What is it? A BioBlitz is an intensive series of surveys carried out with the purpose of recording wildlife within a specific area over a short period of time (usually 24 hours). This type of survey is aimed at utilising citizen scientists and volunteers, with members of the public working alongside experienced naturalists and ecologists to record as many different species as possible. A BioBlitz can be scaled to the area of interest, ensuring that this type of survey is suitable for a wide range of groups and locations such as local schools, parks and wildlife groups. Why Blitz? A BioBlitz highlights many of the species present in one location, providing useful distribution and population data for various conservation projects around the country. The data collected can also be used as a baseline for future surveys, allowing for population trends to be determined. Do not be discouraged if you do not find as many species as expected, absence of a species in itself is also a valuable record and can help show areas that could benefit from ecological improvement. The results of a BioBlitz can be incredibly useful to landowners and stakeholders in developing suitable soft landscaping and biodiversity plans to maintain and improve the wildlife value of the site. This can be carried out locally at schools, colleges and parks, as well as on a county-wide level. Organising a BioBlitz is a good way of involving local communities to educate members of the public and encourage an interest in wildlife. Often an increased understanding of the wildlife in their surroundings can lead to many positive side effects, such as greater environmental awareness and a desire to cultivate wildlife on private properties. How to get involved If you want to take part in a BioBlitz but don’t know where to start, keep an eye on your local wildlife groups. The following organisations are just a few that have all run or participated in a BioBlitz in the last 5 years: Natural History Museum, the London Wildlife Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Field Studies Council and the Royal Parks Foundation – the charity for the Royal Parks. Alternatively, you might decide to run your own BioBlitz-don’t worry, there is plenty of guidance on this available on the web (see below). Organising your BioBlitz: Resources
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