Go wild in Essex Libraries

ESSEX libraries are going wild for wildlife this half term, especially the creepy crawly kind. Are you brave enough to get close to a tarantula or look a praying mantis in the eye? Martin Rapley – The Bugman – will be taking his Big Bug Experience on a 12

ESSEX libraries are going wild for wildlife this half term, especially the creepy crawly kind.

Are you brave enough to get close to a tarantula or look a praying mantis in the eye?

Martin Rapley - The Bugman - will be taking his Big Bug Experience on a 12-stop Essex library tour throughout the week, starting at Saffron Walden Library on Monday February 16 from 10am until noon.

Those who don't want to get too close to the real thing can meet some of the friendly larger-than-life giant bugs - Sean the snail, Buzz the bee, Lauren the ladybird or Brenda the bug.

The Big Bug Experience also includes story time, a treasure trail around the library with a chance to win some prizes, activity sheets to complete, books and other resources to use to find out more about bugs and wildlife, as well as the chance to find out about local parks and open spaces to visit to see more local wildlife.

Thanks to Essex County Council's natural environment team, visitors can also collect some free wildflower seed to create bug heavens across Essex - and they can take part in the fun at any time during the event.

Cabinet member for adults, health and community wellbeing, Cllr David Finch, said: "Libraries have always been a wonderful resource for finding out about local wildlife and how you can enjoy and help to protect it. Come along and let Essex libraries bring the subject to life.