Fly Field Recorder Day

Join fellow nature enthusiasts for a day dedicated to discovering, identifying, and recording flies in a relaxed and supportive setting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced naturalist, this event offers a great opportunity to share knowledge, build confidence in biological recording, and refine your identification skills — all with guidance from fly specialist Martin Harvey.

What will the day involve?

• Hands-on experience using different methods to collect and record a variety of Diptera families.
• Practical training in specimen collection and preservation.
• Guidance on identifying true flies in the field and understanding which specimens require further examination under a microscope.
• Fieldwork experience in undertaking survey methods, such as pan trapping, for Diptera.
• A chance to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in entomology and wildlife recording.

What do I need to know in advance?

• This event is aimed at adults only.
• Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
• Fly recorders of all abilities are welcome, but booking is essential.
• Identification will take place in the field whenever possible, but some invertebrate specimens may need to be collected and preserved for accurate identification.
• We'll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for all types of weather, as well as your lunch and any snacks you will require with you on the day.

Recording London's Wildlife

All records collected will be added to the LNHS iRecord activity in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), London Natural History Society (LNHS) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.

Fly Specialist: Martin Harvey

Martin Harvey is an entomologist and biological recorder based at the UKCEH Biological Records Centre, where he works on projects including the iRecord online recording system, liaison with national recording schemes, and is part of the team for the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. As a volunteer Martin runs the national Soldierflies and Allies Recording Scheme, and is County Moth Recorder for Berkshire vice-county.

Tolworth Court Farm Nature Reserve

At over 50 ha, the large size and location of this urban nature reserve along the chalk stream of the Hogsmill River in Kingston mean it is an important place for nature. A haven for Brown Hairstreak and other butterfly species, the Wild Tolworth project aims to improve the quality of the site for wildlife. Following a range of invertebrate-focused events with the FSC BioLinks project, we’re revisiting the site to record the wildlife and update the species list for the site.

This event is delivered by the Biological Recording Company in partnership with Citizen Zoo and Kingston Council as part of the Wild Tolworth project (supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund).