As part of Great Big Green Week 2026, Day 2 saw every year group become wildlife explorers for a school-wide bug census.
Armed with bug identification charts, magnifying glasses, waterproofs and wellies, pupils set off around the school grounds to discover what creatures call Staveley CE Primary School home. No stone was left un-turned and no bush went unexplored as pupils carefully searched for signs of life in a variety of habitats.
The results revealed an abundance of wildlife, with woodlice proving to be one of the most common discoveries. Large colonies were found across the school grounds, sparking curiosity amongst the young naturalists.
Inspired by their findings, one pupil began researching the important role woodlice play in the environment.
Singular Chronicles of the Woodlouse – Ava Bottomley, Year 4.
Woodlice are essential to the environment because they act as nature’s cleaning crew.
As of 9.6.2026 Herdwicks have been doing a bug hunt and found loads of woodlice. It’s amazing how many woodlice you can find in one small space.
What do Woodlice eat?
Woodlice breakdown dead leaves and other natural waste, into tiny pieces. This helps turn into rich soil full of nutrients that plants need to grow.
Where can you find them?
These hardy mini beasts can be found under rocks in the garden or hiding under plant pots.
But how do they fit under really small spaces?
Due to their flat, segmented shell, rigid backbone and flexible overlapping plates.
The woodlouse may look like an insect, but it is actually more closely related to crabs and lobsters.
They are compost heroes!