About the event

Have you ever rolled over a log and wondered about the tiny invertebrates scuttling away? Or while turning your compost, have you stopped to think about the life thriving within it? Do you want to learn about the importance of beetles, woodlice, centipedes, millipedes, and springtails?

On this one day course we’ll explore:

• How to find and safely examine deadwood invertebrates

• The vital role of decaying wood in supporting biodiversity

• How to identify beetles, centipedes, millipedes, woodlice, and other decomposers

• The fascinating lifecycles of saproxylic (deadwood-dependent) species

• How to use a field guide and identification key

There will also be a short session dedicated to the life-cycle of dung beetles.

Tutor Profile - Connor Butler

Connor is a London-based entomologist and educator on a mission to make people notice and appreciate the smaller details in nature. He is currently leading a biodiversity audit of Chelsea Physic Garden, and has also been studying London’s dung beetles. Over 1,500 have joined his ecology walks and courses to date, delivered for organisations such as The Royal Parks, Garden Museum, Chelsea Physic Garden, and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

Instagram @Connor_the_ecologist