Busy Bees making Big Bugs!
Big Bug Day, Oakfield, Ryde Sat 26 October
Giant bugs, beetles and butterflies are soon to be found hiding in open public spaces around the Oakfield area of Ryde, as part of Big Bug Day – an environmental arts collaboration between Natural Wight and The New Carnival Company.
During October, The New Carnival Company will be working with eight school and community groups to create giant sculptures of selected invertebrates – from the Acorn Weevil and the Glanville Fritillary to the Jersey Tiger Moth and the Hairy Legged Mining Bee!
Big Bug Day aims to raise local awareness of many endangered and unusual Island invertebrates whilst going on a one-mile trail around the streets of the estate.
Frankie Goldspink, Participation and Learning Manager for The New Carnival Company explained “groups taking part will adopt a Bug, learn all about it its habitat, life cycle and distinctive features, before working with one of our artists to make a giant replica of it” she continued “we are using a number a creative arts skills to make the giant bugs from the relatively simple technique of using cane and paper mache to the traditional carnival craft of wire bending.”
The finished bugs will be sited around the Oakfield area and members of the public are invited to join us on the Big Bug Hunt. Just come down to the ARC playsite at Slade Rd on 26 October between 11am and 3pm, collect your free map and guide, seek out the creepy crawlies and get a chance to enter our free prize draw! Everyone is welcome to take part.
Chris Slann, Executive Director of the New Carnival Company, said “this unusual and imaginative project with Natural Wight is a great way of letting lots of people know about
our Isle of Wight buglife whilst taking part in a great autumn walk. Oakfield has been a brilliant place to base this project and we have been delighted at the amazing community involvement – hopefully this is a project that can grow in future years”
There are photo and media opportunities to see Bug making workshops on: –
- Monday 14th October 9.30 – 2.30 at Oakfield Primary School
- Thursday 17th October 10.30 – 3.00 at The Coaching House, Union Rd Rd
- Thursday 17th October 6.30 – 8.30 at The Community Learning Centre, Westridge
- Monday 21 October 9.30 – 2.30 at Holy Cross Primary School, East Cowes
Please ring Alison Knapman, General Manager at The New Carnival Company if you wish to visit one of these sessions.
Pictured above working on their model of a giant Tiger Moth are (clockwise from left)
Jo Treagus, Penny Verity, Gina Dyer, Karen Mason and Steph Edwards
For more info: Contact Chris Slann, Executive Director, The New Carnival Company CIC on 01983 716095 . Email chris@thenewcarnivalcompany.com
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