This annual, family-friendly event brings together over 30 societies, universities and research groups to showcase the incredible diversity of invertebrates, promote public engagement in insect science and inspire the next generation of naturalists. Attendees enjoyed a mix of hands-on activities, specialist talks and interactive demonstrations, all designed to reveal the vital role that invertebrates play in our ecosystems.
Dave, otherwise known as “Dragonfly Dave” by his industry peers, was there representing the British Dragonfly Society. With Meg’s support, Dave assisted visitors in identifying local dragonfly species, provided practical guidance on habitat management, such as creating pond margins and maintaining wetland vegetation, and ran a creative dragonfly model-making session for children.
Meg represented the British Arachnological Society, where she shared her expertise on recording and monitoring arachnids, including spiders and harvestmen, highlighting the fascinating adaptations these creatures have evolved to survive. She delivered an engaging talk on Locomotion in Harvestmen, explaining why these arachnids have disproportionately long legs, how they use them for navigating complex environments, sensing and avoiding predators and even defending themselves. She also discussed how their body structure reduces predation risk, offering insight into the intricate balance of survival strategies among small invertebrates.
Beyond the exhibits and talks, the fair offered a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded enthusiasts, reconnect with colleagues and learn about the latest surveys and research in the UK. For instance, discussions revealed recent arrivals of non-native species and shifts in distribution patterns caused by climate change, highlighting the ongoing importance of monitoring and public engagement in invertebrate science.
Events like the Staffordshire Invertebrate Fair not only bring the science to life, but also inspire curiosity and encourage conservation action, helping ensure that these often-overlooked creatures continue to thrive in our landscapes.
Find out more about the Staffordshire Invertebrate Science Fair on their Facebook page here.
The Baker Consultants team is highly experienced and we are passionate about what we do. If you need advice related to ecology, surveys or conservation, then please get in touch with us via our contact form on the website, or you can call us on +44 (0)1629 593958 or email us on info@bakerconsultants.co.uk.