Beetle Field Recorder Day

Beetles are vitally important insects that contribute significantly to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Many species help recycle nutrients by breaking down leaf litter and dead wood, while others control pests in gardens and parks, and others are pollinators. London’s brownfield sites, green spaces, and waterways provide refuges for specialist and rare beetles that are declining elsewhere, and the city is also often an entry point for species new to Britain. Recording beetle species enables site managers to identify and protect important habitats and maintain the ecological balance of our green spaces.

Join fellow nature enthusiasts for a day dedicated to finding, identifying, and recording beetles in a relaxed and supportive setting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced naturalist, this event offers a great opportunity to share knowledge, build confidence in biological recording, and refine your identification skills — all with guidance from beetle specialist Connor Butler.

What will the day involve?

• Hands-on experience using different methods to collect and record a variety of Coleoptera families.
• Practical training in specimen collection and preservation.
• Guidance on identifying beetles in the field and understanding which specimens require further examination under a microscope.
• Fieldwork experience in undertaking survey methods, such as sweeping and beating, for Coleoptera.
• A chance to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in entomology and wildlife recording.

What do I need to know in advance?

• This event is aimed at adults only. 
• Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
• Invertebrate recorders of all abilities are welcome.
• Identification will take place in the field whenever possible, but some invertebrate specimens may need to be collected and preserved for accurate identification with a microscope.
• We'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for the weather.
• Please bring food for the day with you (i.e. lunch).
• All records generated will be added to iRecord in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), London Natural History Society (LNHS) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.
• Check out our ‘Info for Field Recorder Day Attendees’ website page for more info (including instructions for setting up on iRecord): https://biologicalrecording.co.uk/info-for-field-recorder-day-attendees/

Beetle Specialist: Connor Butler

Connor Butler is an entomologist specialising in beetles and deadwood invertebrates. He has previously conducted a dung beetle inventory of Bushy Park and is currently leading a Biodiversity Audit at Chelsea Physic Garden, London’s oldest botanic garden. He also leads nature walks across London, with over 1,000 people coming on his tours to date. Check out Connor on Instagram: @connor_the_ecologist

Paradise Fields (Ealing)

The event will take place at Paradise Fields on Horsenden Hill in the London Borough of Ealing. This is the site which became nationally (and internationally) famous for hosting an enclosed beaver reintroduction, the first of its sort in the UK. In addition to its furry residents, Paradise Fields also boasts a variety of interesting habitats ranging from ancient woodland to wildflower meadows with a rich invertebrate fauna to boot.

This event is delivered by the Biological Recording Company with support from Ealing Wildlife Group, Earthworm Society of Britain and London Natural History Society as part of The Ealing Beaver Project.

The Ealing Beaver Project is a partnership between Ealing Wildlife Group, Citizen Zoo and Friends of Horsenden Hill and Ealing Council.