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Insect Day conference celebrates Bristol’s mini-beasts
A unique event will showcase Bristol’s smallest forms of wildlife and the actions taken locally to protect them.
Organisers of the Insect Day conference say mini-beasts deserve the spotlight because “Insects, spiders, millipedes and countless other small creatures make soil, pollinate plants, provide food for larger animals and much more. They, like us, are part of the network of life on Earth.”
The event on May 4 features a dynamic programme packed full of useful information for urban wildlife enthusiasts.
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Eric Swithinbank, community ecologist in Lockleaze, will explain how to make urban areas places where insects and other wildlife can thrive – photo: Really Wild Lockleaze
BS3 Wildlife Group secretary Ben Barker – aka the Butterfly Man – will host the sessions along with Peter Bright, Bristol’s Butterfly Conservation branch chair.
“We think this is the most significant region-wide discussion about who is doing what for insects and other small creatures, and what more needs to be done,” said Ben. “We know there is good work underway across the region and hope there will be a good turn out – the more the merrier!”
The day kicks off with experienced entomologist – or insect expert – Ray Barnett, who has worked locally for over 30 years, giving tips on identifying insects that are not butterflies and moths.
Community ecologist Eric Swithinbank will introduce Really Wild Lockleaze, a project that demonstrates what an urban community can do to welcome nature into its streets and gardens.
Becky Belfin, a Nature Conservation Officer based at the council parks service, will discuss managing public green spaces for wildlife and ways local people can help with monitoring.
Angus Walker will talk about his Wild Spaces workshops in schools, including planting lavender bushes at Two Mile Hill in Kingswood in March – photo: Pete Hughes
Angus Walker, working with Butterfly Conservation to create butterfly havens in primary schools, will explain the Wild Spaces project in which 2000 children from 47 schools across Bristol and Weston are planting mini-meadows and wildflower window boxes, and recording the insects that come to visit.
And Tim Corner, a veteran of 47 years in the wildlife conservation sector, and manager of the West of England Environmental Record Centre since 1999, will explain how to tell if a species is in decline, and how to access the millions of wildlife and geological records held at the centre.
The day will finish with a Have Your Say session, inviting attendees to get up and talk about their own projects and passions. There’ll also be time for networking and plenty of information stalls to browse.
The conference takes place at Sparks Bristol from 10am-4.30pm on May 4. Drinks are provided but attendees must bring their own mug.
For more information contact Ben on mywildbedminster@virginmedia.com
Main photo: small tortoisheshell, Jim Asher
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