Insects under the Microscope - 4pm to 6:30pm, 14th Feb 2026

Join local entomologist Marc Taylor for a workshop on Saturday 14 February, as part of the Festival of Tomorrow.

These hands-on sessions will focus on a range of invertebrates - including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies - that can be found in woodlands around Swindon. Using pinned specimens, you’ll examine real examples up close, learn to recognise key identification features, and gain practical experience using microscopes.

The workshop lasts up to 2.5 hours and is limited to 10 participants, allowing plenty of time for support, discussion, and access to equipment.

Refreshments (tea, coffee, and biscuits) will be provided. You are able to take breaks whenever needed.

The workshops are ideal for anyone looking to develop their practical identification skills and take part in wildlife recording. No previous experience is required, and the tickets are free of cost. Workshops are suitable for ages 16+, though under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket.  

Each session will conclude with guidance on next steps - including a take-home list of identification resources and local recording societies to help you continue learning and contributing to biodiversity monitoring.

As part of the Western Forest people and nature programme

3 timing options are available: 

• 10:00 – 12:30 (click here for booking page for this alternative time)

• 1pm – 3:30pm (click here to view booking page for this alternative time)

• 4pm – 6:30pm

This booking page is for the 4pm – 6:30pm event.

The event is free, but spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. 

Venue: Broadgreen Classroom, Broadgreen Community Centre, Salisbury St, Swindon SN1 2AN.  The Community Centre has its own car park, with disabled bays to the front of the building off Salisbury Street. It is a short walk from the town centre shops, as well as the main bus and train stations.
The venue, classroom and toilets are wheelchair accessible.

This workshop will be led by Marc Taylor is an experienced entomologist and educator with over 15 years of field survey experience and two decades of teaching and mentoring. 

The workshop has been organised as part of the Western Forest people and nature programme and will take place at the Festival of Tomorrow (click here for more info), as part of a series of species identification workshops that aim to help local residents in Wiltshire build confidence and develop practical identification skills of plants and animals that can be found in local woodlands.