Peacock butterfly

THE beauty of British butterflies is being celebrated in a new exhibition at Braintree District Museum.

Over 65 butterfly and moth specimens are on display from Tuesday-Saturday at 10am-4pm, including those most under threat such as the Black Veined White, Silver Washed Fritillary, Dingy Skipper and Duke of Burgundy.

The butterflies’ habitats, life history and the threats they face in an ever changing world will be part of the exhibition, along with a new wiggly caterpillar for little ones to climb through.

Why not let the youngsters enjoy the children’s discovery area and find out more about local natural historian John Ray (1627 - 1705), one of the first people to publish work about butterflies in the British Isles, in a specially dedicated gallery?

Every Saturday this month there are also Hungry Caterpillar activities and stories, 11am and 2pm, entry only £1.

Other events include a tea and talk on ‘Butterflies in Essex’ given by Mark Wood, entry £2. To book a place before the exhibition ends on April 27, call 01376 328868.