Explore, Connect and Wonder within the world of insects. Take an ultraviolet torch and discover the rare glow of your next-door nature.

Welcome to the 2026 series of UV Night Walks! Venturing into the green spaces that have never been explored with UV light before!

We're very excited to be delivering this experience to you as part of Portsmouth100 in colaboration with Portsmouth City Council's project to highlight 100 wildlife habitats created between 2025 - 2026. Being one of the most densely populated cities in the country, Portsmouth may seem an unlikely haven for nature. Yet, this city provides many important habitats for a wide variety of plants and animals. We're celebrating the hidden biodiversity in the city.

To celebrate properly , we're inviting you to take part in the 100 Bugs & Beasties challenge. This challenge is to collectively document 100 different glowing minibeasts with photographs. This challnge is limited to these events where UV lights are provided. The best photographs from the walks will be exhibited in Portsmouth Natural History Museum for the Nocturnal Animals event on 28th October as well as shared online.

We can't wait to see what you discover.

EXPLORE

Equipped with a UV torch and surrounded by biofluorescent insects ready to be found, you'll be led around a set area but with the freedom to explore it how you choose. (UV torch provided).

CONNECT

Use the UV torch to see insects and their habitat in a new light. Discover the rarely seen biofluorescence emitted by nature, a natural reaction to the UV light that makes these creatures glow!

WONDER

Led by natural history photographer, James Wylie and Curator Christine Taylor, you'll get an insight into why these insects glow. We'll also discuss ideas around what biofluorescence tells us about the hidden reality that insects live in.

Where?

Meet at Cumberland House. We'll meet inside the museum located at ///lost.meals.loyal and head out into the walled garden.

If driving, on street parking is available along Eastern Parade.

If taking public transport, there is a Cumberland House stop from the 3 bus, alternatively it is a short walk from the South Parade Pier stop from the 23 bus. Follow directions to the main enterance above.

When?

The Portsmouth Natural History Museum walk will take place on 30th October 2026

Please meet at the main enterance for 4:30pm.

The event will last for 1 hour, finishing at ~5:30pm.

Remeber to wrap up warm and wear sturdy footwear.

We look forward to seeing you!

Contact james@jameswyliephotography.com for more details

Nature Positive Portsmouth - this event is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Nature Towns and Cities Programme.

Description supplied by the event organiser.