About this Event
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.e. lunch)
- All records generated will be added to iRecord in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.
- Check out our ‘Info for Field Recorder Day Attendees’ website page for more info (including instructions for setting up on iRecord): https://biologicalrecording.co.uk/info-for-field-recorder-day-attendees/
John Dobson (Entomology Specialist)
This Entomology Field Recorder Day will be led by John Dobson. John Dobson is an experienced entomologist who has been studying and recording insects, especially Diptera (Flies) since the late 1980’s. He is the founder and Managing Director of Make Natural Ltd., an ecological consultancy specialising in entomological and botanical surveys of nature conservation sites, site management briefs and invertebrate habitat assessments. As Survey Team Manager/Senior Surveyor for London Wildlife Trust (2003-2009) he carried out Extended Phase I and Habitat Surveys of thousands of survey parcels in Greater London in the course of GLA Habitat and Open Space Surveys of London Boroughs. John has advanced invertebrate identification skills and has carried out many contracted invertebrate surveys since 1991. He has also performed a number of voluntary surveys including long-term studies of sites in London such as Brent Reservoir, Stanmore Common (where he was a Voluntary Warden) and Perivale Wood.
Stanmore Common (Harrow)
This Field Recorder Day will take place at Stanmore Common, a large (122 ha) council-owned Local Nature Reserve and Site of Metropolitan Importance to Wildlife in the London Borough of Harrow. Habitat- wise, the site is largely mature woodland, dotted with small areas of acid grassland and wetland towards the north. This mix of regionally rare habitats – particularly the remnant areas of acid grassland – justifies the site’s importance for nature. The site is maintained and monitored by volunteers for the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum (HNCF). You can find out more about the site and its wildlife on the website here.
This Field Recorder Day is being delivered by the Biological Recording Company in collaboration with the London Borough of Harrow.
Event venue & nearby stays
Stanmore Common Nature Reserve, Warren Lane, Stanmore, Harrow, United Kingdom
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