On-site, in-person activities focused around using my expertise as a basis to explore a specific element of the space. This includes wildlife activities, such as bug hunts and pond dips; taking part in national citizen science projects, with expert guidance; and wider nature recording, like a Bioblitz. I can also attend events as a resident expert, either running an outreach activity, generally discussing entomology in relation to the event, or a wider topic such as wildlife gardening with invertebrates in mind.
I also do walk & talks / advice sessions, where I can advise on wildlife gardening for invertebrates; or how to get involved with entomology / citizen science in that space.
These sessions are suitable for all ages. No reason that adults can’t have a bug hunt too – although we can call it a ‘bioblitz’ if that sounds more grown-up!
Pond Dipping / Pond Science.
(Spring / Summer activity)
Investigating the (mostly) invertebrate inhabitants of ponds. Demonstrating how to dip safely, how to handle aquatic invertebrates and how to identify what has been found. Discussing the biology / ecology of the creatures we find, and how the pond helps support them.
‘Pond Science’ is a variant based on the OPAL Water Survey method, where we will also check pH levels and water clarity, and score the pond’s health based on its aquatic life.
Suitable for all ages. Maximum of 10x children per group, plus parents / staff accompanying for safety. I can’t keep an eye on everyone and do the dip / identification at the same time!
Bug Hunting
(Spring/Summer/Autumn activity)
Searching for and identifying invertebrates on site, using small pots, brushes and magnifiers. Discussing and demonstrating how to safely handle and search for bugs.
I can lead the search or stay at a ‘home base’ with ID guides and magnifiers, identifying bugs and talking about their biology / ecology.
Bug hunts can focus on specific habitats or be more general across the space. Records of what we find will be uploaded to iNaturalist.
Suitable for all ages; for small groups, or for being based a ‘home’, with more kids going off to search independently / with parents.
Bioblitz
Recording all the wildlife on a site within a set period of time; either independently or as part of a wider event like the City Nature Challenge.
Training on how to use appropriate ID apps – such as iNaturalist and ObsIdentify – to take part, and discussing what we find with attendees.
Note that my expertise is in invertebrates – I can use guides / apps for e.g. plant ID, but am less familiar with them!
Citizen Science activity
Leading / running a current citizen science project on site. Talking about the scheme and its background. Demonstrating how to perform the protocol, setting up any equipment / areas required.
Making sure the data is sent back to the organising scheme.
Event activity
Providing expert entomology information at an event or open day. E.g.
– with an engagement activity
– on a stall / stand as an expert (“Ask the Bug Lady”)
– with a roaming activity (bug hunt; usherette tray)
– next to a feature (e.g. pond) to discuss the ecology / value
Essentially this is ‘release me into the space to be interesting / fun about bugs’.
Site walk & talk
Site visit and expert opinion for e.g.
– Wildlife gardening advice
– Invertebrate management
Topics / focus can be fixed or flexible on the day.
For session booking or questions:
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Gardens, bugs and science 