Suffolk's Biological Data Centre
We curate and share ecological data to inform better decisions and actions to benefit Suffolk's wildlife.
Latest news
Are you interested in taking part in a Suffolk bat survey?The surveys involve installing static/remote detectors at a fixed location in your garden or local space for up to a week. Bats passing in the vicinity of the microphone will be recorded from sunset to sunrise for the duration of the survey. Recorded bat calls are analysed using the BTO acoustic pipeline, followed by manual verification of the species. Vocalisations of any other small mammal species detected (shrews, mice, voles) will also be identified. The results will be sent to you and SBIS. The surveys aim to gather bat data from locations that might otherwise be under-recorded to increase the distribution data for bats in the county. For more information, contact Huma Pearce, [email protected] |
Spot a hog!Spot a Hog is a citizen science study that aims to test the potential of using data obtained from privately owned camera traps for monitoring hedgehogs and estimating their density. It will be using a novel method that requires a calibration step, for the study team to be able to extract the metrics necessary for the population size modeling. The West European Hedgehog is a species of conservation concern in the UK, as its population has been undergoing a historic decline. To identify the reasons for, and the extent of, this decline data from across the country is needed. Camera traps, or trail cameras, are widely applied in wildlife monitoring. Some amazing initiatives, such as the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme, uses camera traps to estimate the density of various species. However, camera traps are also increasingly used by private users to observe wildlife in their gardens. This data holds great potential for monitoring urban species, as it can provide information on multiple species in a habitat often not represented in scientific studies. This is also an especially important habitat for hedgehogs, as currently they are more frequently observed in urban than in rural areas. The novel method used in this study requires some additional steps to work out how animals move in front of the camera, and that’s where you come in! The study welcomes anyone who already has a camera trap (or will get one before the start of the survey) in May 2025. You will need to set up your camera according to a protocol available on the website, calibrate the camera following the instructions, and leave it on for a maximum of 1 month. After this, you will need to upload the images to a designated project on MammalWeb. The images will then be available to the public for spotting (i.e. classifying images by species) and the results will be analysed by the project team. Further information can be found on the Spot a Hog website as well as how to sign up. You can also download an information sheet. |
£30,000 Synthesis Grants open nowThe British Ecological Society (BES) has announced its Synthesis Grants programme, offering up to £30,000 over two years for groups of 8-15 participants. This grant aims to support interdisciplinary teams in analysing existing data and generating new insights into ecological research. The programme encourages collaboration across universities, research institutes, NGOs, industry, and government departments, with a focus on fostering diverse groups that include international participation and at least 30% of members from the Global South. The grants are designed to support travel, subsistence, facility hire, and computing costs associated with synthesis group activities. Applicants can apply for the Synthesis Grants through the BES online grants system. The grant is open to BES members as the main applicant, although not all group members need to be BES members. The purpose of the grant is to promote synthesis as a growing scientific research method, where scientists generate new knowledge from existing data using a hypothesis and question-led approach. The grant operates on a biannual cycle, with two funding rounds each year. For 2025, the first-round closes on the 10th March 2025, while the second round opens on the 12th June and closes on the 8th September 2025. https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/synthesis-grants/ |
Time to Celebrate!This week we are celebrating the work of our fantastic search team, who have already delivered over half a million records to ecological consultants this financial year 🎉 |
Call for articles*************************** Newsletter time is coming around again! We welcome articles that showcase local biodiversity projects, or share environment, ecology and wildlife news, training and funding opportunities (with photos where possible). Previous articles have included the work of community groups, charities, statutory bodies, AONB partnerships, businesses, local authorities, and more. To see previous issues, please click here. The newsletter is seen by over 450 people from the private, corporate, statutory, and charitable sectors, as well as individual subscribers, and is widely shared online. *************************** To send us your story use the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page, the deadline for the next issue is 25 October *************************** Emma Aldous, Communications Officer, |
Norfolk & Suffolk Community Online WebinarMon 14 Oct, 19:00 – 20:00 • Wed 16 Oct, 14:00 – 15:00 As we create the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, we aim to enhance the positive effects of nature on community wellbeing, contributing to improved mental and physical health through direct and indirect benefits. Our spatial strategy has the potential to unlock opportunities for communities to deliver key measures and embed nature recovery locally. Therefore, the Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership invite you to attend an online webinar, where we aim to update you on the current progress of the strategy, share our shortlisted priorities and demonstrate the mapping tools developed to identify where action for nature will have the most impact. This will enable you to signpost and highlight potential for your local area to deliver key measures and embed nature recovery in your community. Please follow this link to register your interest. |
Suffolk Naturalists' autumn meeting21 September 2024 Programme – timings are approximate! Directions: What Three Words ///snips.hatter.airbrush. |
Forthcoming events
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Photographing Summer in the woods
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Mildenhall 2K/5K River Run
Explore the river and its wildlife with this family-friendly day by the river with two running route options. Jubilee Fields, Mildenhall, IP28 7HG |
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Bat Conservation Trust: How to run a bat walk (online training)
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Bracken Removal
Tiger Hill, Assington |
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Brecks events: Turf Lock Celebration
Following completion of the Turf Lock fish pass, the Environment Agency invite local residents to come and learn about the works, as well as the wider effort to restore the health of the river Lark. Mildenhall Cricket Club, Mildenhall IP28 7JU |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Mulching Newly Planted Hedges
Stratford Hall Farm |
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Brecks events: Sunday Morning Yoga
Relax and re-energise each week in the Anglo-Saxon Village with this Wellbeing at West Stow series. West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Biological Recording Company: Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems: Reefs From the Twilight Zone |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Sedge Cutting
Foxearth Meadows Local Nature Reserve |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Craft club - teaspoons
Online webinar |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Capturing the Seasons - Field Sketchbook workshop Summer
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Sunday Morning Yoga
Relax and re-energise each week in the Anglo-Saxon Village with this Wellbeing at West Stow series. West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
Suffolk Bird Group: Minsmere Meet at the reserve centre car park at 8.00 am. Leader: David Walsh. Tel. 07947 051223. |
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Brecks events: Introduction to Outdoor Swimming Additional Needs
Have a go at outdoor swimming in a safe and relaxed session for anyone with additional needs of any kind with their carer (if appropriate) Brandon Staunch, Brandon |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Advanced Bat Survey Techniques - fully booked!
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Wildflower Patch Cut & Rake
Steeple Bumpstead |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Craft club - skulk of foxes
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Dragon and Damselfly Walk
Take a walk with the expert at West Stow Country Park to explore the unexpected world of these fascinating creatures. West Stow Country Park, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Kuksa bowl carving
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Tales From the River: Guided History Walk
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the river and get a sense of its importance in the lives of the two villages along it, Honington and Sapiston. Honington & Sapiston Village Hall, Bardwell Road, Sapiston, IP31 1RU |
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Brecks events: Monday Morning Gentle Wellbeing Walk
Explore the green spaces of Brandon town on this leisurely, sociable wellbeing walk then enjoy a drink and a chat afterwards. Brandon Leisure Centre, Church Rd, Brandon IP27 0JB |
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Brecks events: Sketchbook Stroll
A walk with a local artist from Art Branches looking at the local landscape and plants. Learn how to make field sketches and notes. West Stow Country Park, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Biological Recording Company: Identifying Ferns & Allies |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Teen workshop: Wildlife photography at Lackford Lakes
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Thetford Swim Walk
Explore Thetford differently by combining two activities – walking and having a short dip or two in a river. Hear the history of river recreation on a guided walk and take part yourself with one or two short swims. The Jetty, Thetford Riverside, IP24 2AG |
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Biological Recording Company: Flower-Insect Timed (FIT) Counts |
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Brecks events: Wildflower Wander at Thompson Common
Explore with conservationist and author, Nick Acheson and see how many different plants you can find: from Brecks specialists, to pingo pond loving species. Thompson Common Great Eastern Pingo Trail Car Park, Stow Bedon NR17 1DP |
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Brecks events: Introductory Outdoor Sound Bath
Enjoy your first sound bath with this session combining nature immersion with sound therapy in the beautiful setting of Brandon Country Park. Brandon Country Park, Bury Road, Brandon IP27 0SU |
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Brecks events: Introduction to Forest Bathing
Spend some quality time in nature at this Forest Bathing session designed specifically for those who have never experienced forest bathing before. Brandon Country Park, Bury Road, Brandon IP27 0SU |
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Mammal Society: Pine Marten: Monitoring and Ecology |
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Brecks events: Jackdaw 7.5K Social Run
Join us for a friendly, social, and non-competitive 7.5K group run exploring the beautiful footpaths and byways around Honington and Troston. Honington, Suffolk |
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Brecks events: A Wander Along the Lark
A charming circular along the Lark Valley path. Discover the river's history and how the river corridor will hopefully be enhanced in future from the Rights of Way team. Mildenhall Hub, Sheldrick Way, Mildenhall IP28 7JX |
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Brecks events: Brandon Swim Cycle
A swim cycle combines a cycle ride and short dips in a river, giving a great chance to see the river and landscape from a new perspective. Brandon Staunch, Brandon |
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Brecks events: Lakenheath Loop
A sociable walk along the fen edge. Learn about the history of the Fens, Cut-off Channel and Lakenheath, with a chance to spot some interesting wildlife on the way. St Marys Church, High Street, Lakenheath IP27 9DS |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Under the trees Aug: Mallet making and Hapa zome (eco priting)
Online webinar |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Wet Meadow Management
Rum Bridge Fisheries, Clare |
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Brecks events: Tales From the River: Walk with Rickshaws
A short, leisurely walk to hear how people used Thetford’s rivers for industry and play. Rickshaws available for those with limited mobility. School Lane Car Park, Thetford IP24 2AG |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Craft club - whittling birds
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Dusk Exploration: Stories and Stars
A late summer evening odyssey of astronomy, wildlife encounters, and sensory adventure. West Stow Country Park, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Wild Colour
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Natural Dyeing Workshop
Learn how the Anglo-Saxons dyed their cloth and the plants and colours used. Experiment with natural dyeing using plants to make your very own dyed samples to take home! West Stow Country Park and Anglo-Saxon Village |
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Brecks events: Jackdaw 10k Social Run
Join us for a friendly, social, and non-competitive 10K group run exploring peaceful footpaths and byways in Suffolk’s Blackbourn Valley. Honington, Suffolk |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Grassland Management
Long Melford Green Community Wildlife Site |
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Brecks events: Sunday Morning Yoga
Relax and re-energise each week in the Anglo-Saxon Village with this Wellbeing at West Stow series. West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Meadow Management
Harpers Mill, Nayland |
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Bat Conservation Trust: National Bat Conference 2025
The programme will include a great selection of talks, 2 workshop sessions as well as lots of networking opportunities. The keynote talk is being given by Dr Ricardo Rocha, University of Oxford.
Link to buy in person tickets: https://buytickets.at/bctevents/1683090
(Booking deadline 21st August)
Link to buy virtual tickets: https://buytickets.at/bctevents/1686352
(booking deadline 28th August) |
Suffolk Bird Group: Old Hall Marshes Meet in the paddock opposite the church, Salcott Street at 9.00 am. (Long walk possible). Leader: Ashley Gooding. Tel. 07808 044611. |
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Brecks events: Sunday Morning Yoga
Relax and re-energise each week in the Anglo-Saxon Village with this Wellbeing at West Stow series. West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Royal Entomological Society: Ento25: Online
Join us online for Ento25, our flagship conference dedicated to insect science, with opportunities to present your work and hear the latest research from the global entomological community. |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Green Lane Management
Buntry Lane, Kedington |
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London Natural History Society: Thermophilic Boletes: On Their Way to the British Isles? Matteo Gelardi
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Mammal Society: Introduction to Stoats and Weasels: Ecology and Behaviour |
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Brecks events: Sunday Morning Yoga
Relax and re-energise each week in the Anglo-Saxon Village with this Wellbeing at West Stow series. West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Icklingham Road, West Stow IP28 6HG |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Bats for Heritage Professionals
Bat awareness is important for anyone who is responsible for heritage buildings and their renovation, development and maintenance. The course content is based on technical advice developed by Historic England, Natural England, English Heritage, the National Trust and the Bat Conservation Trust.
The online course takes place over 2 afternoons sessions between 13:00-17:00. The first session is on 16/09/2025 and the second on 23/09/2025. There will be a practical task to complete between the sessions which is suitable for anyone working or volunteering with heritage buildings. |
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Mammal Society: Dormouse Ecology & Conservation - Online |
Suffolk Bird Group: Shingle Street And Hollesley Marshes Meet at Coastguard Cottages car park at 8.30 am. Leader: Steve Fryett. Tel. 07593 382082. |
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Meadow Management
Coes Meadow, Bulmer |
Suffolk Bird Group: Two short talks: ‘Birding South Africa’ and ‘Barn Owl Support Suffolk’ Katya Bathgate and Sally Nelson & Sarah Glyde Hintlesham Community Centre, Timperleys, Hintlesham IP8 3PS |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Advanced Bat Survey Techniques - fully booked!
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Volunteering with Dedham Vale National Landscape: Grassland Management
Polstead Churchyard |
Suffolk Bird Group: Autumn open morning at Landguard Bird Observatory Meet at main car park, View Point Road, Felixstowe at 8.00 am. Leader: Nigel Odin. For details contact Gi Grieco. Tel. 07951 482547. |
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London Natural History Society: Re-wilding a City Centre Green Space: Successes and Issues - Ted Benton
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Bat Conservation Trust: Scoping Surveys for Arborists online - 9 & 16 Oct 2025
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Bat Conservation Trust: Bats and Woodland Management
Spend a day with BCT's Woodland Specialist - ideal training for anyone involved in looking after a woodland. |
Suffolk Bird Group: ‘Ospreys in Suffolk’ Tim Mackrill, Roy Dennis Foundation Please note venue: Woodbridge Community Hall, Station Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4AU |
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Bowl carving
Online webinar |
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Brecks events: Sapiston 10K Trail Run
Run a picturesque loop round the Black Bourn Valley with no cut-off time. Honington & Sapiston Village Hall, Suffolk, IP31 1RU |
Suffolk Bird Group: Titchwell Meet at the reserve car park at 9.00 am. Leaders: Adam Faiers Tel. 07708 521852 and Anne Wright. Tel. 07767 755965. |
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Royal Entomological Society: External – XII International Symposium on Aphids
XII International Symposium on Aphids 13th-17th October 2025, PyeongChang (Alpensia), Korea Organized by Prof. Seunghwan LEE, Laboratory of Insect Biosystematics, Division of Entomology, Seoul National University (SNU), Korea.For more information and details of how to… |
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Bat Conservation Trust: British bats, their ecology and conservation - 6 session course
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London Natural History Society: Section AGM and Natural History Talk TBC
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Suffolk Bird Group: Orfordness (National Trust) Reserve 8 & 9 November. Some places available to stay overnight on Saturday in self-catering dormitories. Current entrance fees will apply. Limited to 12 spaces in total. For further details and to reserve your place, contact Gi Grieco. Tel. 07951 482547. Leaders: Gi Grieco and Eddie Bathgate. |
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London Natural History Society: Section AGM and Natural History Talk TBC
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Suffolk Bird Group: River Ore Boat Trip For further details and to reserve your place, contact Gi Grieco. Tel. 07951 482547. Leader: Gi Grieco. |
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Bat Conservation Trust: Bats for Building Professionals
This awareness course is for anyone who is responsible for buildings and their renovation, development, maintenance or design, including builders, surveyors, architects and pest controllers. It is approved by CITB and eligible for a Tier 1 grant. The course is also suitable as RIBA CPD.
The online course takes place over 2 afternoons sessions between 13:00-17:00. The first session is on 06/05/25 and the second on 13/05/25. |
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London Natural History Society: Section AGM and Natural History Talk TBC
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Suffolk Wildlife Trust: Exploring Tree Dyes and Tannins
Online webinar |
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London Natural History Society: Section AGM and Natural History Talk TBC
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Suffolk Bird Group: ‘Birding Colombia – The World’s Most Diverse Bird Country’ Andrew Raine Hintlesham Community Centre,Timperleys, Hintlesham IP8 3PS |
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Royal Entomological Society: Irish Entomologist’s Meeting 2025
Irish Entomologist\\'s Meeting (save the date!)Join us for a day discussing current entomological research at University college Dublin. Whether you\\'re an entomologist working in Ireland, interested in Irish Entomology, or interested in a trip to… |
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London Natural History Society: Society AGM and Natural History Talk TBC
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Suffolk Bird Group: Felixstowe Ferry Meet in the public parking area in front of the church at 9.00 am. A short riverside walk, then a festive lunchtime snack if desired! Leader: Anne Wright. Tel. 07767 755965. |
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London Natural History Society: Diet and Behaviour of White Storks at Knepp by Şeniz Mustafa
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Bat Conservation Trust: Scoping Surveys for Arborists online - Feb 2026
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Royal Entomological Society: Behaviour Special Interest Group (SIG) 2026
Behaviour Special Interest Group (SIG) 2026Emerging themes: Novel techniques in insect behaviour studiesDate: Tuesday 10 February 2026 (9.30am – 5pm)Venue: The Studio, Birmingham and onlineJoin the RES Behaviour SIG on Tuesday 10 February 2026 in… |
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London Natural History Society: Natural History Talk TBC
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Royal Entomological Society: Aquatic Insects SIG 2026
Aquatic Insects SIG 2026Date: Thursday 26th February 2026 (9.30am - 3.30pm) AND Friday 27th February 2026 (9.30am - 12.30pm)Venue: OnlineJoin us for our Aquatics SIG meeting, which will be held online this year. The event will comprise… |
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Royal Entomological Society: Insect Week 2026
Get involvedFind an eventVisit the Insect Week Events page to find an event near you during Insect Week. We will be listing some of these nearer the time.Planning an event during Insect Week? Submit your… |
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Royal Entomological Society: XIII European Congress of Entomology – External
Welcome to ECE 2026Join us in Tours, France, in the heart of the Loire Valley, from June 29 to July 3, 2026 for the XIII European Congress of Entomology.Building on a rich tradition of international… |
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