Discoveries After Dark: How Insects Connect Us to Nature

Although the benefits of connecting with nature during daylight hours are well established, comparatively little is known about the psychological and behavioural outcomes of engaging with the natural world after dark. This talk presents a series of innovative studies that examine how nighttime nature experiences – focusing on moths, crane flies, and other invertebrates – may enhance connection to nature and the night sky, promote conservation-oriented behaviour, and support well-being. The research was conducted in collaboration with partners at Buglife and the Environmental Education Project at Rosliston Forestry Centre.

Participants were invited to take part in one of three nighttime events: Curious Crane Flies involved constructing environmentally friendly light traps to illuminate the often-overlooked beauty of crane flies; Buglife Safari used guided torchlight exploration to reveal the hidden lives of nocturnal invertebrates; and Nightwatch offered a broader range of evening activities – including bat walks, stargazing, and moth discovery sessions – designed to celebrate the wonders of nature after dark.

Across these studies, our findings indicate that relatively simple nighttime encounters can evoke curiosity, strengthen participants’ sense of connection with the natural world, enhance wellbeing and motivate greater engagement in its protection.

Dr Chris Barnes is a Chartered Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby. He is also a dark and quiet skies advocate, amateur astronomer, and member of the Nature Connectedness Research Group. Dr Barnes has published extensively in the field of nature connectedness and has a specialist interest in light pollution, and connection to the natural world at night.

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entoLIVE is delivered by the Biological Recording Company, British Entomological & Natural History Society, Royal Entomological Society and Amateur Entomologists' Society, with support from Buglife, Field Studies Council and NBN Trust.