Sunset Sweeps: An Intro to Invertebrates

Chirping crickets and buzzing bumblebees are the iconic sounds of meadows in the summer. But did you know that the UK lost 97% of its wildflower meadows over the second half of the 20th century? Conservation organisations including The Royal Parks charity have been working to reverse this decline, planting wildflower and grass meadows across London’s Royal Parks.

Come and discover these incredible habitats, meet some of the invertebrates (creatures without a backbone) that rely on these spaces, and try your hand at a scientific surveying technique to record species we find.

• Enjoy a relaxed evening in the parks surrounded by the sounds of the meadow
• Learn about these important habitats and how they are vital for pollinators, other invertebrates, and birds in the Royal Parks.
• Have a go with a sweep net – a surveying technique to find creatures amongst the grass and flowers to contribute to biological records.

These sessions are designed for adult attendees, over 18 years of age. For more information please email helpnaturethrive@royalparks.org.uk.

• These sessions are entirely outdoors, so please dress accordingly to the weather and consider bringing a hat, sun cream, and hayfever tablets if you need them.
• This isn’t a walk, but we will be on our feet for a lot of the session. We will position ourselves near park benches and near a shady spot.
• We will be venturing into the meadow, so you may wish to keep your legs covered if you experience skin irritations from tall grass and vegetation. We recommend wearing closed toed shoes.

Help Nature Thrive delivers exciting biodiversity, engagement and citizen science projects across The Royal Parks. This event and the Help Nature Thrive project are made possible thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Please note that these free tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If the event sells out, then you will be able to join a waiting list. If you no longer require your tickets, please cancel in advance so that we may offer them to others on the waitlist.