This lecture explores how climate change is reshaping the lives of insects — not just the pests that threaten crops, but also the beneficial species we rely on and those now at risk of disappearing altogether. With a particular focus on insects of conservation concern and pest species, it draws on decades of research led by Dr Richard Harrington during his time heading the Rothamsted Insect Survey, one of the world’s longest-running insect monitoring programmes. Although now retired, Dr Harrington remains deeply involved in entomology, contributing his expertise through voluntary roles with the Royal Entomological Society, the National Trust, and Butterfly Conservation.

The Lillingstone Lectures are a series of free lectures held at the Royal Latin School that are open to all members of the local community, not only to Royal Latin School families. To book a seat at any of these lectures, please see The Royal Latin School website for details.