A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. Volunteers work together with experts to get a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity.

Together, we’ll spend 24-hours paying attention to all the living things in Branford Park. We will explore, learn, and contribute to the shared knowledge of this area.

Come and have a go at identifying the plants, bugs, birds and fish that live in the Maitai valley. You don’t need special knowledge to participate, just a sense of curiosity. If you do have expertise, come and share it with others.

Start at the event base in Branford Park, just off Maitai Valley Road, and chat to one of the team. Find out how to use the iNaturalist app (if you have it) to record species observations and collect a scavenger hunt for any young ecologists.

There are some organised surveys in the programme (see below) and regular groups heading off exploring from the base throughout the day. These are opportunities to join other enthusiasts to investigate the different species in the forest or stream, and learn more about taking observations using iNaturalist, or you can head out on your own at any time.

Returning to base at the end, we would love to hear how you got on, and what you found!

All iNaturalist observations made during these 24hrs will automatically be added to the Bioblitz project. Final results will be compiled the following week as iNaturalist records get identified – leave your email address in the feedback form below if you’d like a copy of the results.