The Bird & the Bees: Queer Ecology of Foundry Wood

The Bird & the Bees: Queer Ecology of Foundry Wood

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Youth Committee & Connor the Ecologist – The Bird & the Bees: Queer Ecology of Foundry Wood ️‍️‍️‍️‍

By Warwickshire Wildlife Trust's Youth Committee

Date and time

Location

Foundry Wood

66 Princes Drive Royal Leamington Spa CV32 6AF United Kingdom

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

Did you know that scientists often struggle to find male woodlice, that male trees can turn female, or that many species of bird have been recorded partnering up into same-sex couples?

‘Queer Ecology’ aims to challenge what we think of as being ‘natural’ or ‘unnatural’ and celebrates diversity in all life. Join ecologist Connor Butler on a guided nature walk to explore the diverse and lesser-known lifecycles found in the plants and animals right outside your doorstep. You’ll learn how to identify birds, insects, and plants, and gain a new fascination with the natural world.

This gentle walk around the woods invites all curious minds interested in seeing nature from a new perspective.

Connor the Ecologist is an entomologist and educator on a mission to make people notice and appreciate the smaller details in nature. He has a particular interest in dung beetles and a skill for finding insects in the most unusual of places. His other work focuses on Queer Ecology, challenging traditional ideas about what is considered “natural” or “unnatural”. Over 1,000 people have taken part in his Queer Ecology nature walks so far, delivered with organisations such as The Royal Parks, London Wildlife Trust, Chelsea Physic Garden, The Garden Museum, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

As this is a Youth Committee event, the event is only open to 18–30-year-olds who live, work or study in Warwickshire, Coventry or Solihull.

On the day, please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather.

Accessibility:

The path from the gates to the main part of the woodland takes you up a steep slope. Access is possible for those with mobility restrictions – we have installed a handrail and made the path ‘zig-zag’ through the woods to try and mitigate the steepness as much as possible. There is also a bench half way up the slope by the Railway Wagon to pause on your way around and another at the top of the slope by the climbing frame. Special access by car can be arranged by special request.

Once at the top of the slope, the path is wide and flat all the way around the woods.

If you have any additional requirements or further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing youth.secretary@wkwt.org.uk

For more information on our data retention policy: https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/data-retention-policy

For more information on our privacy policy: https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/privacy

Instagram: @Connor_the_ecologist @wkwtyouthcommittee

Image of Connor The Ecologist

Instagram: @Connor_the_ecologist

Webpage: https://connorbutler.co.uk/

The image shows wooden signage outside the green gates of Foundry Wood.

The image shows a map of Foundry Wood. Foundry Wood is a green triangle of land between the railway lines and Princes Drive with a single entrance and exit gate on Princes Drive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be aged 18-30 to attend?

Yes, the youth committee hosts events for 18–30-year-olds only. However, if you require assistance from someone over the age of 30 to be able to attend please contact youth.secretary@wkwt.org.uk to discuss.

Is the event free?

Yes! This event is free.

Will there be toilets?

There is a basic gender neutral compost toilet on site. There is 1 step to access this.

Nearest bus stop?

Nearest bus stops are Morrisons on Old Warwick Road, near Homebase on Myton Road and along Edmonscote Road - all are about a 5-minute walk from the woods. There are frequent buses from Leamington and Warwick with direct and connecting buses to Stratford and Coventry.

Nearest train station?

Leamington Spa is the nearest train station and is a 15-minute walk away.

Is it near the town centre (Leamington Spa)?

It is a pleasant 15 to 20 minute walk along York Walk and through Victoria Park when coming from Leamington Spa town centre, the woods can be accessed by turning left when you reach the end of the park.

Will there be a bike shelter?

There is a bike shelter just inside the gates of the woods.

Is there car parking?

There is no parking in the woods. The nearest FREE carpark to the woods is located across the road at Victoria Park, it is then a 5 minute walk.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Access by car can be arranged by special access. Once at the top of the slope, the path is wide and flat all the way around the woods. Please contact youth.secretary@wkwt@org.uk for more information.

Can I bring my dog?

No dogs are permitted for these events except assistance dogs.

Is nature knowledge/experience required?

Nope! We welcome anyone who has an interest in the event and may like to do more for nature.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing youth.secretary@wkwt.org.uk

Organized by

We are the Youth Committee for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, a small group of like-minded young adults committed to building a wilder future.

We are hosting a series of tailored training events and opportunities in ecology, conservation and campaigning, with a view to uniting an engaged community of 18-35 year olds across Warwickshire, nurturing a passion for nature, and equipping them with the skills and confidence to make a tangible impact and inspire positive change in the world. These events will be a mix of online webinars and in-person events, and are currently planned to run until the end of June, with more opportunities for things to sign up for on Eventbrite coming soon!

FreeSep 5 · 6:00 PM GMT+1