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PollAGen are looking for entomologists, recorders or hobbyists who would like to be involved in this exciting research and able to collect specimens from across the UK. There are 15 pollinator species on the list; eight bees, two wasps and five hoverflies (summarised in the table provided), all with a relatively good UK distribution and easy to identify in the field. The project will provide all equipment as well as guidance around sample preservation for genetic research - the only requirement is each species cannot be collected more than twice at each site, so there is a high enough geographical distribution of specimens.

If you would like to get involved, or have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact PollAGen Project Coordinator Inez Januszczak.

The latest 2024 NE Wales Bird Report can now be downloaded from the report archive website link.

Download reports here.

Water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) belong to one of the most species-rich group of aquatic invertebrates. They can be found in almost every water type, from streams, springs, lakes and pools to subterranean habitats. They have a complex life-cycle, with the larvae parasitizing almost all insect groups with an aquatic life stage. To date, 282 species are known from the UK, but this certainly is an underestimation.

During this workshop, there will be an introduction to water mites and their complex life cycle. The workshop will introduce identification at the genus level, and for some genera to the species level. Collecting techniques and how to preserve water mites will also be explained. Material will be available.

Our tutor: Harry Smit, from the Netherlands, is one of the leading experts in the field of water mite taxonomy. He studied the group for more than 40 years, and has a worldwide experience. His magnus opus is a book on the identification of the families, subfamilies, genera and subgenera of the world, published in 2020.

Join Wyn Hughes and Rachel Davies to learn about the identification of freshwater microscopic pondlife (algae, diatoms etc) and freshwater Leeches. Wyn and Rachel have a wealth of knowledge to share.

Treborth Botanic Gardens, Bangor

Book here (£10 each)

The Sea We Share – Family Day, a collaborative event brought to you by Bionet and Wild Oysters Project, taking place on 30 August 2025, from 11am to 2pm at Rhos-on-Sea Beach and Promenade.

This free event will include:

Live music

Fun family activities

A beach clean

Opportunities to learn more about marine conservation projects happening along our coast.

Contingency date (in case of bad weather): 31 August.

BIS are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Engagement Officer to inspire communities across Powys and Bannau Brycheiniog to connect with nature through events and social media and help them discover and record the wildlife around them. You'll raise awareness of biological recording, work on projects that support new and experienced recorders and strengthen local knowledge of biodiversity. Through your work, you'll support our team to build a more informed and active recording community and contribute towards nature recovery across our area.

Salary: £27,000 (pro-rata).

Enfys Ecology, is seeking experienced Great Crested Newt trappers, and a well-organised Project Scheduling Officer, to support two licensed mitigation projects in North East Wales.

Closing date: Friday 11 July 2025.