How to identify beetles?
ID guides for major species which may be mentioned in the specification will be important. Some teachers who are teaching the new specifications may not be
A blog providing ideas and resources for those teachers hoping to / preparing to teach the new GCSE Specification, first announced in April 2022, for potential first teaching from 2027, depending on a number of factors.
Saturday, 14 March 2026
#556: RSPB - a fieldtrip option, and citizen science opportunity
The RSPB is one of the supporters of the new GCSE in Natural History.
A list has been blogged previously showing the original supporting organisations.
The connections which are made clear when the draft subject content emerges for consultation will be helpful in providing a steer for the approach that has been taken.
It is one of the largest conservation organisations in the country, and has many members. They have also been particularly critical in the last six months of changes in government policy around planning, which was a rare foray into this sort of campaigning work.
They also have a role in education, and could well provide a useful option for schools needing local fieldwork opportunities, or training, or perhaps to provide a role for certain students.
There may well be some ornithological experts amongst the student body of any school - although the Merlin ID app is a useful alternative to actually recognising bird song.
RSPB reserves welcome visitors of course, and they also have an Educational
RSPB members can access reserves and car parks. It is a good value membership given the number of reserves that can be visited.
#555: Changing banknotes
Many countries feature wildlife on bank notes as part of the nation's heritage and culture.
Now we may get more wildlife on our bank notes.
Following a consultation. 44,000 people had their say on what themes and images they'd like to see on their notes.
60% of people picked nature as their preferred theme, and so the Bank of England are making a big change.
This suggestion has not gone down well with the Daily Telegraph.
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
#554: River Glaven
What is your local river? Can you get out to it to do fieldwork easily?
What fieldwork would be appropriate for the GCSE Natural History?
One river that I have completed fieldwork on most recently is the River Glaven.
This is a fairly short river which flows through North Norfolk.
Rising from tiny chalk headwaters in lower Bodham and Baconsthorpe, the River Glaven flows for approximately 17 km. Its main course begins just below Selbrigg Pond, where three tributaries combine at the outfall. From there, the river winds through wooded hills of glacial debris, traverses lush countryside, and meanders through picturesque flint villages, before meeting the sea behind Blakeney Point.
I have followed the river for most of that route.
At Letheringsett mill there is a useful stretch where fieldwork can be carried out.
Images by Alan Parkinson.
#553: RGS CPD on Biodiversity
As we move to the next stage of the development of the new GCSE Natural History, there will be a need for teachers to receive CPD in a wide range of new skills and knowledge. This sort of event will be particularly helpful.
Join us on Tuesday 17 March to hear leading conservation scientists and researchers discuss how we can safeguard biodiversity for the future.
- Professor Nathalie Seddon – Professor of Biodiversity (University of Oxford)
- Dr Liana Chua – Social anthropologist and Associate Professor in Malay World Studies (University of Cambridge)
- Dr Joshua Elves-Powell – Associate Lecturer in Biodiversity Conservation and Ecology (UCL) and National Geographic Explorer
Chaired by Martine Croxall (BBC News)
Be part of an important conversation on conservation, climate and the future of our natural world.
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#557: Beetles
How to identify beetles? A guide is here. ID guides for major species which may be mentioned in the specification will be important. Some te...
