This beginner to intermediate course is designed to be a gentle introduction to surveying freshwater invertebrates for those that have had limited or no experience of identifying them.
You will use hand lenses, microscopes and identification keys to look at what makes a mayfly a mayfly, and how to tell apart the larvae of beetles and flies. Our tutor will guide you through a combination of classroom and field sessions to build up your knowledge, skills and confidence.
This course will include:
- An overview of the major groups of freshwater invertebrates in the UK.
- Sampling techniques including practical experience of pond sampling and river sampling.
- An introduction to using and understanding identification resources to identify freshwater invertebrates to both order and family level.
- A beginners guide to setting up and using microscopes to view freshwater invertebrates.
- Practical experience of using the Field Studies Council AIDGAP ‘Key to the major groups of British freshwater invertebrates‘ to identify invertebrates to order and family level using external morphological features.
Read More
This course will cover identification using the Field Studies Council AIDGAP key to Freshwater Invertebrates and the FBA key to Freshwater Invertebrates.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Understand the different sampling techniques for sampling freshwater invertebrates
- Understand how freshwater invertebrates are classified taxonomically, and be able to identify some to order and family level
- Understand how to use an identification key.
Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists. This beginner course is suitable for anyone with an interest in freshwater habitats and invertebrates.
Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors .
Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn. No microscope or invertebrate identification experience is necessary – this course is designed for absolute beginners!
Accommodation and meal options
For some course runs at Field Studies Council Centres, there may be the option to book accommodation with your course. If accommodation is available, there will be two booking options:
- Non-Resident
- Resident (Sole Occupancy)
If you choose a Non-Resident booking, this only includes course tuition and refreshments (tea and coffee). Please bring your own packed lunch.
If you choose a Resident (Sole Occupancy) booking, this includes accommodation with your own bedroom for two nights (starting the night before the course) and meals throughout the course (including an evening meal on the night before the course). You will be able to check in from 4 pm on the day before the course.
If your booking has more than one person and you would like a shared room, please email [email protected] to inquire.
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. Please also note that bathrooms may be shared.
PLEASE NOTE: Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available. If we are unable to reach viable numbers for this course, we will inform you of the course cancellation 4-5 weeks prior to the course run. We would recommend when purchasing accommodation and/or travel you should take out your own insurance.
Bookings will close if course capacity is reached.
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
About the Tutor
Rachel Davies
Rachel first became interested in invertebrates whilst working on a dragonfly reintroduction project in Cheshire. This included carrying out larval sampling, exuviae searches and adult transects. She later went on to work with mosquitoes for scientific research at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Rachel previously worked for the Field Studies Council BioLinks project as the West Midlands Project Officer. In her spare time, she is an active biological recorder with a fondness for moths.
Example Timetable
This course will involve both classroom learning and field excursions to cover all of the learning objectives.
If you have not booked accommodation, lunch is not included so please bring your own food. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided for all.
Timetable
Please note that this may change
Day 1:
AM
PowerPoint presentation looking at major groups of freshwater invertebrates and taxonomy.
Working with specimens to identify freshwater invertebrates to order level.
PM
PowerPoint presentation on sampling techniques
River Sampling
Day 2:
AM
Working with specimens to identify freshwater invertebrates to family level.
PM
Pond sampling
Further resources and wrap-up
What's Included
-
Expert Tuition
The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you build your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The course includes:
- Classroom learning covering the theory of the topic
- Field excursions to apply new knowledge
- Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
- Clear objectives and progression
- Refreshments (tea/coffee)
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
Bursaries and Subsidies
Student Discount
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.
Natural History Bursaries
There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.
Before You Attend
There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.
What to Bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch and refreshments
- Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
- Wellies for river sampling
- Small bag to carry personal items
- A hand lens if you have one
Recommended Literature
There will be copies of these publications available for use during the course, but you may wish to have your own.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Sat 31, May 2025 10:00 - Sun 01, June 2025 17:00
No current dates for this course? Click here to view all the upcoming Natural History courses.
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Progress Your Learning
This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, delivered by expert tutors with an approachable learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning with further relevant courses or branch out into other areas of natural history. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in-person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.
The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.
If you have any questions about our courses, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
Group Bookings Made Easy
If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses. Find out more!
You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.
This course can be modified to run as a 1-day course for on-demand bookings if needed- email [email protected] to inquire.