Pest Odyssey Uk – A Group To Promote Ipm In Cultural Heritage In The Uk

The Pest Odyssey group consists of professionals from the cultural heritage sector with a wide experience of IPM, a personal interest and demonstrated dedication to the program and its applications. We effectively represent the cultural sector and members are from a wide group which includes; National Museums, Historic Houses and independent consultants. It has its origins in a programme set up by English Heritage in 2008 to encourage transmission and exchange of IPM skills. The group really came together in its present form to organise and run the very successful 2011 Pest Odyssey Conference at the British Museum. Our mission is to provide a trusted platform to communicate, advise and promote best practise in Integrated Pest Management for cultural heritage. This multi-disciplinary group provides expertise in reducing pest risk, thus protecting valuable collections. We advocate the use of IPM as an essential cost-effective and sustainable tool to serve the cultural heritage industry, creating collaborative networks and sharing relevant information. There is a small steering group of members who must show active participation within the group. Some of the achievements over the last 10 years include: development of guidelines and strategies for IPM programmes, advice to legislative bodies directing control and treatment products and developing the Pest Odyssey website. The group aims to organise one open meeting each year for interested museum and pest professionals to encourage presentation of new information and discussion on best practice IPM strategies in the heritage sector.