Harper Adams entomology professor visits local Brownie unit

Professor of entomology Simon Leather visited 1st Church Aston Brownies with some insect friends, to teach the young girls about lifecycles and how interesting insects are.

Adreen Hart-Rule, the unit’s Brown Owl, said: “The session was very much based on handling the insects, which included ladybirds, vine weevils and cockroaches, and learning more about them.

“They were nervous to handle the ladybird at the beginning, but by the end of the session they were handling and stroking the hissing cockroaches quite happily.”

Professor Leather said: “It was great to see the girls becoming more confident over the course of the session. They were very inquisitive and had many questions.

“I see outreach as an important element of my role, and it’s something that I really enjoy.”