A new two-minute animation is helping young audiences understand how pesticides can harm the tiny ‘superhero bugs’ that we rely on for fruit and vegetables.
The video was created by a team of researchers and BA (Hons) Animation students from University of Gloucestershire, and led by animation studio, Rumpus.
It turns scientific findings from [sprint-h2020.eu]SPRINT – a major EU-funded research project that investigates pesticides’ risks – into an engaging, child‑friendly story.
Using cute kawaii-style characters, the animation introduces viewers to the heroic bees, earthworms and mites that help crops grow. Without them, apples, berries, and other nutritious foods, could disappear.
The production then reveals how combinations of pesticides commonly used on farms can stop these creatures from eating and reproducing, and can even kill them.
Dr Charlotte Chivers, Research Fellow at the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) at University of Gloucestershire, commissioned the video and wrote the script.
Charlotte said: “Bees, earthworms and mites are real-life superheroes. We want to show kids how pesticide mixtures can unintentionally put these tiny creatures and wider ecosystems in danger.
“Young people are the next generation of decision-makers. Helping them understand the environmental impacts of how our food is made is incredibly important.”
The project gave third-year BA (Hons) Animation students the chance to apply and further develop their skills while working with a professional studio – valuable experience as they prepare for careers in the creative industries.
Student Sadie Hennessey, who developed the storyboard, said: “Our aim was to show the serious science in a way that is fun and imaginative. The story told is very important and I was really pleased to be part of such an important opportunity.”
Luca Williams, who contributed to background artwork, said: “Working with other passionate, likeminded creators in a real animation studio was a great experience. It let me see how experienced professionals put together productions, step-by-step.”
Rory McGonnell-Burrows said: “The pesticides project was very rewarding. It allowed me to apply the editing skills that I’ve developed in my studies to bring the storyboards and audio into a combined piece representative of the final work.”
Scarlett Harrington said: “Designing the superhero bugs was such a fun challenge. We went through loads of sketches before deciding on a final look. Having the chance to go through a full design process with a professional studio taught me the value of collaboration and feedback.”
Stef Bowskill, Rumpus’s Creative Producer who led the animation, said: “This project shows just how powerful animation can be in communicating complex issues. The students’ talent helped turn the research into something that young people can really connect with.”
