Take part in Aberdeen Insect Week 2026
Celebrate Aberdeen Insect Week 2026 by attending one of the events being held across the city. Learn more about them, how to ID them & more!
Aberdeen Insect Week is jam-packed full of fun!
We are excited to announce Aberdeen Insect Week 2026, taking place from 22–28 June 2026. This programme of events is organised by SRUC PhD candidate Charlotte Wood, with support from NESBiP.
This local celebration forms part of Insect Week, a nationwide initiative led by the Royal Entomological Society. This aims to raise awareness of the importance of insects and inspire people to learn more about the small but vital creatures that support our ecosystems.
👉 Find out more about Insect Week
👉 Follow Aberdeen Insect Week on Facebook for updates, event announcements and booking information
Charlotte Wood Sweep netting for insects
Hoverflies are one of many insect we will celebrate this week – Abbie Ferrar
Event Programme
A full week of activities has been planned across Aberdeen, offering opportunities to learn new skills, explore local habitats, and celebrate insects in a variety of ways.
Monday 22 June
10:00 – 15:00
Introduction to Beetle Identification with Aberdeen Ranger Service
📍 SRUC Aberdeen Campus
Learn the basics of identifying beetles and discover the diversity of these fascinating insects with guidance from the Aberdeen Ranger Service.
👉 Find out more and book your place
Tuesday 23 June
10:00 – 12:00
Greyhope Morning: Master the Art of Insect Surveying
📍 Greyhope Bay Centre
Take part in a hands-on session to build your insect surveying skills in a stunning coastal location.
👉 Find out more and book your place
14:00 – 16:00
Bordered Brown Lacewing ID and Survey Taster Session with Buglife
📍 Cove Bay
Join Buglife to learn about the rare bordered brown lacewing and try out survey techniques.
👉 Find out more and book your place
Wednesday 24 June
14:00 – 16:00
Wildflowers for Pollinators with NESBiP and Curam Fyvie
📍 Duthie Park
Explore how wildflowers support pollinators and learn practical ways to create insect-friendly habitats.
👉 Find out more and book your place
Friday 26 June
Stand Tall for the Small – Entomology Talks
📍 The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler
Join for a day of live entomology talks celebrating the incredible world of insects and invertebrates as part of Aberdeen Insect Week.
👉 Find out more and book your place
Saturday 27 June
The Big Bug Bash: Family Fun Day with SRUC and Friends of St Fittick’s Park
📍 St Fittick’s Park
A fun-filled family day with activities, learning opportunities and insect-themed exploration suitable for all ages.
Sunday 28 June
Dipping into Discovery: All Ages Pond Dipping with SRUC
📍 Den of Maidencraig Nature Reserve
Discover the hidden world of aquatic insects with this hands-on pond dipping session.
👉 More information coming soon
Why Celebrate Insects?
Insects are essential to the health of our environment and our everyday lives. They:
- Pollinate crops and wild plants
- Help recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter
- Provide food for birds, mammals, and other wildlife
- Act as indicators of environmental change
Despite their importance, many insect populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other pressures. Events like Aberdeen Insect Week are a chance to connect with nature, learn new skills, and find out how we can all help protect insect life.
Get Involved
Whether you are a beginner, a wildlife enthusiast, or looking for family-friendly activities, Aberdeen Insect Week offers something for everyone. From identification sessions to hands-on surveys and fun events, this is a great opportunity to explore the natural world around you.
Save the dates – more information, including booking details, will be available soon. Follow the Facebook page to stay up to date.
Events happening in Aberdeenshire.
Can’t make the Aberdeen City events? Don’t worry, the Bumblee Conservation Society is holding some events the same week.
Join Lucy from Bumblebee Conservation Trust for FREE, in person introductory bumblebee identification workshops, where we’ll explore the most common UK bumblebee species, as well as some of the scarce and local species found in the Cairngorms National Park. Both events are suitable for beginners with no previous experience of bumblebee identification.
🐝 National Insect Week – Tuesday 23rd June
📍 Glenlivet Estate, Tomintoul Visitor Centre
⏰ 10:00 – 15:30
🔗 Eventbrite
🐝 National Insect Week – Thursday 25th June
📍 Glen Tanar NNR Visitor Centre in partnership with NESBReC
⏰ 10:00 – 15:00
Partners
Aberdeen Insect Week is made possible through collaboration between a range of organisations, led by SRUC and supported by NESBiP, alongside partners including Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service, Buglife, Greyhope Bay Centre, Curam Fyvie, The James Hutton Institute and Friends of St Fittick’s Park.
