Introduction to Invertebrates

Description

Invertebrates are a diverse group of animals with around 40,000 UK species. They comprise some of our most well-known animals including bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, earthworms, slugs and snails.

This course would suit any beginner looking to improve their knowledge of invertebrates including their ecology, identification, and conservation.

This course will provide you with an introduction to the most commonly encountered invertebrate groups in terrestrial and aquatic environments in the UK. Microscopes (which will be provided) will be used to examine some of these invertebrates up-close, allowing you to see key morphological features that help you to identify them and/or explain their ecology. Trips around the varied habitats of Denmark Farm will provide an opportunity see some of these invertebrates in the wild and develop collecting and field identification skills. This course will also discuss invertebrate conservation and the important role of biological recording.

Tutor: Liam Olds
Liam Olds is a freelance entomologist and a former entomology apprentice at the National Museum of Wales. Liam has quickly developed a reputation as a budding invertebrate specialist and has won several local and national awards for his work in invertebrate conservation and recording, including the ‘Adult Newcomer Award’ at the NBN Awards for Wildlife Recording in 2017. Liam also works as Conservation Officer for Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, undertaking specialist invertebrate surveys and training across England and Wales.

What to Bring:
Outdoor footwear (i.e. walking boots/shoes)
Waterproof jacket / trousers
Sun cream, insect repellent, sun hat
Small rucksack with flask / water bottle / packed lunch
Butterfly/insect net and collecting pots (if you have them)
A notebook
A hand lens (x10 should be sufficient)

All proceeds from our events and holidays are ploughed directly back into managing our 40 acre nature reserve. Thank you for your support and please do come to visit soon.

Bookings

Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.

What's included in the price?

Face to face teaching

Maker

Mara at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre

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