Paul Richards
(BESS project, Animal & Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield & Sorby Natural History Society Myriapod & Isopod recorder)
Date: Saturday, 29th March, 2014. 10:00 – 15:00
JG Graves Woodland Discovery Centre, Ecclesall woods, Sheffield.
Through a morning lab-based session we will learn about Woodlouse natural history and focus on their identification. They are a very straightforward group to get to grips with and offer an easy introduction to general invertebrate study techniques. We will hopefully be undertaking some brief fieldwork to look for local specimens and have a chance to look more closely at our finds under microscopes in the afternoon. By the end of the day you should be able to recognise a good proportion of the British fauna, especially those species occurring around Sheffield.
The course leader, Paul Richards has recently published ebooks on Millipedes, Centipedes and Woodlice, which will be available on the day, but are not essential for the course.
The event has been organised and subsidised by the Sorby Natural History Society, University of Sheffield Conservation Volunteers and Natural History Society, so the cost is only £3.
Advance booking is essential, via: paul.richards@sheffield.ac.uk or millipederecords@sorby.org.uk
The Woodland Discovery Centre is located off Abbey Lane, adjacent to the sawmill. Postcode: S7 2QZ Grid ref: SK322824 Buses that run nearby are; 4, 70, 214 & 272 Ecclesall Rd to Whirlow and 97, 98 & 218 along Abbeydale Rd south. There is a small car park at the WDC.
We will have several microscopes available, but some will need to be shared. A few local specimens will be provided, but you may wish to collect a few of your own prior to the event, for study. There will be opportunity to collect in the woods on the day. Please bring suitable outdoor clothing and any pots, trowels, hand-lenses or any other field gear that you might need. Some will be available on the day.
The venue is not handy for shops, so please provide your own lunch.
The primary source material for the course, “An Introduction to Millipedes, Centipedes & Woodlice” will be available as a CD for £10 on the day or can be downloaded directly from http://www.naturebureau.co.uk/introduction-centipedes-millipedes-woodlice for £12.