Pollinators: Ecology, Identification and Surveying- HAU

In the context of the United Kingdom, where a variety of ecosystems rely heavily on effective pollination, understanding the ecology, biology, and identification of major pollinator groups is crucial. Despite this reliance on pollination as an ecosystem service, and popularity with entomologists, many invertebrate groups responsible for pollination are overlooked and are seldom recorded, including many Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera – with a focus on Syrphidae (hoverflies), Coleoptera (beetles), and Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants).

The course will provide an introduction to the key diagnostic features and comparative terminology used to identify different pollinator species. Strategies for distinguishing between similar-looking species and addressing common confusion groups in pollinator identification will be explored. Microscopy work will be used to enhance identification of key pollinator species, utilising findings from field sampling to guide detailed examination. Guidance will be provided on using dichotomous keys, field guides, and digital resources to support accurate identification of pollinators.

We will also cover practical training in sweep net sampling, pan-trapping, walk-transect surveying, and field identification techniques for major invertebrate pollinator groups. We wil also give an overview of biological recording approaches and participation in UK schemes and surveys for pollinators, emphasising the importance of data collection for conservation efforts.

By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• Critically analyse the ecological significance of pollinators within UK and global contexts, evaluating their contributions to biodiversity, ecosystem health, and agricultural productivity.
• Demonstrate proficiency in identifying major groups of pollinating invertebrates, focusing on distinctive examples within Syrphidae, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera.
• Design and implement effective pollinator survey and conservation strategies.

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career consultants and ecologists. This intermediate level course is open to anyone with some existing knowledge of the subject. This course is for those aged 18 and over only.
(You do not need to be a Harper Adams University student to attend this course).

Knowledge Level – Intermediate. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors .

Accommodation and meals

There are three booking options which all include course tuition, evening meals and refreshments:

• Non-Resident (Breakfast and lunch not included)
• Resident (Sole Occupancy)
• Resident (Shared room- please email [email protected] to inquire about this option)

If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

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.

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. 

Martin Harvey

Martin Harvey is an entomologist and biological recorder. He is based at the UKCEH Biological Records Centre, working on projects such as PoMS and iRecord. Martin is also a tutor for the Field Studies Council and teaches various courses that focus on invertebrates and biological recording. In his spare time, Martin has been County Moth Recorder for Berkshire for over 20 years and runs the national recording scheme for soldierflies and allies, which includes robberflies, horseflies, bee-flies and snipeflies among others.

Interested in becoming a HAU student?

You can find out more about the Biological Recording and Analysis programme here.

Existing HAU Biological Recording and Analysis Students

This 2.5 day course is one of your optional modules. You will be asked to choose your modules through HAU, and then you will book your accommodation and meal options through the Field Studies Council via an online form we will share with HAU.

If are a student and need more information about this course or the booking process, please email [email protected].

The summative assessment for this module will be set by HAU and will be completed and marked after the course.

Example Timetable

Please note that there may be changes to the timetable below to accommodate the group and weather, but it gives you an idea of what to expect.

Friday

• • 1-5 pm - Course begins. Classroom introduction about the significance of pollinators, followed by fieldwork in the Preston Montford grounds doing a FIT count.
  • Dinner
  • 7-9 pm - Evening session on pollinator diversity and identification.

Saturday

• 10 am - 1 pm- Classroom session on approaches to surveying pollinators.
• Lunch
• 2- 5 pm- Field trip to introduce practical surveying, including sweep net sampling and pan-trapping.
• Dinner
• 7-9 pm - Evening session on specimen identification.

Sunday

• 10 am - 1 pm- Fieldwork in the Preston Montford grounds, looking at transect surveying and field identification techniques.
• Lunch
• 2-5 pm- Classroom session on recording, sharing and accessing data for pollinators and pollinator conservation.

Lunch will likely be in the field, so please make sure you make yourself a packed lunch at the centre if you choose a residential booking, or bring a packed lunch with you if you choose a non-residential booking.

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)

If you choose a resident booking, this includes accommodation on Friday night and Saturday night, and meals throughout the course: an evening meal on Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

If you choose a non-resident booking, this includes an evening meal on the Friday and Saturday before the evening session. Please bring your own packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

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.

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.

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.

What to Bring

• Notebook and pencil
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors
• Small bag to carry personal items
• A vacuum flask/drink bottle and a bag or a box for carrying a packed lunch.

If you have them:

• Insect nets and pots/tubes
• x10 or x20 Hand lens
• Binoculars (preferably close-focusing and relatively low power)
• Identification keys and books will be available for use during the course, but if you already have your own identification guides, you may wish to bring them along - especially for bees and hoverflies.

Recommended Literature

• Surveying terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates for conservation evaluation (NERR005)
• Goulson, D. (2010). Bumblebees: Behaviour, Ecology, and Conservation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• London, M. (2019). Pollinators: Animals Helping Plants Thrive (Team Earth). Core Library.
• Ollerton, J. (2021). Pollinators & Pollination: Nature and Society. Pelagic Publishing.

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.