Bees and Wasps 

The course elements will include: 

• An illustrated talk on the diversity of bees and wasps of the UK, covering bumblebees, solitary mining bees, digger wasps and their “cuckoos” 

• Available literature and online resources to aid identification 

• Microscopy tips and tricks 

• Basic field skills – where to find them and how to catch them 

• Naming or parts – basic insect anatomy 

• Using identification keys 

• Putting acquired knowledge into practice by identifying specimens in the classroom. 

Adrian Knowles

Adrian Knowles started his ecological career in 1987 with Hampshire County Council, undertaking specialist botanical surveys of key habitats in connection with their Heritage Sites policy at the time. A brief stint as a college lecturer was followed by nearly thirty years’ experience with the Essex Wildlife Trust and its consultancy subsidiary.  He is now a self-employed ecologist/entomologist. 

He has been County Recorder for Aculeate Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and ants) within the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society since 2001 and in 2011 was accepted as a Fellow of Royal Entomological Society in recognition of his work with this insect group. Since 2021 he has been the Hemiptera (bug) Recorder for the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society and in 2025 became the Homoptera (leafhopper and planthopper) Recorder for the Essex Field Club. 

Residential accommodation at Flatford Mill is provided within our historic Grade I listed buildings. Rooms are clean, comfortable and functional, but are intentionally simple and should be considered field centre accommodation rather than hotel-standard accommodation. Many guests value the character and heritage of the site, although facilities reflect the age and nature of the buildings.

Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is unsuitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Check-in is between 1600-1800, if you are arriving after 1800 please advise us, so we can ensure you are advised of access codes, room key location, and room location.

You will meet the tutor at dinner, and you will have your first session after dinner.

• 
  Expert Tuition
• 
  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Full Board Accommodation
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
• 
  Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.

Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring a packed lunch with you.

What to Bring

• Please bring along any favourite field nets you may have, but others will be provided.
• If you have any dead specimens we can hopefully put a name to them. 

 Also: 

• Suitable clothing and footwear for field work outside
• A small bag to carry field equipment