A visiting research scientist from the United Kingdom, Dr Danni Sherwood, is nearing the end of a three-week programme in Bermuda that has strengthened the Island's ability to better understand, identify and manage the wide range of insects and other invertebrates that shape everyday life in Bermuda.

Her work has helped local teams sharpen skills that support everything from protecting native species to recognising new invasive pests before they become a problem for communities.

Dr Sherwood, a Senior Conservation Officer for the Supporting Atlantic Territories Invertebrate Conservation Project, has been in Bermuda since 3 November.

Her time on the Island has included hands-on identification sessions, museum curation training, and collaborative work with conservation partners to build long-term local capacity to study and protect land-dwelling invertebrates, including insects and spiders.

Over the past two weeks, Dr Sherwood has led a range of activities, including arachnid identification and invertebrate museum curation sessions at the Natural History Museum at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, followed by a series of workshops at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) headquarters.

These sessions covered endemic species, important invertebrate areas, conservation action planning, and the drafting of a national invertebrate strategy document to guide future species management and research.

Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, said: “Government welcomes the contribution that Dr Sherwood has made during her time in Bermuda. Her work supports our wider commitment to strengthen environmental management through sound science, capacity building and practical collaboration.

“The training delivered this month enhances Bermuda's ability to plan for the long term, and it has provided valuable opportunities for local teams to deepen their understanding of the Island's diverse invertebrate life.”

Director of DENR, Dr Geoff Smith, an environmental scientist by training, added: “Dr Sherwood has provided structured guidance that will help Bermuda refine technical methods for identifying, assessing and conserving local invertebrate species.

“Her support in drafting a national invertebrate strategy gives us a stronger foundation to prioritise research and conservation actions. The timing of this visit has also been useful, given DENR’s announcement last week regarding the discovery of red imported fire ants in Bermuda.

“While Dr Sherwood's workshops were not focused on fire ants, the added attention on invertebrate identification and assessment reinforces the importance of early detection and rapid response for all invasive invertebrates.”

Dr Sherwood will conclude her visit on 24 November. DENR will provide further updates on the development of the national invertebrate strategy document as the work progresses.