Summer vacation has begun at schools.
The author recently experienced an enchanting weekend at the Latitude Festival, representing a trust and sharing a newfound passion for a surprising subject – moths.
Following the conclusion of school visits for the season, the author embarked on a fascinating journey at the nature-focused event. The festival offered numerous activities for families and children, providing interactive, educational, and creative ways to connect with nature.
One of the highlights was the "hands-on forest craft sessions" where kids could get creative by colouring and making items using natural materials in a "forest craft corner." Another captivating activity was the family-friendly "Earthworm/Soil Beast Walk," led by Dr. David Jones from the Natural History Museum, which explored fascinating soil creatures like earthworms.
The author's activities at the festival attracted queues of people, including the Mini Zoo and Wildlife Display, showcasing creatures such as lizards, snakes, meerkats, and giant snails. Interesting finds during these activities included baby toads, water scorpions, and newt poles.
The schools day at the festival was a nonstop whirlwind of fun. Kids participated in activities like making willow jellyfish, minibeast hunting, and lake dipping. They also created nature journals in the enchanted woods.
But the true highlight of the author's weekend was the moth session. Two new moth species were caught during the session, with the first being the gorgeously golden fluffy oak eggar, described as having a golden and fluffy appearance. The second was the canary-shouldered thorn, a moth with canary-colored shoulders.
The author found the Latitude festival weekend rewarding, but exhausting. However, the experience has only fuelled the author's new interest in moths, a subject that is sure to be explored in future endeavours.
As a tip for future interns, don't forget your ticket for the festival – it's an event not to be missed!
The author, inspired by the Latitude Festival's nature-centered environment, was captivated by the prospect of a "forest school" lifestyle, merging home-and-garden activities with nature-focused education. Amidst the festival's interactive sessions, the author envisioned integrating hands-on crafts, such as the "forest craft corner," into their home and garden life.
