Buzz Map: Insect DNA Mapping

Person looking through microscope

Hayley Bray

Close up of a small fly
Cartoon images of flying insects

Buzz Map: Insect DNA Mapping

Location:
Join Walthamstow's conservation team in a citizen science project discovering the diversity of insects from across the UK.

Event details

Meeting point

Engine House visitor centre

Date

Time
10:30am - 3:00pm
A static map of Buzz Map: Insect DNA Mapping

About the event

Our next FREE conservation meetup will be taking place on:

  • Date: Sunday 1 December
  • Timings: 10:30am- 3:00pm (with an optional guided walk of the reserve if time permits)
  • Meeting point: The Engine House, Walthamstow Wetlands
  • Who can come? The workshop is open to young people aged 16-30
  • What to expect?

You’ll learn about setting up the Malaise trap, supporting sample collection, processing and identification, as well as helping us with activities to engage visitors with the project and insect conservation.

This citizen science project is perfect for anyone who wants to be part of understanding and safeguarding our local insect populations, and especially for anyone looking to learn more about careers in biodiversity science, conservation, or develop skills in science engagement and education.

We will provide training and support around sample processing and identification- no experience necessary!

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The sessions will be held monthly, and you’re welcome to come to just one session, or more regularly. The more often you come, the more you’ll be able to build your knowledge and hear more about what insects you’ve helped us discover.

Why get involved with The Buzz Map?

Walthamstow Wetlands is Europe’s largest urban wetland. The 211 hectare site comprises 10 operational reservoirs which provide drinking water to London, and a commercial fishery; it is a nationally important site for breeding and overwintering water birds and other wildlife, and forms part of an internationally important site for waterfowl. Owned and operated by Thames Water, the Wetlands’ nature reserve management, biodiversity monitoring and visitor engagement is undertaken by London Wildlife Trust under contract to Waltham Forest Council.

Wellcome Connecting Science's mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and its impact on research, health and society.

The BIOSCAN project is part of a collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Institute’s Tree of Life programme which investigates the diversity of complex organisms through sequencing and cellular technologies. They generate and use high-quality genome sequences to explore the evolution of life, provide the raw materials for new biotechnology and deliver tools and understanding for biodiversity conservation.

Booking

Price

FREE

Additional booking information

You need to be a registered one-day volunteer with London Wildlife Trust to take part in this event. We will send you the link to the one-day volunteer form and a parental/guardian consent form (if you're 16-18 years old). These must be completed and sent back to the event organisers prior to the event. If we haven't received your forms, we will unfortunately have to cancel your ticket. 

Suitable for

Beginners

Know before you go

Dogs

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Assistance dogs only

Please be advised that trained assistance dogs on duty are welcome, but in order to protect the sensitive habitat and drinking water supply, we cannot allow other dogs or pets of any kind on-site, as the wildlife may become distressed.

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Mobility

Please contact the team via email if you have additional mobility requirements and need further information. 

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Wheelchair access

There are accessible trails around the reserve, as well as ramps leading to the café, toilets and shop area.
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Hearing loop

Available at reception
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What to bring

Wear some comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes (no sandals/flip-flops!). 
If you'd like to bring your own lunch please do (We'll have refreshments available).
 

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Parking information

There is a paid car park on site, 9.30am - 4pm
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Bicycle parking

Next to the Engine House visitor centre and on the north side of reserve
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Facilities

Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Disabled parking
Accessible trails

Contact us

The Visitor Engagement Team at Walthamstow Wetlands