Islington is going wild during the month of May. In celebration of biodiversity month and the release of Islington’s Biodiversity Action Plan, the Councils Nature Conservation Team have created a jammed packed schedule of wild delights.<br><br>Biodiversity means ‘variety of life’ and the wild and weird of Islington’s natural world will be showcased during a month of activities running from Monday 9th May to the Saturday 18th June 2005. <br><br>Free talks, walks and hands-on activities will be run encouraging everyone to take a closer look at the abundance of wildlife that can be found in Islington’s parks, gardens and forgotten corners. <br><br>For those of you who like wildlife of the creepy crawly kind there is an Evening with the Beetles, where scientist Deborah Harvey will give us an insight into the secretive world of the rare Stag Beetle. <br><br>The sporty amongst us can join the Biodiversity Bike ride, a guided cycle tour of Islington’s greenest spaces, lead by the Council’s Nature Conservation Team. Those with green fingers can attend Gardening for Butterflies, a talk by a Butterfly Conservationist on how to make your garden more wildlife friendly. <br><br>If you would like more information on these events or any of the others in Biodiversity Month or would like to know how to get involved in Nature Conservation in Islington, then please contact the Islington Nature Conservation Team on 020 7354 5162 or email: islingtonecologycentre@dsl.pipex.com.<br><br>Programme of events<br><br>Discover what really lives on your doorstep through a programme of events and activities celebrating the diversity of living things ‘Biodiversity’. Events will provide an insight into the incredible variety of wildlife that can be found in Islington, through talks, walks and hands-on activities for all the family. Booking is essential for all of these events, contact the Islington Ecology Centre on 020 7354 5162.<br><br>An Evening with Beetles<br><br>An insight into the hidden world of the Stag Beetle, a priority species in Islington’s Biodiversity Action Plan. A talk by PHD student Deborah Harvey who is currently researching Stag Beetles in London. Find out about their natural history, their status in London and what you can do to help.<br>Monday 9 May, 7–8.30pm<br>Islington Ecology Centre<br>Free<br><br>Living Roofs<br><br>A talk by the ever-inspirational Dusty Gedge, one of the leading experts and pioneers on green roofs and the conservation of the black redstart, a nationally scarce bird. Learn about the benefits of green roofs both for your home and for wildlife. A talk for those people considering a green roof or who have a general interest in greening the grey.<br>Monday 16 May, 7–8.30pm<br>Islington Ecology Centre<br>Free<br><br>Moth Night<br><br>Join us as we look more closely at these nighttime fliers as part of National Moth Night with the help of local moth expert Mike Hammerson. A fun event for all the family but remember to bring a coat and a torch (if you have one).<br>Saturday 21 May, 8.30–10.30pm<br>Islington Ecology Centre<br>Free<br><br>London’s Exotic Flora<br><br>An engaging insight into London’s Alien plant species by renowned local naturalist Davis Bevan. This talk will discuss the origins of these introduced species, and how such plants have successfully adapted to life in the city.<br>Monday 23 May, 7–8.30pm<br>Islington Ecology Centre<br>Free<br><br>Gardening for Butterflies<br><br>A talk by the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Branch of Butterfly Conservation on how to garden for butterflies. Learn about the natural history of these colourful insects and what you can do to attract them to your garden or window box to create a butterfly paradise.<br>Sunday 5 June, 1– 2.30pm<br>Islington Ecology Centre<br>£2 | £1 concession<br><br>Biodiversity Bike Ride<br><br>Fancy seeing the wilder side of Islington while keeping fit at the same time? Then join Islington’s Nature Conservation Team and Islington Cyclists Action Group on the annual Biodiversity Bike Ride. As part of London Bike Week, the ride will travel along the green corridors of Islington with stops at each of Islington’s Local Nature Reserves. Bring a bike, plenty of refreshments and why not come along to the Summer Solstice afterwards!<br>Saturday 18 June, 3–6pm<br>Starts and finishes at the Islington Ecology Centre<br>For more information contact the Islington Ecology Centre on 020 7354 5162
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009