Finding and identifying biodiversity in your garden

This taster session is for anyone interested in finding and documenting wildlife in their outdoor spaces. Explore a range of survey techniques tailored to different animal groups, including pitfall traps, sweep nets, moth traps, leaf litter sieves, camera traps, and bioacoustic recorders. You’ll receive guidance on identifying various animal groups, highlighting resources to aid identification and recommendations of animal groups that are beginner-friendly. Best practices for recording wildlife observations will be covered, along with step-by-step guidance on how to upload biodiversity data to national recording schemes.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained:

• An understanding of the tools and survey methods suitable for finding specific animal groups.

• Hands-on experience in using trapping and surveying equipment.

• Insight into which animal groups are accessible for beginners to identify.

• Knowledge of resources and guides to support wildlife identification.

• Practical skills to record and submit biodiversity data to national databases

About your trainer: Connor Butler

Connor is an entomologist and environmental educator with over a decade of experience inspiring people to connect with the natural world. Formerly the Head of Learning at Chelsea Physic Garden, he is currently leading a year-long biodiversity audit of the Garden, cataloguing all species within London’s oldest botanic garden. Connor has delivered several citizen science initiatives, including a frogspawn survey in Richmond Park, the training of 96 volunteers to study dung beetles in Bushy Park, and has worked with volunteers at Chelsea Physic Garden to record frogs, worms, bees, bats, and pond life.