Ashton Gate Primary
  • Southville

For the latest news from Lucy, follow her Facebook page 'Flutterby Outdoor Learning'


October 2020:

The Munching Caterpillars project had busy spring and summer terms planned with lots of school visits booked in the diary, so it was with great sadness that Lucy needed to cancel them due to the Covid restrictions. She really missed meeting the pupils in Bristol Primary Schools, but it didn’t mean they missed out on learning about our wonderful butterflies, moths and their caterpillars. Lucy has  been busy sharing some fantastic online resources including a film based on their usual workshops to over 400 schools in Bristol and Somerset.

In addition to the film, there are some great resources and activities on the Butterfly Conservation website which she has been promoting to youth and community groups, scouts, and parks groups across the region. She hopes the children and their families will enjoy making kites and planting wildflower areas to help our insects.

Munching Caterpillers hope to start running workshops again next year and already have multiple schools interested. If you would like Lucy to visit your school in the Bristol area, please send an email to @email and she will keep you updated.


Over the 2019 season, Lucy visited 9 different schools, delivered 48 workshops and engaged with almost 900 children.  

We would like to thank all the staff and children that have welcomed Lucy into their schools this year.

  • Ashton Gate Primary, Ashton
  • Barton Hill Primary
  • Cabot Primary, St Pauls
  • Glenfrome Primary, Eastville
  • Holy Cross Primary, Bedminster
  • Stoke Park, Lockleaze
  • St Martin's C of E Primary
  • St Werburghs Primary
  • Woodstock
Munching Caterpillars in Bristol_644 (St Werburghs school) - Robbie Labonowski
St Werburghs School, Bristol

If you know a Bristol school who would be keen to receive a visit please contact either Kate Merry, @email or Lucy @email for more information.

 

Lucy's 2019 end of year report is available by clicking on this link.

Read about Lucy's experiences by clicking on this link