Learn about distinctive species and common families of bugs (Order Hemiptera) in this beginner's course. Full description below.

Discover the fascinating world of bugs in this one-day beginner's course, designed to build your confidence in field identification. Bugs are one of the UK's most diverse groups of insects, with close to 1,800 species occupying a wide range of habitats. This beginner course will focus on recognising common bug families and a selection of distinctive species, helping you develop the skills needed to identify bugs in the field and begin recording your observations with confidence.

What will be covered during this course?

What is a Bug? Learn about bug anatomy, taxonomy, and the key features that distinguish true bugs from other insects, alongside an introduction to the incredible diversity of UK Hemiptera.

Bug Families: Explore a range of common UK bug families and discover the identifying characteristics, habitats, and ecological roles that help separate them in the field.

Bug Field Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with practical survey methods, including sweep netting, beating, ground searching, pond netting, and safe specimen handling techniques used for observing bugs in the field.

Distinctive Bugs: Develop confidence in recognising some of the UK's more distinctive and easily identifiable bug species by focusing on key visual features.

Recording Bugs: Learn how to document and submit bug records using iRecord to Hemiptera recording schemes and Local Environmental Record Centres, and understand how species records contribute to monitoring and conservation efforts.

Course Instructors: Joss Carr and Keiron Brown

Joss Carr is a passionate entomologist and biological recorder with an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from Queen Mary University of London and a BA in Geography from the University of Oxford. He specialises in UK invertebrates, particularly leafhoppers and allies (Auchenorrhyncha), and is an experienced iNaturalist contributor and verifier on iRecord. At the Biological Recording Company, he leads entoLIVE and Field Recorder Days, sharing his expertise and inspiring others to develop their identification and recording skills. Joss brings extensive practical experience and a deep enthusiasm for helping participants confidently observe, identify, and record invertebrates.

Keiron Derek Brown is a dedicated advocate for biological recording and invertebrate education. Since 2014, he has led the National Earthworm Recording Scheme, delivering over 100 training courses and events to inspire and equip wildlife enthusiasts. As the developer and manager of the BioLinks project for the Field Studies Council, Keiron spearheaded the delivery of more than 200 in-person and virtual training sessions, supporting both new and experienced invertebrate recorders. Keiron’s expertise extends to his role on the advisory council for the National Forum for Biological Recording. In 2023, he founded the Biological Recording Company to further promote and support biological recording initiatives.

*Important Info*

🕒 10:00 AM – 4 PM

📍 Where: Cody Dock

This event is 18+ years only

Bring a reusable water bottle and/or coffee cup, and a packed lunch or money for the cafe.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious, this is a great way to connect with nature and expand your knowledge.

*First time at Cody Dock? Please complete our Volunteer Agreement !

Description supplied by the event organiser.