Creepy crawlies visit!

26 March 2025

There was excitement (and maybe some shivers) at The Fifth Trust as we welcomed Creepy Claws to Barham Skills Centre last Friday. Our students had the chance to see, learn about, and even hold some fascinating critters.

Nearly all our students from both work centres attended the event throughout the day, and even those who were hesitant at first couldn’t resist getting involved! Some who initially decided not to hold the animals changed their minds, bravely handling millipedes, cockroaches, a tarantula, and even snakes.

Among the visiting animals were a millipede, a tenrec, a crested gecko, a blue-tongued skink, a milk snake, a python, a blonde tarantula, cockroaches, an armoured cricket, a giant African land snail, and a scorpion.

Throughout the day, students had two opportunities to meet the creepy critters, with Michael from Creepy Claws on hand to share his knowledge about each one. He answered all the students’ questions, encouraging everyone to engage with the animals.

We surveyed 24 students about their experience. An impressive 95% said they enjoyed it, with one respondent answering ‘don’t know’. The favourite animal? A snake! 41% of students chose it as their top pick, followed by the millipede and then the spider.

A special shoutout to Jane Ward, our administrator, for facing her fears and touching a snake!

A huge thank you to Michael and Creepy Claws for making it an unforgettable experience.

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