This course will introduce you to identifying some of the many UK spiders and harvestmen that are distinctive enough to be confidently recorded in the field with the aid of a simple piece of kit called a spi-pot, before being released again. On this course you will be:

• Introduced to spider & harvestman ecology
• Shown how to identify distinctive species and groups
• Shown how to use a spi-pot to look closely at living specimens
• Given the opportunity to practice identification techniques
• Shown how to get help with identification and all things spidery
• Introduced to submitting spider & harvestmen records

There will be classroom sessions and practice at identifying spiders and harvestmen in the field. We will collect live spiders and harvestmen around the grounds of Rixton Claypits Nature Reserve and bring them back into the classroom for a closer look, before releasing them again.

Our course leader, Dr Rich Burkmar is the British Arachnological Society Area Organiser for Lancashire (VC59,60) and Cheshire (VC58) and an active member of the Shropshire Spider Group.

Please bring a packed lunch and appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.

Covid Measures

In order to keep our attendees and staff safe we ask anyone attending our workshops to:

– wear a face covering when in a shared indoor space (unless exempt).

– maintain social distancing (numbers will be limited to enable social distancing during the classroom session).

– clean/sanitise their hands regularly.

– take a Covid-19 lateral flow test before arrival.

Please use the free carpark at SJ68779024 and meet us in the visitor centre at SJ68629015

Adults only (18+)

Access: there are good (grassy) footpaths suitable for wheelchairs around much of the reserve

Image: Richard Gallon