A University of Cumbria student has been collaborating with Cumberland Council’s green spaces team and students from a Carlisle school to study grass.
Zoology student Bryony Hawkes has been examining how long grass affects insects in Carlisle, compared to short grass.
Class five students from St Bede’s Catholic Primary School learnt about the insects in Heysham Park before the summer break.
Bryony and Dr Alex Dittrich, senior lecturer zoology at Nottingham Trent University, who specialises in insects and science communication, went to the long grass in Heysham Park.
Among the insects found by Carlisle students were soldier beetles, woodlice, worms, butterflies, moths, caterpillars, ladybirds, leaf hoppers, and shieldbugs along with several beetles, bees and flies.
In comparison to mowed lawns, long grass is more beneficial to insects.
Bryony said: “The children were incredibly enthusiastic and inquisitive! On chatting with them in the smaller groups it’s clear that they perceive the grasslands in a positive way.”
Teacher Michael Oliver added: “The children really enjoyed hunting for bugs. It was great to see them finding so many and learning new names for them. So, a big thank you for inviting us and to Alex and Bryony.”
