Join like-minded people with an interest in field recording for a day identifying and surveying for both terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates in an informal environment at Hogsmill Nature Reserve, Rose Walk Local Nature Reserve and Elmbridge Meadows Local Nature Reserve. These sites along the chalk stream of Hogsmill River and its banks feature woodland, scrub and open grassy rides. Naturalists of all levels (from beginner to expert) will be able to share their experiences with peers and help one another improve knowledge and build confidence in biological recording.

The day will involve using a range of techniques to survey for and collect a variety of invertebrate specimens, some of which will be preserved on the day for identification at subsequent Volunteer ID Days. These specimens will help us to build up a species list for the site, before becoming part of a teaching collection used for our other courses and volunteer 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 and sample terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates
• Practical experience in collecting and preserving specimens
• A chance to meet fellow like-minded people from a range of different disciplines
• Access to field equipment with support and guidance from members of the FSC BioLinks project team

It’s free to join in, however, you must be at least 18 years old and space is limited so booking is essential.

We will provide tea and coffee, but please bring your own cup, 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.