Join us Saturday 28 June to Stand Tall for the Small
This Saturday 28 June, the Royal Entomological Society is hosting a free, family-friendly day at the RES Insect Garden in Stratford Cross, near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of Insect Week 2025 and is calling on everyone to “Stand Tall for the Small.”
Running from 10am to 4pm, this drop-in event is packed with fun and engaging activities led by scientists and insect experts. From minibeast hunts and pollinator identification to microscopic insights and wildlife-friendly gardening tips – visitors of all ages are welcome to join in the buzz and learn how to discover, observe and protect the small things that help run the world.
A Garden for Insects
The RES Insect Garden was first designed by Tom Massey for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023 and relocated to Stratford Cross in 2024 with support from Project Giving Back. The garden is now a permanent home for wildlife in the heart of east London, with habitats designed to support pollinators and foraging insects.
The garden includes beautiful flowering borders and trees with deadwood and shingle habitats inspired by brownfield landscapes. A striking, colourful domed structure, modelled on an insect’s compound eye, provides shelter and seating and is a now a hub for education and outreach activities.
Honeybee on hawthorn ©Tammy MarlarWhat to expect on the day
The garden will be a hive of Insect-focused activities set up throughout the garden, each led by a friendly team of entomologists, researchers and volunteers – eager to talk all things bugs and beetles!
Pollination Information – with Joshua Sammy PhD graduate, University of York
Explore how insect mouthparts have evolved for different flower shapes. Take part in a PoMS Flower-Insect Count and learn about “bee or not to bee” insect mimicry.
Soil invertebrates & Decomposition – with Victoria Burton Postdoctoral Researcher, Natural History Museum
Discover minibeasts hiding in leaf litter and the soil and learn how they help keep our ecosystems ticking.
Biocontrol & Predators – with by Jasper Hubert Technical Manager at Koppert Biological Systems
View ladybirds, parasitoid wasps and lacewings under the microscope and learn how natural predators support both sustainable agriculture and horticulture.
Gardening for Insects – with Hayley Jones, RHS Senior Entomologist and RES Outreach Committee member
Pick up tips for making your garden more insect-friendly, even if on a balcony or windowsill and learn how to design your own insect haven.
Meet the Entomologists – with Fran Sconce Senior Outreach & Learning Officer, Royal Entomological Society
Chat to the RES team, explore RES Books and bug hunting kits, browse fascinating insect specimens and find out how to get involved in the world of insect science. Whether you’re a student, insect enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world.
There will also be a chance to pick up a Hoverfly Nectar Feast leaflet and a Royal Entomological Society Stand Tall for the Small poster to help support insect conservation at home.
Why It Matters
Insects are the unsung heroes of the natural world. They recycle nutrients, decompose decaying organic matter, control pests, feed wildlife and pollinate the food we eat. This event is part of a growing movement to raise awareness of insect science, to highlight areas of insect decline and encourage practical action.
If you’re inspired to do more, why not take part in the Insect Week Pledge and tick off simple actions to Discover, Observe and Protect the insect world around you.
“This garden was designed not just as a haven for insects, but as a space where people can come together to learn and be inspired by insect science. We’re really excited to welcome the public this weekend.”
– Francesca Sconce, Senior Outreach & Learning Officer at RES
Whether you’re new to the world of insects, brushing up your bug knowledge, or simply curious about the RES garden and what’s in it, come and find out more about the small creatures that make a big difference to our lives.
Plan Your Visit
Saturday 28 June, 10am–4pm (drop-in, no booking required)
RES Insect Garden, Endeavour Square, Stratford Cross, London E20 1JN
The garden is 10-minute walk from Stratford station.
For more on the RES Insect Week, visit https://www.insectweek.org
Follow us on social media for updates and share your insect news and events using #InsectWeek
