Integrating art, science and philosophy to promote insect pollinators to a new generation of urban field naturalists

In a rapidly urbanising world where insects regularly inspire fear (and loathing) among the broader public, pollinators are of entomology’s gateway groups. Widespread concerns over the global pollinator crisis coupled with the unambiguous ecological importance of the floral visitors makes them an irresistible focus of efforts to promote insects.



The Urban Field Naturalist Project integrates science, art and philosophy to inspire city dwellers to observe nature in their local environments. By providing a series of field guides and activities to explore the world around them, it reimagines the naturalist tradition to create an inclusive, and interactive approach to observing, recording, and learning about nature in the everyday.



We developed three illustrated guides offering distinct perspectives on insect pollination. The first identified the importance of pollination in ecology, and the techniques we used to study it, highlighting why we should all spend more time simply staring at flowers.

The second looked at pollinator guilds, their adaptations, and idiosyncrasies, highlighting the importance of insects as pollinators. The third perspective focussed on hover flies, unsung heroes of the pollination world, and why they deserve greater recognition for their ecological services.



This interdisciplinary collaboration highlighted the importance of integrating multiple worldviews to effectively introduce the natural world to reach new audiences. Critically, our approach blending facts, narratives, and creative activities to cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world identified a pathway to help people tell their stories about the animals critical to our way of life – insect pollinators.