The Birds & the Bees: Queer Ecology of Foundry Wood

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.