Some of the many species of butterflies that flutter around the hedgerows of the island came under the microscope last weekend, with an afternoon of information and workshops led by the Manx Wildlife Trust.

’Beautiful Butterflies’ took place at the Community Farm, run by the Children’s Centre, at Wallberry, Douglas Head, and saw groups of children hunt around the hedges, paths, fields and wetlands around the farm to find as many butterflies and caterpillars as they could.

The session was led by the biodiversity officer, Dawn Dickens, who explained the finds to the young entomologists.

’The caterpillars were awesome,’ said Dawn.

’Obviously, around the vegetable allotment areas we found loads of the large cabbage white caterpillars on a lot of the leaves there. It’s how they get their name.’

Actual butterflies were scarce, due to the high winds, save for a few small white butterflies taking shelter in the long grass, but the children were able to closely inspect the caterpillars through magnifying specimen pots before releasing them back to their leaves.

Back in the classrooms, the children were able to learn about and study the habits of butterflies through games and activities.

’The kids had a great time trying to eat like a butterfly,’ said Dawn.

’We had party whistles with velcro, which could flick in and out, just like a butterfly tongue.

’Kids could also make their own masks and design their own colourful butterfly wings.’

The next family event for the Manx Wildlife Trust is at Ramsey beach to investigate what wildlife lives around the shoreline. Details can be found at manxwt.org.uk