Want to have some time to look at specimens? Need access to some ID resources you don’t have? Need access to a microscope? Or simply looking for an opportunity to brush up on some fundamental entomological skills? This day is for you.
Identifying and recording invertebrates often involves the use of microscopes and identification books and keys, acquiring these can cost a lot of money. Our Invertebrate Volunteer ID Days are opportunities for people to come to our centres to use our lab facilities, microscopes, identification guides and other resources. They are free to attend (though booking is essential).
A range of people come on these days, they are perfect for beginners to practice their ID skills but those more experienced also come along to meet up, work on collections and make use of our resources. They’re a great way to meet other recorders and learn new skills. An FSC BioLinks project staff member will also be on-hand to provide support and guidance (please note: you’ll have access to our tea and coffee making facilities but please bring your own lunch and any other refreshments you may require!).
We encourage volunteers to bring their own specimens to work on. However, if you’re looking for volunteer projects to work on we also need help with the following tasks:
- Identifying woodlice specimens from a Buglife pitfall trapping project
- Sorting and/or identifying mixed terrestrial insect samples from our Field Recorder Day events
- Carding, pinning and setting specimens that have been identified by other volunteers
- Helping us produce our beetle teaching collection and educational collection resources
This course is aimed at adults only and course attendees must be at least 18 years old in order to attend.
What do I get?
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- Access to our entomological library
- Access to a stereomicroscope
- A chance to meet fellow minded people from a range of different disciplines
- Practical entomological experience
- Support and guidance from a member of the FSC BioLinks project team
It’s free to join in, however, you must be at least 18 years of age and study space is limited so booking is essential.
It’s also worth emailing us at [email protected] if you require a particular resource to ensure we have it beforehand!
You’ll have access to our tea and coffee making facilities but please bring your own lunch and any other refreshments you may require!
Please note that Volunteer ID Days will involve using specimens that have been killed and preserved.
Tutor: Gino Brignoli
Gino is an active invertebrate recorder in London’s green spaces, with a particular interest in the ecologies of urban insects.
He has worked as a freelance field surveyor on behalf of the Forestry Commission; researched ant ecology and evolution, and taught entomology field techniques whilst employed as a Research Assistant at Queen Mary University of London. With a keen interest in ecology and entomology, Gino studied an MSc in Ecology and Evolution from Queen Mary and a BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from Birkbeck College, University of London.
He has also previously volunteered with the Lepidoptera department and Soil Biodiversity Group at the Natural History Museum, and on the Thorn to Orchid and Water for Wildlife projects with the London Wildlife Trust. He now coordinates the BioLinks courses in London.
Covid Measures
In order to keep our customers and staff safe we ask that anyone attending our centres:
- wears a face covering when in shared indoor space (unless exempt).
- maintains social distancing.
- cleans their hands regularly.
- takes a Covid-19 test before they arrive.
Example Timetable
- Please arrive in time for the course to start promptly at 10:00 am.
- Refreshments will be available from 9.45 am.
- Access will end at 4:00 pm.
What's Included
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Hot and Cold Drinks
- Access to our entomological library
- Access to a stereomicroscope
- A chance to meet fellow minded people from a range of different disciplines
- Practical entomological experience
- Support and guidance from a member of the FSC BioLinks project team
Bursaries and Subsidies
FSC BioLinks
FSC BioLinks is an exciting project for FSC in the South East and West Midlands, bringing together existing volunteers with skills in biological recording and identification, and new volunteers.
This project provides subsidised training courses, learning opportunities and digital tools focussed on invertebrate identification for anyone involved or interested in biological recording, to build and strengthen the community.
Invertebrates provide us with many useful ecosystem services, like pollination and decomposition, which we cannot survive without but their numbers are declining. Few people know how to identify or record invertebrates meaning there is a lack of data
We are delighted to have been awarded a grant of £1.23 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this project.
Before You Attend
Getting to FSC London: Bushy Park
Information on getting to the site can be found here.
When you arrive at The Stockyard gate you may need to call the centre to open the gate. You can reach the staff on site on 020 8941 4398.
What to bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch
- Any study materials including specimens and relevant literature you may have
Please note that this day will involve using specimens that have been killed and preserved.
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 requirements please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.
Sorry this course has ended