During this workshop, we’ll be focussing on the field and lab based techniques used for finding and identifying beetles.

Local beetle expert Clive Washington, along with staff from RECORD and the Tanyptera Project will be leading the workshop, which takes place across 2 days and 2 locations.

What to expect:

• Day one (10:30am – 3:30pm): The entire first day will be spent ‘in the field’ at Chester Zoo Nature Reserve. We’ll be learning about different beetle surveying techniques, including how to use various equipment. There will be plenty of chances to get ‘hands on’ and try out the different methods yourself.
• Day two (10:15am – 4pm): The second day is a ‘lab day’ spent at the World Museum Liverpool. We’ll be getting an introduction to lab-based techniques used for beetle curation and study.

By the end of the session we hope that you’ll:

• Gain experience of different fieldwork techniques used for beetle surveying and and understand when to employ these methods
• Be confident using a microscope and associated equipment
• Develop your skills in preparing, mounting and dissecting beetle specimens
• Have awareness of the resources available for beetle identification and where to go for further information

Accessibility: The Chester Zoo Nature Reserve has a gate which allows wheelchair access and has gravel and grass paths. The site is on a slight slope. You can find out more about accessibility at the World Museum here. If you have any mobility needs or other additional needs please do not hesitate to get in touch with us ahead of the event to discuss (email info@record-lrc.co.uk).

Please note:

• The event is free to attend and is suitable for adults only.
• Details on the exact meeting point and other important information will be emailed to you when you book – please check your spam box if you’ve not heard from us.
• The workshop is designed around attending both the field day and the lab day, however it may be possible to attend just one of these two days. Please get in touch with us before booking if you cannot make both dates.
• During the workshop we will be taking beetle specimens and working on these in the lab. The workshop is a chance to find out about the ethics behind taking specimens and learn how to do this responsibly and for the right reasons. However, if you are not comfortable with taking specimens (i.e. the killing of invertebrates for study / research) then the workshop may not be suitable for you. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this further.

The session is hosted by RECORD and The Tanyptera Project. Please email any questions to info@record-lrc.co.uk.