FSC Biodiversity

Bats have morphologically adapted to make echolocation as efficient and effective as possible, and that’s why you see features such as large ears and noses 👂🦇

Through the use of special equipment, you can identify a bat based on its high-frequency echolocation calls. 🔊

You can learn how to do this with our webinars and courses: https://buff.ly/9x1awfI

What can cemeteries teach us about urban ecology? 🌿

Young Darwin Scholar, Eve Rowson, explores how these often-overlooked spaces can act as vital refuges for wildlife, supporting bird populations and increasing access to nature in our towns and cities.

Through the Young Darwin Scholarship, Eve gained hands-on conservation experience and a new perspective on nature, recognising that meaningful ecological work can happen right on our doorstep.

Our Young Darwin Scholarship is open for 2026, so apply today if you're between 16-25 and interested in the opportunity.

👉 Read her blog to find out more:

What cemeteries teach us about urban ecology A blog by a Young Darwin Scholar, Eve Rowson. Growing up in Leighton Buzzard, I felt constantly surrounded by concrete; nature seemed just out of reach.

📣 There's just one week left to apply for our Young Darwin Scholarship! 📣

This heavily subsidised scholarship allows 16-25 year-olds to take part in an opportunity of their choice – choose from ecology camp, conservation with John Muir, snorkeling for marine biology and more!

🌟 100% of last year’s scholars said they’d recommend it!

Find out more and apply before the 27th May 2026: www.field-studies-council.org/young-darwin-scholarship-applications/

Are you aged 16–25 with an interest in the natural world? Looking to enhance your environmental knowledge and be part of a community of young people with similar interests? We have some good news - the Field Studies Council Young Darwin Scholarship is back!

This heavily subsidised scholarship allows you to take part in an opportunity of your choice. Choose from an ecology camp, conservation with John Muir, snorkelling for marine biology, and more.

Click the link below to find out more and apply. Applications close on the 27th of May 2026.

https://www.field-studies-council.org/young-darwin-scholarship-applications/

Whose exceptional contributions to UK wildlife recording do you want to celebrate this year? There’s still time to nominate them for the NBN Awards for Wildlife Recording 2026 - but be quick, as nominations close on Monday 18 May! https://bit.ly/NBNawards26nominations

Here’s a reminder of the seven Award categories:
• Group
• Lifetime Achievement
• Marine
• Newcomer
• Terrestrial
• Verifier
• Young Person

Nominating someone couldn’t be simpler - just answer 3 or 4 questions explaining how your nominee is making a difference to wildlife recording in the UK. Self-nominations are also welcome - https://bit.ly/NBNawards26nominations

Photo - Jenny Mallinson recording underwater at Studland

Do you know a group of people who are regularly recording wildlife and encouraging others to do the same? Are they making a difference locally or nationally and increasing our understanding of nature in the UK?

There is so much wonderful work being carried out by local and national wildlife groups in the UK, they deserve recognition - and we want you to help! Whose work will you help us celebrate?

Nominating a wildlife group couldn’t be simpler, just answer 4 questions explaining how your chosen group is making a difference to the world of wildlife recording. You can even nominate your own group! https://bit.ly/NBNawards26nominations

Nominations close on Monday 18 May.

Photo of Derbyshire Moth Verification and Recording Team members Emily Milnes and Tony Davison at a community mothing event.

Learn how to identify UK spiders with this beginner friendly course. Useful resources, live webinars with an expert, and flexible online learning. 🕷️

Plus, if you're a student, get 20% off using code 'BioStudent.

🗓️ Starting on the 19th May 2026. Sign up today: https://buff.ly/z2zAHME

Relatable? You’re not alone… Sedges (plus relatives, grasses and rushes) can be one of the groups that people are hesitant to delve into identification, especially when they're in a vegetative state (without flowers or fruits). 🌾

The good news? With the right tools, you don’t have to put them off any longer! Our newest sedge guide provides a simplified dichotomous key to the common species of the family using easily defined vegetative characteristics, accompanied by illustrations, photos and notes on their habitat and distribution.

Pre-order today: https://www.field-studies-council.org/shop/publications/sedges-aidgap/

Verifiers work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our biodiversity data accurate and high quality, and their contribution often goes unseen. We want to change that. If you know someone who does the vital job of verifying wildlife records in the UK, please nominate them for the NBN Verifier’s Award.

Nominating someone is quick and easy: just answer 3 questions about their work.
Self nominations are also welcome https://bit.ly/NBNawards26nominations

Nominations close on Monday 18 May.

Image of Ashleigh Whiffin, winner of the Verifier's Award in 2025.

National Biodiversity Network