A BioBlitz is a fun and informal way for members of the public to learn how to record biodiversity, alongside experts.
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a 24 or 48 hour event to find and record as many of the species in a given area as possible. A BioBlitz usually involves both expert recorders and members of the public participating in Biodiversity Citizen Science. It is supposed to be a fun and informal way for members of the public to learn how to record biodiversity, alongside experts.
How Do I Run a BioBlitz?
Select Your Location
Decide where your BioBlitz will be and when… what is the best season for the area and species you are surveying?
Gather your BioBlitz community!
Make contact with local wildlife experts, recorders and academics who may be able to help you with recording different groups of species. Seek out opinions on BioBlitz ideas and activities.
Funding
If you want to run a BioBlitz you are likely going to need a budget for rental of a room as your BioBlitz base (or a tent/gazebo if outdoors), plus food and drink to keep your BioBlitzers well fueled! You may also want other activities on site such as info booths or fun activities, and of course, insurance! Your local Biodiversity Officer may be able to advise on potential sources of funding.
Permissions
You will need the permission of the landowner, and also to consult with your local wildlife ranger regarding protected sites (e.g. SAC), habitats, or species that may be in the area and what limits there may be on activities you are permitted to undertake. You should also do a risk assessment.
Advertise
Once your location, date and permissions are in place, next step is to advertise. If you want to control the number of people attending, you will need some sort of booking system.
More Information
A guide on how to organise a BioBlitz can be found by Clicking Here.
Submitting Your BioBlitz records to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
Tell us about your BioBlitz!
First step is to tell us about your BioBlitz, where it is on, and who is involved. As long as we are satisfied the BioBlitz is being run in conjunction with local experts, and with relevant permissions, we will issue a unique identifier for your BioBlitz which will enable your BioBlitz recorders to submit their records via our online form.
Submitting Records
Our online form enables multiple recorders independently submit records in their own name, and submit photographs of each record for validation purposes. All you need to do is inform all participants of where to record their records and what the unique identifier is (this is selectable from a drop-down menu in the online form).
Recorders will have 4 weeks after the end of the BioBlitz to submit all records, after that time the form cannot be used for further recording for your BioBlitz.