Bring Back Our Beetles

About the event

John Walters is a life long field naturalist who explores the natural world through field sketching, photography and video. He grew up on Hayling Island in Hampshire and has lived in Devon since 1990. John works as an ecologist, artist and public speaker and is based in Buckfastleigh. He has published several books and guides including The Wildlife of Dartmoor and has appeared in many television and radio programmes.

John will talk about the 4000 species of beetle that live in the UK and some of their varied lifestyles. They are an important part of the garden ecosystem, but like most insects they have declined in numbers over the last 50 years due to changes in management and the use of insecticides. Garden beetles, including the Violet Ground Beetle and Springtail Stalker, will be introduced and tips given to encourage them to live in your garden.

Check out John's work at www.johnwalters.co.uk or follow @jwentomologist on Twitter