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Help us name the Dinton Pastures willow caterpillar

Meet Willowby, our living willow caterpillar.

Thank you to everyone who helped name the living willow caterpillar at Dinton Pastures Country Park, near Hurst and Woodley.

We received 517 name suggestions before our Countryside Rangers and volunteers whittled this down to a shortlist of 10. A further 441 people voted for their three favourite names.

Several people originally suggested Willowby, so one winner was selected at random from those entries. Congratulations to Ben McLachlan, who wins:

  • A family visit to Dinton Pastures
  • A photo with Willowby
  • A unique handmade willow tree, grown from the caterpillar cuttings
  • A family boat hire session at Dinton Activity Centre for up to five people
  • The opportunity to meet our Rangers and learn more about Willowby

Thank you to everyone who suggested a name or took part in the public vote.

Phases

Phases overview
Phase 1: Name suggestions
Name suggestions
Phase 2: Shortlisting entries
Shortlisting entries
Phase 3: Public vote of shortlisted names
Public vote of shortlisted names
Phase 4: Winner announced
Winner announced

Winner announced

1 September 2026 23:00 - 30 September 2026 22:59

The votes have been counted and Willowby is the new name of the living willow caterpillar at Dinton Pastures Country Park.

Willowby received the most support from the 441 people who took part in the public vote.

Several people suggested the winning name, so Ben McLachlan was selected at random as the competition winner.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a name, voted or helped us restore and care for Willowby.