Book here –  tickets are £7.50

There are 17 species of freshwater leeches in the UK. This one-day workshop will give an introduction to identifying and recording leeches and will focus on the common and distinctive species found in the UK.

This workshop introduces identification to species level, using both a field guide and a key, with a focus on using keys. The day will include a short presentation on the morphological features used to identify specimens, and support from a tutor from the Freshwater Leech Recording Scheme throughout the practical sessions.

Our tutors: Craig Macadam has been studying and recording freshwater invertebrates for over 30 years. He is national recorder for Mayflies, Stoneflies and Leeches, and he frequently gives talks and training on these groups. Craig is particularly interested in the species found in upland areas of the UK and the impact that climate change is having upon them, and overlooked urban habitats such as springs and urban streams. Rachel Davies runs the brand new Freshwater Leech Recording Scheme alongside Craig Macadam, launched in 2024. She has also co-authored the ‘Guide to the Freshwater Leeches of Britain and Ireland’ field guide, published by the Field Studies Council.

Lunch is not provided but tea, coffee, water and biscuits will be available.