Published 31st March 2025

WWT partners with Aardman to launch Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt

This April, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) is partnering with Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society, to bring families an epic minibeast wetlands adventure unlike any they’ve seen before.

The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt (5 April – 1 June) offers families an opportunity to dive into the wonderful world of insects alongside well-known comedy character, housefly Lloyd, who features in Aardman’s children’s comedy series, Lloyd of the Flies.

Lloyd will be joined by new friend and enthusiastic wetlands ‘tour guide’ Dart, a colourful emperor dragonfly character created exclusively for WWT visitors.

Dart, who loves to share facts, will help families explore the wetlands alongside Lloyd, as the pair search for Lloyd’s family and friends, including Lloyd’s little sister PB and his best friend Abacus the woodlouse, before checking in to stay at a newly opened Bug Hotel.

There are over 24,000 insect species in UK and many dragonfly species have been recorded at WWT – so Dart is in great company.

The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt will help visitors discover the nature-bursting superpowers of the amazing habitat at WWT, while learning about the creatures that live there with fun facts from the Royal Entomological Society and WWT.

Families can also ‘shrink down’ to fly size and see the world through an insect’s eyes, by downloading our augmented reality app: Lloyd of the Flies AR Bug Hunt. Available to download free from both the Google Play and App Store, the app includes fun interactive activities like trying on insect antennae, rolling a maggot ball, and superimposing Lloyd’s face on each other.

Matthew Walker, creator and director of Lloyd of the Flies, said: “I created Lloyd of the Flies because I love bugs and their weird world, so I’m thrilled that Aardman is partnering with WWT to create a Wetland Bug Hunt for all the family to enjoy.

“Lloyd is used to life indoors - inside a rotting apple in a compost bin with his parents, little sister PB, and their 224 maggot siblings - so being outdoors in wetlands is a big adventure for Lloyd and his family and friends! They’ll need all the help they can get to reach the Bug Hotel, which I’m sure the children of (area) will delight in giving.”

Simon Ward, CEO at the Royal Entomological Society said: "We are delighted to build on our partnership with Aardman, with this wetland adventure and WWT at their sites. We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of insect scientists, Lloyd and his new friend Dart are 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."