Discover the world of British invertebrates and learn to identify them by sight, structure, and taxonomy. Full description below.

How do you tell a beetle from a bug? Or a spider from a harvestmen? Or a bee from a hoverfly?

Invertebrates for Beginners is a one-day introduction to the fascinating diversity of Britain’s land-dwelling invertebrates. Designed for those with little or no prior experience, this hands-on course will guide you through the fundamentals of finding, observing, and identifying invertebrates in the field.

Through a blend of classroom learning and outdoor exploration, you’ll develop the skills to recognise key morphological features and classify specimens to order level. You’ll gain confidence using identification keys and deepen your understanding of the principles of taxonomy.

The day includes practical exercises, group activities, and a guided field session at Cody Dock, where you’ll apply new knowledge to real-world specimens.

This course is ideal for those with an interest in natural history that are looking to develop their invertebrate identification and recording skills.

What will be covered during this course?

Invertebrates Taxonomy: Explore how different groups of terrestrial invertebrate are classified and learn how taxonomic classification works.

Identification Keys: Learn how to use dichotomous keys effectively to classify specimens and navigate identification guides with confidence.

Invertebrate Fieldwork: Learn techniques for locating and collecting invertebrates safely and ethically in a range of habitats.

Specimen Identification: Examine preserved and live specimens to develop recognition of key morphological features used in identification to order level.

Invertebrate Monitoring and Conservation: Discover how invertebrate recording contributes to biodiversity monitoring and supports conservation efforts.

Course Instructors: Joss Carr and Keiron Brown

Joss Carr is a passionate entomologist and biological recorder with an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from Queen Mary University of London and a BA in Geography from the University of Oxford. He specialises in UK invertebrates, particularly leafhoppers and allies (Auchenorrhyncha), and is an experienced iNaturalist contributor and verifier on iRecord. At the Biological Recording Company, he leads entoLIVE and Field Recorder Days, sharing his expertise and inspiring others to develop their identification and recording skills. Joss brings extensive practical experience and a deep enthusiasm for helping participants confidently observe, identify, and record invertebrates.

Keiron Derek Brown is a dedicated advocate for biological recording and invertebrate education. Since 2014, he has led the National Earthworm Recording Scheme, delivering over 100 training courses and events to inspire and equip wildlife enthusiasts. As the developer and manager of the BioLinks project for the Field Studies Council, Keiron spearheaded the delivery of more than 200 in-person and virtual training sessions, supporting both new and experienced invertebrate recorders. Keiron’s expertise extends to his role on the advisory council for the National Forum for Biological Recording. In 2023, he founded the Biological Recording Company to further promote and support biological recording initiatives.