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Food for insect pollinators in towns and cities – Nick Tew – Lecture
Thursday 20 February 2020 at 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Nick is just starting his third year of studies for a PhD at the University of Bristol working in Professor Jane Memmott’s community ecology group. His current research focuses on the conservation of insect pollinators in an urban setting. Previously, he has worked on bumblebee foraging behaviour as part of his master’s at Imperial College and web building behaviour in spiders at the University of Oxford during his undergraduate degree. In his spare time he is a keen gardener and the proud owner of a wildlife-friendly allotment.
Towns and cities represent a unique conservation opportunity for insect pollinators. Whilst urbanisation often has a negative effect on biodiversity, the presence of flower-rich green spaces in urban areas can actually boost the abundance and diversity of pollinators when compared with surrounding farmland. His research focuses on the food supply for pollinators in urban areas, which are dominated by non-native ornamental plants. By measuring the amount of food available to pollinators in towns and cities we hope to gain a deeper understanding of how these vital insects are affected by urbanisation and identify opportunities to improve their conservation status, a vital goal given their widespread declines.
This lecture is organised by the Friends of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden.
Lectures will be held at the Frank Theatre, Wills Physics Laboratory, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TL.
All lectures start at 7.30pm (except in March when the lecture follows the AGM) and are free to Friends on production of their membership card; guests will be asked for a donation (suggested £5). Attendees can use any University car park: the nearest are in University Walk and The Hawthorns.
Disabled access: The University will make every effort to provide disabled access where possible. Disabled parking is available and wheelchair access is by the ramp at the side of the main steps. If you require support due to a disability please email Sally Meadows: hbfsjm@outlook.com