Join like-minded people with an interest in field recording for a day of identifying and surveying in an informal environment. Naturalists of all levels (from beginner to expert) will be able to share their knowledge with peers and help each other improve knowledge and build confidence in biological recording.
Join us at the Knapp and Papermill for a day of sampling the resident soil invertebrates. We will use a variety of techniques to collect specimens and identifty them to species level. Where field ID is not possible, specimens will be preserved on the day for identification at subsequent Volunteer ID Days.
All records collected will be added to iRecord in order to share our findings with the site managers, Local Environmental Record Centre and relevant national recording schemes and societies.
What will the day involve?
- Practical experience using a variety of methods to survey soil invertebrates (guidance will be provided)
- Practical experience of field identification where possible
- Practical experience in collecting and preserving specimens
- A chance to meet fellow minded people from a range of different disciplines
- Access to field equipment with 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.
Wwill not have access to facilities so please bring your own lunch and any other refreshments you may require!
Please note that this event will involve individuals collecting, preserving and killing invertebrate specimens for identification purposes in order to assist us in generating a site species list.
Tutor: Steve Gregory
Steve Gregory is a member of the British Myriapod and Isopod Group, one of the editors of the group’s annual Bulletin and organiser of the national Woodlouse Recording Scheme.
Steve is also author of Woodlice and Waterlice in Britain and Ireland (2009), an updated account of the distribution and habitat preferences of the British and Irish fauna. He has had an interest in woodlice, millipedes and centipedes for many years and has published a number of scientific papers on all three groups. His particular interests include the ecology and distribution (biogeography) of the British fauna and current projects include woodlice, millipedes and centipedes of heated ‘tropical’ glasshouses and those occurring in the south Wales valleys.
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 FSC BioLinks project as the West Midlands Project Officer.
In her spare time, she is an active biological recorder with a fondness for moths.
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.
- The Field Recorder Day will end at 4:00 pm.
What's Included
-
Expert Tuition
- Practical experience using a variety of methods to survey soil invertebrates (guidance will be provided)
- Practical experience of field identification where possible
- Practical experience in collecting and preserving specimens
- A chance to meet fellow minded people from a range of different disciplines
- Access to field equipment with 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 the Knapp and Papermill
Knapp and Papermill, Worcestershire
Details of the meeting location and how to get there will be sent to those that have booked ahead of the event.
What to bring
- Notebook and pencil
- Lunch
- Suitable clothing for the weather (warm clothing, waterproofs) and suitable footwear (walking boots or wellies)
- Any personal field equipment you have, such as a hand lens and pooter (equipment will be provided for those that need it).
Please note that this event will involve individuals collecting, preserving and killing invertebrate specimens for identification purposes in order to assist us in generating a site species list.
This BioLinks course has aspects that will be taught outdoors with walking to field sites over uneven ground. No special preparation is required providing you are used to gentle exercise. If you have any concerns or questions about access or the activities involved, please get in touch.
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 booking is closed
