About the event

Did you know that scientists often struggle to find male woodlice, that male trees can turn female, or that many birds partner up into same-sex couples? Join a guided Queer Ecology tour through College Lake to explore the diverse lifecycles of plants and animals.

‘Queer Ecology’ aims to challenge what we think of as being ‘natural’ or ‘unnatural’, and explores the biases that affect how we see the natural world. Join ecologist Connor Butler on a guided nature walk through College Lake to explore the unusual, the disgusting, and the overlooked plants and animals. You’ll learn how to use a hand lens to identify common species and gain a new fascination with the natural world.

This gentle tour invites all curious minds (aged 16+) interested in meeting others, learning identification skills, and seeing nature from a new perspective.

Connor Butler is a freelance entomologist and educator with a decade of experience connecting people with the natural world. He is the former Head of Learning at Chelsea Physic Garden and has also studied dung beetles across London’s parks. To date, Connor has encouraged over 10,000 people to take time to appreciate the smallest details in nature and to show love for the often-unloved species on our planet. His recent work focusses on “Queer Ecology“, which challenges perceptions of what is considered natural or unnatural and aims to break down the barriers that people face when interacting with nature. Instagram @Connor_the_ecologist

Please read:

• This event is for people aged 16+
• Our Gates will open at 7pm for a 7:15pm start. Please have your tickets ready to be checked on arrival.
• This activity takes place outdoors and we recommend appropriate clothing and footwear
• If you or a member of your household are feeling unwell on the day of the event, please do not attend.
• Booking essential via website.
• Photography consent - BBOWT sometimes take photos/videos for marketing purposes used in the public domain. Please contact us if you do not consent

Will you help answer nature's SOS call by adding a £5 gift to this booking? You'll help BBOWT bring nature back across our three counties. Please select a donation ticket option if you wish to donate. You can find out more about our Nature Recovery Fund