News

A haven for dragonflies

Sociologist and naturalist Professor Ted Benton has published a new book charting the species and locations of dragonflies found in Essex.

The Dragonflies of Essex, co-written with John Dobson, updates Professor Benton's original survey of the county's dragonflies published 19 years ago.

One of the dragonflies pictured in the book

Professor Benton, of the Department of Sociology, explained: 'My long-standing interest in watching and photographing wildlife has taken me to many remote and beautiful parts of Europe, but for many years I’ve also worked with other naturalists to study and raise awareness of the value - and vulnerability – of our own local wildlife and their habitats.

'This time, John Dobson and I were delighted to find that all the species present 20 years ago are still with us. Some, indeed, have become more common, and we have two new arrivals. One of these, the small red-eyed damselfly, even chose Essex as its first foothold in the UK. Some species appreciate our county, even though some humans seem not to! The new arrivals, and the much earlier spring emergence of some other species may be evidence of climate change.'

The book includes accounts and distribution maps of all resident and migrant species with colour photographs throughout. There are also chapters on the biology of these insects, and a review of the best places in the county to watch dragonflies.

Professor Benton has also authored a number of books on bumblebees and butterflies. His latest work, published by the Essex Field Club in association with Lopinga Books, is available from bookshops and wildlife outlets or e-mail: tbenton@essex.ac.uk.

Fit 4 Life

It doesn't take a lot to stay fit and healthy - but a little could go a long way.

The University, together with the Physiological Society, is offering a unique opportunity for members of the public to explore what a healthy lifestyle is, and how it can be achieved.

The free one-day event is spearheaded by Dr Valerie Gladwell from the Department of Biological Sciences: 'We want to welcome people of all ages and levels of health and fitness to the Colchester Campus and tell them the full story about achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous and involve gyms - and a healthy diet doesn't mean just eating lettuce.'

Find out what happens to the body during exercise; how to go from couch to athlete; what the 2012 Olympics can do for you; and how the University is contributing to knowledge about health and exercise in a series of information sessions running throughout the day. Or get a chance to question some of the UK's leading health and fitness experts, along with sporting stars of today and tomorrow.

Participants have the opportunity to get involved and test their fitness levels and health status in variety of physical challenges and health checks - ranging from how fast you can run, or how flexible for you are, to measuring heart rate and blood pressure. There will also be the option to have-a-go at different taster sessions, from yoga to climbing, so come suitably dressed.

Fit 4 Life takes place on the Colchester Campus on Friday 4 April. Suitable for the over 12's, the day also links in with the national science curriculum. Individuals, families, schools, sports clubs and youth groups are all welcome to attend. To register your interest, e-mail:fit4lifeday@essex.ac.uk. The first 10 family groups to register will receive a free family health check.

Dental treatment to smile about

A new dental service offering free NHS dental care delivered in state-of-the-art facilities has opened at the Southend Campus.

Barts and The London Academic Dental Clinic has been developed in partnership between Barts and The London NHS Trust, which runs one of the country’s top rated teaching hospitals, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and South East Essex Primary Care Trust.

Dental treatment on offer will include check-ups, routine fillings, simple root canals, extractions, crowns and bridges, and dentures. It will be carried out by senior dental students studying at Barts and The London under the supervision of qualified local dentists. All treatment provided at the clinic is free and there is no need for referral.

The clinic is part of a broader NHS health and dental facility, Southend Health and Dental Care, which also comprises a GP service, an NHS Dental Practice run by a qualified dental practitioner, and a Clinical Skills Training laboratory run by the University of Essex.

The Clinical Skills labs, made possible through funding from the Strategic Health Authority, mean Essex students on the Foundation Degrees in Health Sciences and Oral Health Sciences benefit from a range of high-tech equipment, including a 'simulated man' known as SimMan and 15 work stations, each with a 'phantom head', and a networked computer and camera.

Also in the printed February edition of Wyvern:

• New partnership with Santander Universities
• Preview of new website
• New research centre opens