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Interested in bees but unsure where to start in identifying them? Confused by terminology in identification keys? This workshop series aims to help you develop skills in finding bees, examining them in the field or under a microscope, and getting to grips with using identification guides. You will learn at a comfortable pace across four days in spring and summer: three practical workshops plus an optional lab day for extra support. No prior experience required, but also suitable for those with some experience wishing to progress their bee identification skills.

You’ll gain confidence and practical skills under the guidance of Chloe Aldridge. Chloe brings over seven years of experience recording bees across Cheshire, working with the Cheshire Bee Group and in her former role as Monitoring Officer for Cheshire’s Local Record Centre. She’s also a committee member at BWARS – the Bees, Wasps & Ants Recording Society.

What you’ll learn:

• Bee identification guide terminology
• How to identify bees to genera – e.g. Bumblebee (Bombus), Leafcutter Bee (Megachile), Mining Bee (Andrena) and some to species.
• How to catch bees with nets and pots, and use a hand lens
• How to photograph bees for identification – and limitations
• How to find and identify bees in the field
• How to use identification keys and microscopes for those which cannot be identified in the field
• Specimen handling skills, including preparing and labelling voucher specimens
• How to record your finds and where to get further help
• Using keys to help you start identifying bees to species

Day 1 – 24th April (10:30 – 16:00) Introduction to Bees. World Museum Liverpool

• Introduction to bees: ecology and diversity
• Identifying genera
• Terminology and describing bees
• Outdoor session: recognising bees in the field

Day 2 – 22nd May (10:00 – 15:30) *Note the earlier start time* Bees in the Field. Ness Gardens, Wirral

• Using nets, pots, and hand lenses
• Photographing bees for identification
• Where to find bees and field skills
• Terminology and describing bees (continued)
• Handling specimens and further exploring genera

Day 3 – 19th June (10:30 – 16:00) Bees under the microscope, World Museum, Liverpool

• Identification using microscopes
• An intro to species-level identification
• Working with specimens collected at Ness Gardens

Day 4 – 17th July (10:30 – 16:00) Bee Identification Help. World Museum, Liverpool (optional)

• Extra practice with microscopes and keys
• Hands-on help with identification and recording