Freshwater Invertebrates: Ecology, Conservation and Identification- HAU
Freshwater invertebrates are a diverse and vital part of aquatic ecosystems in the UK, inhabiting rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. These diverse animals include insects, molluscs, crustaceans, and leeches. They play a key role in food webs and are often used as indicators for water quality.
This self-led course equips participants with essential identification skills for studying freshwater invertebrates. Providing an introduction to the main taxonomic groups commonly found in the UK’s freshwater habitats, this Freshwater Invertebrates course will help you develop a deeper understanding of their diversity and ecological importance.
Freshwater invertebrates are a diverse and vital part of aquatic ecosystems in the UK, inhabiting rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. These diverse animals include insects, molluscs, crustaceans, and leeches. They play a key role in food webs and are often used as indicators for water quality.
This self-led course equips participants with essential identification skills for studying freshwater invertebrates. Providing an introduction to the main taxonomic groups commonly found in the UK’s freshwater habitats, this Freshwater Invertebrates course will help you develop a deeper understanding of their diversity and ecological importance.
You are invited to the next Royal Entomological Society Outreach SIG meeting at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh on 22 November.
Be inspired…
By guest speakers:
Entomologist, farmer and conservationist Dr Sarah Beynon, shares her experience of Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm and her latest conservation projects.
Naturalist, ecologist and TV presenter Nick Baker, who is embarking on a new Scottish wood ant project.
Be creative…
In workshops with:
Curator Ashleigh Whiffin & artist Ed Harrison will share how the Wild Wings of Hope project was delivered at NMS and give delegates a taster of these creative workshops.
Jessica Symons, the anthropologist and digital consultant who brought us Giant Insect World, will be guiding us to create modern, dynamic experiences.
Be collaborative…
Throughout the day, with:
A dedicated poster session to network, chat and see what exciting entomology outreach projects have been going on.
Opportunities to meet like-minded people and plan your next outreach venture, whether it’s a small local project or a major event for Insect Week!
If you love entomology outreach, this is the place for you!
Join BDS and NatureScot to help improve the dragonfly ponds at wonderful Dragonfly Hotspot, Morton Lochs, near Tayport in Fife. Meet at 10am in the Morton Lochs car park at What3Words ref https://what3words.com/processes.booms.carry
Wear wellies (or waders if you have them), as well as waterproofs and warm clothes. Bring your lunch and a drink though tea/ coffee and biscuits will be provided.
Please book by emailing site manager Marijke on marijke.leith@nature.scot so we know how many tools & biscuits to bring.
We look forward to seeing you there!
An illustrated talk with Kate Hawkins, introducing the dragonflies and damselflies of the Isle of Man, with tips on their ecology, behaviour and identification.
The event is free with no need to book, however donations are welcome.
There will also be some light refreshments.
Image by Dave Smallshire
NBN Trust, publishers of BDS Recording Scheme data on NBN Atlas, is holding its annual conference on Thursday, 20 Nov 2025 aboard SS Great Britain at Bristol.
Please refer to the event link for more info, including the conference programme and booking details.
Speakers range from those running schemes & projects that provide data (including eDNA) to the Atlas, through UK data users, to aggregators of global data for whom NBN Atlas is one resource among many.
Records Officer, David Hepper, will be there to represent BDS.
Come and join us for this year’s annual Insect Show, hosted by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society (DaNES).
Delve into the wonderful world of insects and their relatives through interactive displays, mounted specimens and live exhibits. A variety of local and national organisations will have stands and fascinating talks will be held throughout the day, with something to interest all ages.
The show will take place in the Bramley Building, which is part of NTU’s Brackenhurst Campus. It is easy to find, located next to the A612 just south of Southwell. The Nottingham-Southwell bus stops outside, and for those coming by car there will be ample space for parking. There is also a lift by the entrance to the show and wheelchair access.
So … with plenty to see and do, the Orangery café for refreshments, and Brackenhurst’s idyllic rural grounds to explore for some late-season insect life … why not come along and make a day of it!
Join Canvey Wick Community Warden, Katie, for a special summer Walk the Wick event: Dragonfly Safari!
A social walk to connect with nature. All welcome!
Meet for refreshments and a chat from 10am at Morrison’s Community Room.
Joint meeting with Cleveland Field Naturalists. A series of three ponds on a private farm within the Howardian Hills Natural Landscapes. The farm is managed in an environmentally sensitive way. To date 18 species have been recorded.
Leader – Keith Gittens
Meet 10.30 am at the farm on Mowthorpe Lane in Terrington.Birkdale Farm, Mowthorpe Lane, Terrington What3Words – blotting.firms.turkeys
Image: Blue-tailed Damselfly by Dave Smallshire
A chance for members of the BDS Youth Panel to meet up, catch up and develop their skills in dragonfly identification and recording.
Image by Adrian Snood.