This introductory through to beginner online course will introduce you to our planet’s most important pollinators, including aspects of their biology and ecology.

Tutor: Richard Dawson

Richard’s entomological focus is on aculeate hymenoptera (especially solitary bees and wasps) but he also dabbles in diptera, colecoptera and parasitic hymenoptera. He works as a pollinator surveyor and volunteer mentor for UKCEH’s PoMS scheme in Wales alongside undertaking field work for Buglife and BTO. He is especially interested in the ecological links between species and the fascinating interactions these create.

Richard’s background is in design and visual art and he is dedicated to sharing his passion for pollinators through public and creative engagement and promoting citizen science, biological recording and facilitating everyone to become involved with positive environmental and conservation action.

He is an active member for the Bees Wasps and Ants Recording Society (BWARS) and has delivered engagement projects linked to environment and invertebrates for RSPB, Chester Zoo, numerous local councils and most recently the Gwent Green Grid project.

Richard designs and makes accessories for entomologists and field surveyors as ArthroPods.co.uk.