- This event has passed.
June 29, 2025 @ 10:00 - 14:00
Free
Come and join us for a day investigating and recording the spiders of Paradise Fields. Our spider team of Esmond Brown, Shreyas Kuchibhotla and Abhilesh Dhawanjewar will be surveying the site to see which spiders are making it their home and whether any new species have arrived since the beavers settled into their new home, and they will be on hand to examine the species you find and provide tips on spider ID.
We will be using sweep nets, pooters and a vacuum assisted collection tool to collect spiders in different habitats. You will have an opportunity to learn how to use these tools and to pick up some spider ID skills as we work through the habitats. Wherever possible we will identify and record spiders in the field, but please note in some cases it will be necessary to take specimens for further identification under the microscope. You will not be required to collect specimens yourselves but please be aware this may happen during the event.
There will be plenty of other invertebrate life encountered as we sample and we will record these as we move through the site. If you would like to record anything yourself during the event, please download the iNaturalist app to your phone prior to arriving on site and upload your records directly to that – as long as your record is within the boundaries of the project we will pick up the data and add it to the beaver project. We can show you how the app works if you are not familiar with it.
Make sure to wear sturdy footwear and trousers on the day as there are lots of brambles and nettles on site. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, especially if it’s a hot day. The nearest shops and toilets are in the Westway Cross Retail Park adjacent to the site.
All under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Where to Meet:
Search on Google Maps for “Ealing Beaver Project – Walk and Safari meeting point” or follow this link . We meet at the underpass entrance to Paradise Fields inside Westway Cross Retail Park, nearest park entrance next to McDonald’s
Parking is free all day in the Paradise Fields car park immediately on your right as you enter the retail park before McDonalds. The rest of the retail park allows four hours free parking.
What to Bring:
- OLD CLOTHES – that you don’t mind getting dirty – preferably long sleeves and trousers.
- COAT & LAYERS – you never know when it might rain
- SUN CREAM – with temperatures high, this is important
- WELLIES OR BOOTS – this site is often very wet and muddy!
- WATER – again, with temperatures high, this is important
- LUNCH – this will not be provided