Bugs and Beasts at Henderson Community Park

Bugs and Beasts is coming to Henderson Community Park this summer! 

Join the team behind Norwich Science Festival for a free, nature-themed event for families.

Featuring free drop-in activities and workshops with a nature twist, there is plenty for all ages to enjoy at Bugs and Beasts, but activities are most suitable for ages 3-12.  

Now in its third year in Norwich, this is the first time that Bugs and Beasts is coming to NR5 – with a family-friendly celebration of biodiversity, nature and conservation. 

No need to book, simply drop-in on the day! 

Wed 13 August 2025 

11am-4pm 

Henderson Community Park, NR5 8BF

Exhibitors & Activities

Capoeira Communities - a game of dance, martial arts and acrobatics! Learn three animal-inspired shapes (frog, spider and cat) and how to flow between them in these fun, beginner-friendly workshops.

Bert's Amazing Creatures - get close to nature, meet some amazing animals and learn how to safely handle them.

Dodo & Dinosaur - make your own belemnite crafts, have a go at fossil handling and discover more with fun activity sheets.

Kids Party Circus Workshop - free face paint from the friendly Kids Party team!

Norfolk Wildlife Trust - explore natural history items and play the invertebrate lifecycle game! Can you put the different organisms in order from eggs to adult?

Norfolk Police - analyse the muddy boots to see where the thief hid the stolen gold! In collaboration with Dr Mandy Hartley.

Not About the Bike - bring your bike for a free cycle check! The team will be on hand to carry out minor repairs and make sure your bike is safe to ride.

Norfolk Record Office - discover what effect bugs can have on archive material and have a go at creating your own mini-beasts, inspired by documents in the Record Office.

Wondertots - explore the world of minibeasts with hands-on science for under 5s. Hunt for bugs, try fly vision glasses, create mirror images, and help build a giant bug hotel!

Useful Information

Getting to Henderson Park 🚲

Henderson Community Park is located between Bowthorpe Road and Dereham Road. Use what3words: mugs.larger.ranges to find our exact location within the park. The closest access point is from Earlham Grove, close to Henderson Green Primary Academy.

We recommend walking, cycling or taking public transport to Henderson Community Park. There is a covered bike shelter at the back of Henderson Business Centre on Ivy Road (what3words: gates.detail.traded). Not About the Bike will be on hand all day for free bike checks and cycling advice, too!

First Bus Orange Line 21 and 21a stop on Bowthorpe Road at the Methodist Church. From there, follow Ivy Road to get to the park. This route is flat and step-free.

First Bus Red Line 23, 23a, 24, 24a and 24b, the Sanders Coaches 56 and 58 and Konectbus 512 stop on Dereham Road at The Gatehouse. From there, cross Dereham Road and turn left, then immediately turn right. Follow the unpaved path between the houses. This route is narrow, uphill and includes steps.

This is a free community event designed for the families of West and North Earlham. Please only drive if you must. When you get here, use the Henderson Business Centre car park at the end of Ivy Road (what3words: chase.dream.double), or if the car park is full, you can park along Ivy Road. Please do not park on the marked area in front of the fire station.

Refreshments 🍦

With thanks to support from our funders, limited free packed lunches for children will be available at Bugs and Beasts. These refreshments are offered on a first come, first served basis and are provided in order to make the event more accessible to a wider range of families. There is no need to provide proof of eligibility if you would like a free meal. Refreshments are provided by the Baseline Centre.

We also recommend that families bring along a picnic or packed lunches and a blanket, and enjoy sitting in one of the shaded areas of the park! Bring along a bottle of water with you too - which can be refilled at our water refill points.

An ice cream and coffee van will also be on site for the duration of the event. Please note that these refreshments must be paid for.

Toilets

There will be toilets available on site at Henderson Community Park for attendees of this event.

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