HUNDREDS of children and adults will be taking part in a special event in West Devon this month, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of the tiniest creatures in our environment. A forest full of bugs is taking place at Lydford Forest between June 19 to 25, to coincide with National Insect Week. Schools and community groups from throughout West Devon will be discovering the importance of insect life through a series of workshops and experiments in a project organised by the Forestry Commission and West Devon-based Workship Under the Sky. Glyn Bradbury, of the Forestry Commission, said Lydford Forest was an ideal environment in which to study the insect world. ?Its invertebrate life is diverse and plentiful, ranging from moths and butterflies to beetles, bugs and bush crickets, and an endless array of pond and puddle creatures,? said Glyn. ?With the forest as a study area, the possibility for exploration and discovery is endless. ?We hope by staging this event, we will inspire and encourage a greater awareness of the importance of insects ? and mix science and art in an exciting way that make insects interesting and memorable.? Throughout the week, those taking part in the project will be going on minibeast hunts, taking part in pond dipping, moth trapping and going on butterfly walks. West Devon artist Jenny Hale will have her ?yurt?, a type of Mongolian tent, on site, where observational drawings of insects will be done ? the yurt will also act as an exhibition centre to display work created throughout the week. A collection of the work will be included in a nature diary, a copy of which will be given to all groups and schools taking part in the event. The week will culminate in a free open day on Saturday June 24, when everyone is welcome to come and discover the wonderful world of bugs and enjoy the beauty of the forest. For more information call Glyn Bradbury on 01409 221692 or email [email protected]">[email protected] or go to http://www.workshopunderthesky.co.uk">www.workshopunderthesky.co.uk