The Biodiversity Villages, Towns & Neighbourhoods webinars were delivered on behalf of the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership during 2025 and covered subjects relating to conserving and monitoring wildlife in an urban context.
- Natural history webinars focus on the ecology, threats and conservation of iconic garden wildlife such as Hedgehogs, Swifts and Amphibians.
- Conservation webinars had a focus on how monitoring and conservation of wildlife in urban greenspaces (including gardens, parks, allotments and business parks) can support the needs of wildlife, with themes such as water, shelter and pollination.
The programme featured 15 specialist presentations across eight live webinars, attracting 2,489 live attendees.
In addition, the progamme subsidised non-professionals to attend a Flower-Insect Timed (FIT) Counts training webinar.
Natural History Webinars
Each natural history webinar was themed around a species of group of animals, including a presentation introducing the species and their ecology followed by a presentation delving into the threats the species faces and conservation actions that can be undertaken to help them.
Amphibians
- Amphibians and their Ecology with Janet Ullman (Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust)
- Amphibian Threats and Conservation with Dr John Wilkinson (Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust)
Hedgehogs
- Hedgehogs and their Ecology with Hugh Warwick (British Hedgehog Preservation Society)
- Hedgehog Threats and Conservation with Grace Johnson (Hedgehog Street)
Red Squirrels
- Red Squirrels and their Ecology with David Morton (Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels)
- Red Squirrel Threats and Conservation with Susie McNaughton (Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels)
Swifts
- Swifts and their Ecology with Edward Mayer (Swift Conservation)
- Swift Threats and Conservation with Cally Smith (Huntly Swift Group – NES Swifts)
Conservation Webinars
Our conservation webinars each consisted of two presentations themed around the needs of wildlife (such as shelter or water) or services provided by wildlife (such as pollination).
Beginner’s Guide to Garden Bird Nest Boxes
Hazel McCambridge (British Trust for Ornithology) provides practical tips to make your outdoor space a bird-friendly sanctuary.
Make Your Garden Alive with Deadwood
Caitlin McLeod (Buglife) discusses using deadwood in your garden to create a natural haven that benefits biodiversity while adding rustic charm to your outdoor space.
Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Wildlife Pond
Lauren Kennedy (British Dragonfly Society) provides guidance on creating a thriving wildlife pond that supports diverse species.
Guardians of our Rivers: Monitoring Rivers with Invertebrates
Kerry Dodd (Buglife) explores how freshwater invertebrates reveal river health, guiding conservation efforts and community-led monitoring.
Beginner’s Guide to Planting For Pollinators
Rosi Rollings (Rosybee) discusses how to create a pollinator-friendly garden by planting diverse, nectar-rich flowers that support a wide range of species.
Monitoring Pollinators with FIT Counts
Dr Miranda Bane (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) explains how a quick 10-minute FIT Count survey can help monitor pollinators and contribute to vital research.