In-person, Craigmillar Castle Park
Description: Join us for a fun and unique workshop. We’ve all seen plant galls before, perhaps without even knowing that is what those weird growths were. But did you know that many of these galls are caused by insects which lay eggs into or feed on plant tissue? For this workshop we will meet in Craigmillar Castle Park (Edinburgh) for a gall-walk around the grounds. Throughout the walk, our workshop leader Chang-Ti will introduce the biology of galls and we will explore how to find and identify common galls as we rummage in the foliage, with plenty of time to ask questions, point out interesting gall formations and take pictures. The workshop will have a focus on oak galls; however we will explore other types of plant galls as we encounter them.
Workshop Leader: Chang-Ti Tang is a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Edinburgh, using oak gall wasps as research subjects. After earning his PhD in Taiwan, Chang-Ti conducted postdoctoral research at the Smithsonian Institution and University of Edinburgh, developing expertise in specimen preservation, species identification, and DNA data analysis.
Suitable for: Beginners (ages 16 and over)
What to bring: Suitable outdoor footwear and warm clothing, waterproofs, lunch and a drink, notepad and pen. If you have one, please bring a hand lens and any relevant ID guides (some will be available). Please note that this workshop will be entirely outdoors so please dress accordingly.
Cost: Free (donations to TWIC welcome). Please note that parking near the site may be limited and subject to fees.
Choose either the free ticket type or the donation ticket type (minimum donation £1). Donations to TWIC will support our work in organising biological recording training workshops and events. If you prefer to donate directly to TWIC, please visit: https://wildlifeinformation.co.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/.
Travel: The site is located in South-East Edinburgh; it can be accessed by car with parking available on nearby streets (may be subject to parking fees). It is also easily accessible by public transport from central Edinburgh, including buses no.7, 14, 30, 33 and 49.
Booking essential. Places limited to 12.
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TWIC acknowledges financial support from NatureScot.
Cover Photo by: Natalie Harmsworth: Common Spangle Gall (Neuroterus quercusbaccarum f. agamic) on an oak leaf.
