The latest additions and changes to our product range are listed here
Tales & Truths Series
Six books about insects and other small animals found in any back garden, park of countryside. Written for young children aged from 4-7 years, their families and teachers. Written with a subtle combination of fact and fiction, the books are designed to encourage a more direct and fun involvement in the natural world. At the end of each story there is a section on where to go for more information including websites, societies, books and museums.
Round frame for general water-life sampling with a choice of 3 bags. 30cm diameter. The short brass handle fitted to the frame can be extended with a wooden pole or by fitting sections of our 60cm (2ft) push fit handle E6764
Bags for A118 round frame:
The new Lucent mobile moth trap
This is a new moth trap, based on the Skinner trap style but with added vanes to improve the catch and is also foldable to fit neatly into a case making it easy to transport around. We have two versions - a 40W and a 22W, both of which are mains operated. These can be made portable using an inverter and battery. Each trap comes complete with electrics, rainshield, robust carry case and 4m mains cable. The case acts as a base for the trap when assembled. Trap dimensions: 41x30x30cm / 16.5"x12"x12"
Beepol - live bumblebee colony
A new product designed to boost the declining bumblebee population. Beepol hives contain the native UK Bumblebee species, Bombus terrestris audax. Each colony starts with about 30-40 workers, eggs and a queen. This will develop into a hive of several hundred bees. Bumblebee colonies do not continue like honeybee hives, so Beepol hives have a limited lifespan and will need replacing. However before the queen bee dies, she produces young queens that will leave the hive to hibernate before establishing fresh new colonies in the spring. Beepol hives are delivered direct from our supplier on Thursdays during the season (mid March - end August). For more information on Beepol and bumblebees you can visit Dragonfli.
Blendon butterfly traps
Designed to collect butterflies in the tropics that feed on rotten fruit etc. NEW DESIGN: We have a new improved design with all netting top, longer sides and larger table. Two sizes available with either white or black netting. Strings can be quickly adjusted using our new toggles for different sized butterflies, avoiding problems with wet string and knots in tropical conditions. We have also introduced an optional raincover. Our latest design has a vertical zip in the side for easy access to the butterflies, and left open, this will also help other unwanted insects to exit the trap once you have removed the butterflies.
Small Blendon butterfly traps:
30cm (12") diameter x 65cm high with 35cm (14") diameter table
Large Blendon butterfly traps:
40cm (16") diameter x 90cm high with 45cm (18") diameter table
Young Watdon
We have introduced a new section - Young Watdon - for the budding entomologist to help cultivate enthusiasm and learning. Click here to view.
Pint-sized Bugdorms NEW!
A clear plastic container with lid containing breathable fine nylon mesh. Suitable for keeping small animals that do not jump, climb or claw aggresively. Two sizes stocked.
B2215 Caterpillars of the British Isles by Jim Porter A long awaited re-print of this excellent caterpillar guide is now available. A colour identification guide which is the companion to Skinner's moths. Over 850 species of butterfly and macro moth are illustrated in colour with natural surroundings. The best guide for many years. 275 pages
E5488 Harvestmen of the British Isles This 12-panel chart covers the adults of the harvestmen found in the field in the British Isles. Harvestmen are spider-like invertebrates that are most commonly seen in late summer and autumn. Although they have 8 legs, the whole body is fused into one unit, without the 'waist' seen in spiders.
£3.80
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E5489 Guide to common fossils A 12-page chart for fossil identification which includes illustrations of 71 fossils, explains how fossils are formed and their geological importance as well as notes on the main groups of organism found as fossils.
£3.80
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A116 Pond Dipper's Kit Includes: * pond dip net * larval tray * pipette * nature viewer with magnified lid * Freshwater laminated name trail chart
B2472 Butterflies of Britain & Ireland A new fully revised edition of this classic guide with updated information about each species in light of new research. Particular attention has been given to the Lycaenidae and their interaction with ants, and two new species have been added plus updated maps. All life stages are illustrated and the book covers aspects of identification, variation, distribution, life-cycle, ecology, food plants and behaviour. Hardcover, 288 pages
£24.95 Ex VAT
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English pins
We have now been able to get stock of the original English No.5 pin in nickel plated brass. Stainless steel version of this pin is also still available - E6835. Approx. 100 pins per packet
E6836 English nickel plated brass pins No.5 - per 100 Size: 26mm x .55mm
£2.10 Ex VAT
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B2341 Britain's Dragonflies 2nd Edition, by Dave Smallshire and Andy Swash A full revision of this highly acclaimed photographic guide to the dragonflies and damselflies of Britain and Ireland, covering all 56 species that have been recorded, as well as ten potential vagrants. Featuring new colour plates, a redesigned section on larval identification and updated text. Softcover, 190 pages
B2362 Field Guide to Bumblebees of Great Britain & Ireland by Mike Edwards & Martin Jenner. 2nd Ed of the successful field guide now available. Updates include a new species account with photographs for the soon to be re-introduced Bombus subterraneus, new more accurate 50km distribution maps, extended Conservation Action section, and revised Quick Identification Chart. Softcover 108 pages
£11.99
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E778 Electronic Max-Min thermometer This versatile electronic thermometer shows indoor and outdoor temperatures and records the maximum and minimum temperatures measured in both places. It offers instant and accurate readings for a wide range of applications.
£17.30 Ex VAT
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M960 Trekker Portable Microscope x35 portable microscope, with a x10 eyepiece which doubles as a x10 lens. High resolution coated glass optics provide clear sharp images and large objective lens allows objects to be easily viewed using outdoor or room lighting. Also has inbuilt white LED lighting system. Includes soft carry case, slides (plain and prepared), battery and instructions. Size: 105mm diameter x 25mm depth. Weight: 225gms Further details are available on request.
£41.50 Ex VAT
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M961 Treklink SLR camera adapter To fit T-Mount (this needs to be purchased separately from a specialist camera supplier as there are different threads on different SLR cameras).
£21.12 Ex VAT
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M962 Treklink Hard carry case
£6.80 Ex VAT
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B2473 Collins Butterfly Guide to the butterflies of Britain and Europe. New edition of one of the successful Collins guides. Text by Tom Tolman, illustrated by Richard Lewington. Covers over 400 species with over 2000 colour illustrations and distribution maps for each species. Text covers all taxonomic nomenclature, distribution, flight period, variation, habitat, behaviour and life cycle. Softcover 384 pages
£17.99
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E6098 Large rectangular Pop-up Cage Size 110 x 55 x 55cm. Supported with a sprung frame, double zip opening for easy access and waterproof vinyl base. The whole net folds down flat to 35cm diameter.
£21.60 Ex VAT
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E6100 Bugdorm-2120 Insect rearing tent, white size 60x60x60cm. Clear plastic front and back panels, mesh sides and white vinyl floor with a framework of lightweight fiberglass rods. Front panel has two openings, a larger zip opening and a smaller stockinet sleeve.
£27.50 Ex VAT
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B2359 Complete Guide to British Insects Collins guide The new photographic guide by M Chinery to every common species of insects found in Britain and Ireland. Over 1500 species are illustrated with information on larvae, when and where to look for each species and highlights differences between similar species. Softcover, 384 pages
£16.99
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B2213 Moths of the British Isles by Bernard Skinner. 3rd revised and updated edition April 2009. A colour identification with 42 colour plates illustrating over 1600 specimens. One of the best books on moths, compact text and cross-references simplify identification. Current assessment of breeding species and genuine migrants, their status, habits and distribution. Hardcover 325 pages
£48.00
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B221 British Moths and Butterflies A photographic guide by Chris Manley. Covers more than 1420 species including 850 macros, 74 butterflies and 500 micros, with photos of 314 species of caterpillars, pupae and eggs. Concise text includes wingspans, status, distribution, flight periods, habitats and larval foodplants. All the photographs are of living insects taken in natural conditions. Softcover, 352 pages.
£24.99
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E7585C New Combo 6W Heath trap 6W Heath trap as above but with a combined ballast unit and solar switch - saving some of the additional cost of buying a separate solar switch. Complete trap as illustrated except for power supply (battery or mains unit - see Power supplies below)
E7588C New Combo 8W Rigid portable trap Rigid trap as above but with a combined ballast unit and solar switch - saving some of the additional cost of buying a separate solar switch.
£95.15 Ex VAT
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NEW - Beewatchers Kit - endorsed by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust
"The Bumblebee Conservation Trust are pleased to recommend Watkins and Doncaster's bee-catching equipment. The Trust's staff and volunteers all use the excellent nets when doing survey work - they're reliable, well balanced, and the fine mesh ensures that they don't harm the bees that we catch."
E6787 Beewatchers Kit Includes: * 35cm (14") Fourfold net with black bag * 5 each of pots E6054 and E6055 * x10 hand lens (E655) * Guide to Bees FSC laminated chart
Everybody loves bumblebees - they're the sight and sound of summer. Sadly 3 of the UK's 25 native species are already extinct, and several more are severely threatened. As well as being affable and attractive little insects, bumblebees also pollinate our wild flowers and agricultural crops - they are extremely important! The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is a national charity which is working hard to prevent further declines and safeguard our bumblebees for future generations. The general public can do a lot to help, for example by joining the trust, improving their own gardens for bumblebees, and by taking part in surveys to help us map bumblebee distributions. Visit the BBCT website for more information at www.bumblebeeconservation.org.
B249 The Bat Detective A field guide for bat detection by Brian Briggs and David King. An excellent reference tool with accompanying CD for bat enthusiasts who would like to gain or improve their skills in identifying British bats, using a bat detector. CD includes sounds of 13 bat species.
£17.95
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B2364 Concise Guide to Moths of GB & Ireland by Martin Townsend & Paul Waring, illustrated by Richard Lewington. A guide with all the illustrations of the classic Field Guide in a portable wire-bound format with concise descriptions opposite the plates, all in a durable PVC wallet. Nearly all the resident and migrant British and Irish species of macro-moths illustrated and described. 160 pages.
£12.95
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B2481 Guide to Garden Wildlife by Richard Lewington. A new guide covering all the main animal groups, including pond life, likely to be found in a garden in Great Britain and Ireland. More than 900 exquisitely detailed artworks and photographs of over 500 species from bluetits to bumblebees.
£12.95
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V1211 Bumblebee Nest Box Constructed from thick durable timber (Cedar/Larch/Alder) to keep nesting bees dry, and recycled plastic from agricultural sources. The overhanging roof can be opened to reveal an internal and removable viewing window. Vent holes are provided for good air flow. The nester can be fixed in an elevated location (up to 2 metres high). The front elevation features a combination of white, yellow and blue colours which research indicates act as an attractor to queen bumblebees. Includes nest material, instructions and Bumblebee Guide. H290xW350xD170mm, weight approx 2.9kg
£22.50 Ex VAT
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V1212 Ladybird / Bug Box A general insect habitat. The holes may be used by solitary bees such as Mason Bees or Leafcutter Bees, which are non-aggresive and excellent for pollinating in the garden. The durable roof and solid timber construction give excellent insulation for over wintering Ladybirds and Lacewings. Site using back hanger or central hanging chain in a sheltered spot, preferably to catch the morning sun. H135xW110xD210mm, weight approx 1.5kg
£10.61 Ex VAT
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Wooden framed breeding cages
A quality hand-made range of breeding cage, supplied with assembly instructions.
E6104 Standard wooden framed cage Size: 17"x16"x9" (42.5x40x22.5cm)
£36.00 Ex VAT
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E6105 Medium wooden framed cage Size: 17"x16"x14" (42.5x40x35cm)
£40.25 Ex VAT
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E6106 Small wooden framed cage Size: 20"x12"x12" (50x30x30cm)
£35.00 Ex VAT
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E6107 Large wooden framed cage Size: 24"x18"x12" (60x45x30cm)
£40.25 Ex VAT
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V1210 Batbox III D A high quality, low noise heterodyne bat detector capable of detecting the 16 species of bat in the UK, and many other insect feeding bats around the world. Tunable frequency range from 19kHz-125kHz Digital LCD display with back light Dimensions: 125x69x32mm Supplied with user guide, battery and soft carrying case.
£132.00 Ex VAT
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E6786 Butterfly Garden Kit Ideal for young enthusiasts in the classroom or at home, this kit includes a small pop-up breeding cage (30cm tall), feeding pipette, instructions and a certificate which can be sent off to receive 5 Painted Lady caterpillars plus food.
£16.67 Ex VAT
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E67861 Caterpillar refill for Butterfly Garden Kit This will provide a certificate to send off for 5 Painted Lady caterpillars plus food.
£9.99 Ex VAT
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E6624 Little Bug Locket x2 nature viewer Round container 40mm x 35mm diameter with cord to hang around neck.