Year One visit the Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary

Published: 20 June, 2011

As part of their science topic work, Year One spent a lovely sunny day visiting the Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary.  They began the visit with a classroom session in which the children were able to show David, the 'butterfly man', how much they knew about the lifecycle of butterflies (at school the children had recently observed caterpillars growing, pupating and finally being released as fully grown painted lady butterflies). 

In the giant greenhouse, everyone was delighted to see many exotic butterflies and moths which normally live in much warmer countries.  Some of the most fascinating were the beautiful giant Atlas moths and their 'tea bag' shaped cocoons.

 Later in the morning everyone went outside to watch the otters being fed.  Tim the keeper told the children all about their different characters and habits.  After such a fascinating and informative visit the children were ready for a picnic lunch and a play in the sunshine.