If you would be interested in joining any of the sessions below, drop us a line at fdalearn@fda.org.uk and we will send you the password to reserve your free place:
*Please note that our webinar platform, Crowdcast, works best in Chrome and Firefox browsers*
Moths are the much unloved cousins of the more popular butterflies. FDA member and amateur lepidopterist David Howdon will give you a brief introduction to these insects, show you that they are more fascinating and beautiful than you think, how they can be found and what you can do to conserve these important insects. David is an economist who currently works in DWP and is an active member of the DWP branch committee and former member of FDA’s Executive Committee. In his spare time he monitors and surveys lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) and is chair of the Selborne Society which runs Perivale Wood, one of the UK’s oldest nature reserves.
This short webinar, delivered by Jane Hamel, is for all of us who love to work with nature, be that a window box, or a small or large garden space. Jane has been gardening professionally for 17 years, and has an RHS qualification in horticulture. She has always worked organically, believing this is best for the planet and wildlife and that beautiful gardens can be created in tandem with nature. Jane is also a qualified garden designer who has worked on domestic gardens from small city front gardens to reasonably large rural gardens, and has a passion for plants, gardening and designing workable but beautiful spaces. This basic session will look at hints and tips suitable for all levels of knowledge and experience.
A brief introduction for those who want to be able to identify those birds who they see in their garden and parks or on their walks by the sea. For those approaching retirement and anyone working from home the view outside the window is better than a Netflix box set. There’s a cast of regulars, exotic guest appearances and several easy to miss cameo roles. No knowledge required, just curiosity about the world around us. This session will be led by Ruth Lyons, formerly of the Business Department, now retired, RSPB member and leading birdwatching for beginners groups in her local area.
This week, the FDA attended the 2026 TUC Congress in Brighton. FDA delegates spoke to and moved motions on a range of topics, including the review of the civil service, supporting effective management, accountability and safe contracting in the NHS, and the importance of an evidence-led approach to regulation.
Yesterday, FDA staff and reps attended the 2026 Fast Stream annual Base Camp, welcoming this year’s new joiners to the scheme and sharing the benefits of FDA membership with them.
The FDA’s National Officer for Northern Ireland Robert Murtagh has written to Speaker of the Assembly, Edwin Poots, asking him to remind MLAs that when officials appear before the Assembly, impartiality must not be brought into question.
