The Bug Parc is the largest all-invertebrate zoo in the UK. Located in Lenwade, near Reepham, the family-friendly attraction offers the chance to get up close and personal with hundreds of minibeasts including tarantulas, mantises and scorpions.

The zoo is the brainchild of CEO Martin French, a retired accountant with a passion for entomology.

Martin French with Laura Bielinski from award sponsor LOCALiQ (Image: Matthew Potter Photography and Videography) Having bred and sold invertebrates for more than 20 years, Martin decided to build a zoo which would educate visitors about why we must save and celebrate our invertebrate species, which are at risk.

In the past 50 years insect abundance has declined by 37pc, according to one study, contributing to what some experts are calling a biodiversity crisis.

The zoo experienced many setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and a broken water heater but finally opened its doors in May 2022.

Since then,........

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