Aardman, the award-winning UK studio, has announced that its interactive Lloyd of the Flies ‘Bug Hunt’ augmented reality trail opens this week at the Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden at Stratford Cross in East London, UK.
Children, families, and insect enthusiasts can help Lloyd, the first-ever non-human Royal Entomological Society Ambassador, in his quest to find his friends and bring them back to the garden’s ‘luxury bug hotel’. Along the way, visitors will discover fun facts about the tiny but powerful creatures that support all life on Earth.
Environmental & educational resource
The Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden was first created by renowned garden designer Tom Massey for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023, with support from grant-making charity Project Giving Back.
It has now been rebuilt as a permanent feature at Stratford Cross in East London, a vibrant destination which serves as the gateway to the city’s new cultural quarter on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This move was made possible through funding from Project Giving Back, Lendlease, SHIFT, and individual Royal Entomological Society supporters who contributed to the Big Give Appeal.
The Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden is now open and provides an opportunity to learn about the important role insects play in urban locations.
Simon Ward, CEO at the Royal Entomological Society, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Lloyd as our first insect ambassador and to partner with Aardman and Lendlease to launch the interactive ‘Bug Hunt’ at Stratford Cross. Our huge thanks go to Lendlease, SHIFT and Project Giving Back for helping bring the Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden to East London as a permanent urban haven for insects and insect science.
“We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of insect scientists – whose fascination with insects often starts in childhood – so Lloyd is ideally placed to help us encourage children and their families to see the world through the eyes of an insect and appreciate their vital role in the health of humans and the planet.”
Guy Thomas, head of retail and place assets, Lendlease, adds: “Sustainability, innovation, and collaboration run through everything we do at Stratford Cross. Nestled just a stone’s throw from some of the world’s most famous cultural and academic institutions at the East Bank, including UCL and the V&A, the new Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden will embody all these values.
“It will not only promote biodiversity and local wildlife in Stratford but be a shared resource for education and research for all ages. We are excited to kick off the garden’s life in Stratford with the arrival of the Lloyd of the Flies ‘Bug Hunt’ and to engage residents and visitors in the fascinating world of insects this summer.”
Exploring insect-rich spaces
The ‘Bug Hunt’ family trail experience at Stratford Cross is guided by housefly Lloyd and his invertebrate friends from the Aardman CGI comedy series for children, Lloyd of the Flies.
Visitors can use the studio’s augmented reality ‘Bug Hunt’ app to navigate the Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden and other insect-rich green spaces at Stratford Cross, while learning amazing facts and seeing the world through a fly’s eyes. After their adventure, families can explore the destination’s range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Matthew Walker, creator and director of Lloyd of the Flies, Aardman, says: “We created Lloyd of the Flies to bring the fascinating world of insects to children in a fun and accessible way so the partnership with the Royal Entomological Society and the team at Lendlease is a perfect way to celebrate Lloyd’s appeal.
“Having spoken to Lloyd himself ahead of the big ‘Bug Hunt’ launch at Stratford Cross, I can confirm that he can’t wait to explore the Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden for himself and introduce his friends to the fantastic habitats and sources of food for insects that it offers!”
Sustainable environment
The Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden’s focal point is an outdoor laboratory with a multi-coloured domed roof inspired by the shape of an insect’s eye. Cake Industries created this striking feature using hundreds of laser-cut hexagonal panels, which give insects lots of places to live and thrive.
The garden features a diverse planting mix aimed at encouraging invertebrates and providing year-round food supplies for pollinators and other beneficial insects. It is also home to a variety of habitats constructed from materials such as dead wood, rubble, and sand, which are usually discarded.
Massey explains: “The vast majority of the UK’s population live in urban areas, so we must consider brownfield sites as important for biodiversity as more rural locations. Stratford Cross is a fantastic example of how it’s possible to deliver a sustainable built environment that prioritises benefits for both people and nature.
“It is great to see the garden come to life in its permanent home as a platform for the Royal Entomological Society to raise awareness of insects and their importance in the global environment and to welcome families and young people to enjoy the garden this summer alongside Lloyd of the Flies!”
In addition to providing a year-round destination for visitors to Stratford Cross to explore and enjoy, the Royal Entomological Society Insect Garden will serve as a hub for continuous teaching and engagement on insects in urban green spaces.
The Royal Entomological Society is collaborating with Newham Council on an adult learning course on biodiversity that will use the garden as a study centre, as well as a new education initiative that will enable primary school-aged children to study insects in the garden.
Last month, Aardman shared details of the locations for its interactive augmented reality trails this summer. The trails will be at attractions in the UK and Australasia and will feature Lloyd of the Flies as well as much-loved family IP Shaun the Sheep.
Image courtesy Tammy Marlar
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