A Natural Evolution: From Sea Kayaking to Field Entomology

For over two decades, NOMAD has been about one thing above all else: connecting people with the natural world.

Since launching nearly twenty-one years ago — with our anniversary falling on 5th April 2026 — we’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of people along our coastlines, through estuaries and into wild places that many would never otherwise experience. 

Sea kayaking has always been more than just an activity for us. It’s been a way to open eyes to the richness, complexity, and fragility of the environments we move through. Over time, that connection has deepened.

Looking Closer

Anyone who has spent time with us on the water will know that our focus has never been solely on paddling. It’s about awareness — reading the landscape, understanding habitats, noticing wildlife and recognising the subtle interactions that make ecosystems function.

But increasingly, we found ourselves drawn to something smaller. Closer. More easily overlooked — yet absolutely fundamental.

Insects.

They are the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems. They pollinate, decompose, recycle nutrients & support entire food webs. They are even developed as surveillance tools by the military! And yet, for most people, they remain largely unseen & poorly understood.

For us, that felt like an opportunity.

Eleven Years in the Making

While NOMAD is publicly known for sea kayaking, behind the scenes, we have spent the past eleven years developing expertise in entomology.

From field collection techniques across varied habitats, to bench-based identification, microscopy and specimen curation — this has been a long-term, deliberate investment in skills, knowledge & practice.

Not as a side interest. But as a natural extension of what we already do. Because once you begin to look closely at the natural world, it becomes impossible not to keep going.

Why Entomology — and Why Now?

This shift is not a change in direction. It is a refinement of purpose. We already work outdoors. We already engage people with nature. We already operate with strong environmental principles.

Introducing Field Entomology Training and Events allows us to take that one step further — moving from experiencing nature to understanding it in a deeper, more structured way.

It gives people:

• The skills to observe & interpret the natural world

• A practical understanding of biodiversity

• A way to contribute meaningfully to recording & conservation

• A new level of appreciation for the environments they move through

In many ways, this is about slowing down. Taking time to notice what most people walk past. To relax the mind & body in an ever-stressful world of social madness.

From Field to Bench

One of the key things that sets our approach apart is the full journey we offer.

Not just finding insects in the field, but a complete Skills Pathway, developing one set of skills & moving to the next level.

From field collection & habitat understanding, to sample sorting & processing, microscope work, identification & specimen curation, our courses are designed to build real, transferable skills.

This is practical, hands-on learning. Grounded in real methods. Designed to give people the confidence to continue independently.

A Gradual Launch Through 2026

We are rolling out our entomology training & field events gradually throughout 2026, allowing us to build a strong foundation & deliver the highest quality experience at every stage.

We’re starting with our entry-level course:

Introduction to Field Entomology

Bookings are now Open for the introductory course.

This course is designed as an accessible starting point on a budget — a way for people to step into entomology, learn core techniques & begin seeing the natural world differently.

From there, more advanced courses follow, developing skills from field collection through to building scientifically valuable reference collections.

Building a Community

Alongside our courses, we are especially excited to launch the NOMAD Entomology Club.

This is more than just an add-on. It's a community of like-minded people — individuals who are curious, motivated & passionate about understanding the natural world.

A place to:

• Continue learning beyond the courses

• Apply the skills learned in our programmes

• Share knowledge & discoveries

• Ask questions & develop skills

• Stay connected with others on the same journey

Entomology isn’t a one-off experience. It grows over time — and is far more powerful when shared. The NOMAD Entomology Club is open to new Members beginning with our first field collection event in Summer 2026.

Online digital resources

Alongside our first course launch, we’re pleased to introduce our Digital Resources, now available on the website. These carefully developed materials are designed to support both Entomology Club members and students, providing practical guidance used in the field & at the bench. 

This is just the beginning — a growing library of resources that will help build confidence, develop skills & support learning well beyond the course itself. 

Looking Ahead

This is an exciting time for us. A new chapter — built on everything that has come before it.

Sea kayaking will remain at the heart of NOMAD, particularly one-to-one coaching. This next step allows us to deepen what we offer, expand our impact & help people engage with nature in a more meaningful & lasting way. We look forward to sharing it with you.

Bookings are now open for Introduction to Field Entomology.

The NOMAD Entomology Club is open to new Members beginning with our first field collection event in Summer 2026.