What's on

Learn about the Orbweb spiders (Araneidae) of the UK with tutor Martin Frost.

Orbweb spiders (family Araneidae) are one of the most familiar groups of spiders found in the UK, known for their characteristic wheel-shaped webs and their key role in controlling insect populations. With over 30 species, this family includes some of our most recognisable species, such as the Garden Spider Araneus diadematus, but also many smaller, less conspicuous species that occupy hedgerows, woodland edges, grasslands, and even urban gardens. Araneids are master engineers, constructing highly efficient capture webs and using a range of behavioural strategies to detect and subdue prey. Their seasonal patterns, striking colour variations, and ecological importance make them an ideal group for engaging both beginners and enthusiasts, offering a window into the complexity and beauty of the UK’s spider fauna.

Arachnologist Martin Frost will provide identification guidance and insights into the ecology and behaviour of these fascinating arachnids, as well as information about how you can submit your sightings to the Spider Recording Scheme.

This session is perfect for naturalists, entomologists, and anyone curious about spiders. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these remarkable arachnids.

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available following the event to those booked alongside a transcript of the Q&A and useful links.

The NFBR's conference on the subject of Data for Nature will consider what kind of data we most need in order to rescue the UK's natural environment, and how we can ensure this is properly funded and accessible in order to achieve lasting nature recovery. Speakers will represent a range of perspectives and we welcome anyone with an interest in biological records and nature recovery to join the conversation.

Meg Skinner, organiser of the BAS Harvestman Recording Scheme will be delivering a talk on Friday 8th May as part of this event: "Harvestmen: Insights into an overlooked group".

This is a one-day introduction to identifying live spiders in the field. This will include identifying some distinctive species, as well as beginning to recognise some spider families. The morning will be spent on several hours of classroom teaching, followed by opportunity in the afternoon to put this into practice finding and identifying spiders around Morden Hall Park.

Your tutor will be BAS member Martin Frost.

No previous experience is needed, and participants do not need to bring anything other than notebook, pen and lunch. If you have a hand lens or any spider identification guides, please do bring these along, but we will have some to lend out too.

CLICK HERE for more information on the event and HERE for more information on the venue.

The Flower Crab Spider (Misumena vatia) is a camouflage expert when it comes to hiding out on flower heads to capture prey. In this talk, Rose will introduce the ecology of these spiders, why it is important to study these types of interactions, the many different techniques she's utilising to do that, and how you can get involved with helping to decipher the choices these spiders make.

Rose Christopher is a second-year PhD student based at Newcastle University using a combination of molecular techniques and traditional observations to study spider interactions with host plants, what drives those interactions, and the ecosystem services they provide.

The 1-hour event will consist of a presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. This event is a one-off and will not be repeated. If you can't attend the live event, you don't need to miss out. Book a space and once we've processed the event content after the live event you will be sent a link to the content online.