Insects make up the vast majority of animal life on Earth, yet they remain one of the most overlooked and understudied aspects of biodiversity. To protect insects, we must first understand them, and to understand their distribution, seasonality, and ecological niches, we must record them. By generating insect records, we can understand which species are thriving, which are struggling, and how our green spaces can be better managed to support wildlife.
Our Entomology Field Recorder Days are a chance to put this theory into practice. On each day we bring together naturalists to informally survey a green space for insects and generate new biological records for the site. Specialist entomologists will be on hand to help with identification and share their knowledge, so whether you're just starting to notice insects or you've been recording for years, you'll be in good company. All records are submitted through iRecord, meaning our observations feed directly into national recording schemes and London's biological records database. So come and join us – we promise you'll learn something new and have a fun day out in the field at the same time!
What will the day involve?
Hands-on experience using different surveying methods to collect and record insects
Guidance on identifying insect species in the field where possible
Support for using iRecord to submit biological records
A chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share an interest in entomology and wildlife recording
What do I need to know in advance?
This event is for adults only (18+)
Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited
Entomologists of all abilities are welcome
Species identification will take place in the field whenever possible, but some invertebrate specimens may need to be collected and preserved for accurate identification under a microscope at a later date
Please bring suitable clothing for the weather – we'll be outside all day
Please bring food for the day with you (i