The Birds & the Bees: Queer Ecology of Wandsworth Common

Did you know that scientists often struggle to find male woodlice, that male trees can turn female, or that many of London’s birds partner 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 through Wandsworth Common to explore the diverse and unusual lifecycles found in the 'unnatural' plants and animals right outside your doorstep. You’ll learn how to use a hand lens to identify common species of plants and invertebrates and gain a new fascination with the natural world.

This gentle tour around the park invites all curious minds (aged 16+) interested in meeting others, learning identification skills, and seeing nature from a new perspective. We will also be using bug nets!!!! The route will go through woodland trails which are uneven. Please contact me if you would like to discuss accessibility.

The walk will start at Wandsworth Common Station (park side, next to ticket office at platform 4).

Please note that there will be photography and videography at this event that may be used for marketing these events in the future.

About your guide:Connor the Ecologist is a London-based entomologist and tour guide. Over the past 2 years, more than 2,000 people have joined his Queer Ecology walks (though he is new to eventbrite). He has a specialism in dung beetles, so enjoys finding insects in the most unusual of places.This tour is led by a professional nature guide who is first aid trained, has public liability insurance, and has risk-assessed the route.