THE North Pennines AONB Partnership is appealing for close-up photographs showing the beauty of bugs and butterflies to celebrate National Insect Week.

As well as collecting data of what species are making their home in the area, the partnership, through its Cold-blooded and Spineless project, is hoping to put together visual documentation of them.

Samantha Tranter, who heads up the project, said: “With their gossamer-like wings and amazing colours these really are some of the most amazing creatures we have in the UK.

“From a distance you may not get to see just how intricately patterned our bugs are but when you get a closer look you can see that there is no reason to squirm at these small but perfectly formed mini beasts.”

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Cold-blooded and Spineless is a five-year project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Northumbrian Water. Now in its second year, Samantha said they have already started to understand more about insects.

“Invertebrates are incredibly important to our lives as well as our landscapes. They pollinate fruit and vegetables, enrich our soils, provide a food source for birds and fish but because they are so small, we rarely notice or appreciate them.”

By gathering photography taken in the area, she hopes to dispel any myths that insects are unattractive, while also educating people on their importance in our lives.

She said: “The photographs need to fairly clear, so we can identify the species and look at the anatomy. We need to know when and where they were taken but we aren’t expecting these to come from professionals, we want everyone to get involved.”

Observations of invertebrates and other wildlife can be shared via the Partnership’s online recording system, WildWatch, with photographs. And for those who want to enhance their photography skills the AONB Partnership will be running a day-long course in July at Stanhope Methodist Church Hall and the nearby Ashes Quarry.