How to run a BioBlitz Lucy Carter, OPAL Project Officer

Natural History Museum Darwin Centre and Wildlife Garden

Who we are, what we do Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity Supporting UK natural history Lead 4 cross-cutting OPAL projects OPAL (Open Air Laboratories)

Who we are, what we do Introductions What is a BioBlitz? How to plan and run a BioBlitz Ideas for activities – group brainstorm Where to find ‘experts’? Group discussion – how to adapt the BioBlitz concept for your audience Outline of workshop

What is a BioBlitz? “A race against the clock to find and record as much wildlife as possible, within a set area” Four key elements: Time – usually 24 hours Place – within a defined area People – lots of them! BioBlitzes involve a mixture of the public, amateur naturalists and scientists Focus – equal emphasis on scientific recording and public engagement

History of BioBlitzes American biologist Sam Droege 1 st BioBlitz in USA – 1996 in Washington DC 1 st BioBlitz in UK – 2006 in Lincolnshire International Year of Biodiversity – many BioBlitzes across the country BioBlitz conference in 2011

OPAL BioBlitzes

August 2009: Wembury (1,500 people) June 2010: Mothecombe (520 people) June 2010: Alexandra Palace, London (8,000+) 2011 BioBlitz Conference, Bristol OPAL Guide OPAL Top 10 tips Funding and support OPAL BioBlitzes

Alexandra Palace BioBlitz 694 different organisms identified (666 to species-level) –38 types of lower plant –248 types of higher plant –57 types of lichen –26 types of fungi –59 types of vertebrate –26 types of arachnid –212 types of insect –28 other invertebrates

Impacts and benefits Wildlife records Unexpected finds Site management plans Local Nature Reserve Knowledge sharing Community empowerment OPAL BioBlitzes

Feedback "For my part it was great to network with so many keen naturalists, and the joy of so many very young potential new future naturalists. It was wonderful to see the delight of someone finding their first ladybird or moth” “The staff were all so friendly, knowledgeable & patient” “My children were in their element, and there was something for everyone. Hope it becomes a regular event” “From now on we’ll look at the park in a different way” “The enthusiasm of the scientists/helpers was wonderful”

How to plan a BioBlitz

How to plan a BioBlitz

How to plan a BioBlitz - zones

Recording forms

Bugs Count Mobile App Free from AppStore and Android Market

OPAL iSpot website Ask your BioBlitz participants to add their observations to iSpot, making sure that in the section "Descriptive tags" they use the relevant bioblitz tag. These need to be in the form: "bioblitz-[location+date]” For example: bioblitz-bristol2010 bioblitz-cambridge2012 Any tags that are in the above format will be listed on the iSpot bioblitz page, from where you will be able to click on the tag for your event and see all the observations that are linked to it.iSpot bioblitz page

OPAL iSpot website

Activities Group brainstorm The aim is to find and identify wildlife. What activities could you run, to facilitate this?

My favourite activity!

Worm Charming

Activities Group brainstorm The aim is to find and identify wildlife. What activities could you run, to facilitate this?

Activities – sweep netting (let the grass grow!!)

Who we are, what we do Activities - OPAL surveys

Who we are, what we do Activity ideas

Where to find ‘experts’? Wildlife Trusts Local Biological Records Centre Nature Societies Online / Nature Groups Near You Local museums Universities / colleges BTCV Council ecologist or similar Friends of… or local community groups Remember – what’s in it for them?

Where to find ‘experts’?

Group discussion How can the BioBlitz concept be adapted for different audiences?

Questions?