What is a BioBlitz event?

A “BioBlitz” is a large scale event that engages large numbers of people with biodiversity, inviting them to get directly involved in surveying and monitoring. The events have three main elements:
* Length – BioBlitz events are run over 24 hours in a single location
* People – BioBlitz events involve large numbers of scientists and members of the public
* Focus – BioBlitz events place equal emphasis on scientific recording and public engagement

What takes place?

During a BioBlitz event scientists and members of the public work together to survey a natural space; seeking, identifying and recording as many species as possible over 24 hours. The majority of events work directly with an environmental records centre or within certain parameters in order to ensure that the data collected will have maximum scientific impact. Previous events have located between 300 and 700 unique species, depending on the site and number of people involved.

National BioBlitz Event Locations and Dates

Bristol - May 21/22
Brighton - June 6
Northumberland - May 21/22
Devon, Nethercombe - June 11/12
New Forest National - Park May 21/22
Cambridge - July 2/3
Swansea - May 21/22
Lincolnshire - July 9/10
Isle of Wight - June 2
Lancashire - August 7/8
London - June 5
Nottingham - July 18
Derby - June 5/6
Flintshire - TBC

BioBlitz events in the UK – International Year of Biodiversity

BioBlitz events originated in the USA in the mid-90’s. They have been run in the UK since 2006. In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity there are currently 14 events that will take place across the UK.

These events have formed a network in order to cooperate on a number of related national projects, and will be working together to share resources and combine their impacts. The Bristol Natural History Consortium will be promoting all events, including a dedicated national website to be launched in March 2010.

How will the BioBlitzes work together?

The current BioBlitz events have agreed to partner on following projects:
1. Experts / Naturalists
• Thanks to support from Natural Environment Research Council we’ll be working together to help scientists, amateur naturalists and taxonomists access events across the UK
2. Volunteers
• Thanks to support from vinspired students, the student volunteering programme run by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement, we’ll be supporting volunteers across the UK to take part in Bioblitz.
3. Schools
• Thanks to support from Airbus and a partnership with STEMNET, we’ll be helping schools across the UK access educational opportunities at BioBlitz events across the UK
4. Data and Research
• We’ll be focusing on establishing strong scientific outcomes, and a national set of data in partnership with Defra, local record centres and scientists.

Get Involved

The National BioBlitz is all about volunteers, scientists, naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts, school groups, students and members of the public working together to find as many different species as possible within the a natural area – all whilst racing against the clock!

With over 14 events happening across the UK, can you help a BioBlitz near you by exploring for wildlife and sharing any knowledge you have about nature with the public? Volunteers will be needed for the following roles at each event:

“Naturalists” will be crucial in helping us to find and identify species within the estate and to engage the public in wildlife identification and recording.

“Guides” will share knowledge and interpret ID keys alongside members of the public and identify species to as best a level as possible. These can then be verified in further detail by someone with more expertise back at Base Camp so the pressure is off!

“Stewards” will be the backbone of the event, engaging with schools, students, the public, and of course Bristol’s diverse natural spectrum.

"Media Volunteers" will manage the technical side of the web link up on site and report online of any finds made. 

“Liaisons” will be essential in promoting the National BioBlitz Programme through University networks and will involve liaising with local BioBlitz organisers and helping to facilitate volunteering in your area. 

To register as a volunteer please sign-up here:

For more information about a BioBlitz near you follow us on Twitter: @BioBlitzUK or on Facebook: BioBlitzUK