More information to come.

Join us at this major international conference to explore the role of ponds for biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions at a time of climate change.

This major event will bring together freshwater scientists, practitioners and policymakers from around the globe to exchange the latest research, practical applications, and policy developments on the importance of ponds for biodiversity, change adaptation, and as nature-based solutions.
The conference will be online. All elements of the conference, including attendance, will be free of charge. Conference time zone: Central European Time.

Image by Dave Smallshire

There’s a secret world hidden all around us, full of amazing creatures…

From the tops of the trees, to the depths of the pond, we’ll explore different habitats and take a closer look at the incredible insects that live there!

Booking essential. Max. 2 adults per booking please.

Child members – £7.00. Child non-members – £9.00. Accompanying non-member adults – £3.00.

The theme will follow the NBN Trust Strategy 2022-2027 “Making data work for nature” with each of the sessions linked to our four Strategic Ambitions.

Speakers and programme

The confirmed speakers are as follows. Please click on the names for more information and details of the individual presentations. We will be adding to the list over the next few weeks, so please do check back for the latest information:

• Keiron Derek Brown, Recording Officer at the Earthworm Society – “Earthworms: Beyond the Record”.
• Andy Cotgreave, Data Evangelist for Tableau.  The Keynote address – “How to speak the language of data”.
• Oli Grafton, Principal for Citizen Science & Survey Partnership, Natural England – “Defra group, community science, survey, and assessment of nature and environment”
• Elina-Marielle Doss, Merseyside BioBank Manager – “Data at your Doorstep – Insights into Local Data”.
• Mel Hardie, Biodiversity Data Manager (NBN Atlas) – “A dip into the Data Lake; insight on the NBN Atlas”
• Dave Kilbey, Founder / CEO of Natural Apptitude / Coreo. Dave will be participating in the panel discussion.
• Ian Jackson, Volunteer/Trustee at Northumberland Wildlife Trust – “Digital rocks”
• Dan Lear, Head of Data, Information & Technology at the Marine Biological Association – “FAIR Marine Biodiversity Data Excellence: from the UK to the UN”
• Professor Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby. The Sir John Burnett Memorial Lecture – “Fixing our failing relationship with nature”.
• Karen Kramer-Wilson, Principal for Data Engagement & Analysis, Natural England – “Defra group, community science, survey, and assessment of nature and environment”

This beginner course is designed to be a gentle introduction to freshwater invertebrate identification for those who have limited or no experience. We will use hand lenses, microscopes and identification keys to look at what makes a mayfly a mayfly, and how to tell apart the larvae of beetles and flies. Our expert tutor will guide you through a combination of classroom and field sessions to build up your knowledge, skills and confidence.

Full course details.

If you are considering delving into the identification of dragonfly and damselfly larvae or exuviae in the UK, then this intermediate course is ideal for you!

Through a combination of taught classroom content, lab-based workshop and outdoor fieldwork, you will gain confidence in using the identification guide to identify dragonfly and damselfly larvae and exuviae.

This course will include:

• A description of the lifecycle of dragonflies and damselflies explaining the role of larvae and an explanation of exuviae
• The external (morphological) features used in larvae and exuviae identification
• Practical experience using the ‘Field Guide to the Larvae and Exuviae of British Dragonflies’ by Steve Cham to determine specimens accurately to species level
• Practical experience observing larvae and exuviae ID features using a microscope

• A description of the lifecycle of dragon and damselflies explaining the role of larvae and an explanation of exuviae
• The external (morphological) features used in larvae and exuviae identification
• Practical experience using the ‘Field Guide to the Larvae and Exuviae of British Dragonflies’ by Steve Cham to determine specimens accurately to species level
• Practical experience observing larvae and exuviae ID features using a microscope
• Guidance on how to take your interest further and contribute to the British Dragonfly Society Recording Scheme, and therefore the conservation of dragonflies and damselflies

Book HERE.