We're running five BioBlitz events this summer to help create more nature-friendly neighbourhoods and benefit local communities.
We've commissioned Plant Cooperative CIC to deliver the project, which forms part of our award-winning Greater & Greener partnership with the National Trust. The £1,375 initiative will help us learn more about the wildlife living in our neighbourhoods and support our ongoing work to improve biodiversity.
During the weekly Wednesday events throughout July and August, we're inviting customers and residents to spend an hour as citizen scientists in five locations across our communities. Working alongside Plant Cooperative, participants will help identify and record urban wildlife in their local area.
David Wrigley, Head of Neighbourhood Care, said:
"These BioBlitz surveys will capture a snapshot of the variety of wildlife found in a specific community and is part of our drive to help create more nature-friendly neighbourhoods and improve green spaces.
“We’d really like our customers and residents in these areas to come along on the day for just an hour and take part with the expert guidance of Andy Farrington from Plant Cooperative.
“Each year FCHO takes biodiversity and climate change more and more seriously. We are planting more flowers, bulbs and trees to help our wildlife. We are also cutting our grass less in specific locations to encourage biodiversity.
“Knowing what lives in these locations with the help of our communities on a BioBlitz will help us understand more and get even better at protecting our environment – something our customers say loud and clear they want to see happen.”
Andy Farrington, Project Lead at Plant Cooperative CIC, added:
"Through these BioBlitz's we're inviting people to take the opportunity to explore their local green spaces and discover the incredible variety of wildlife that shares our neighbourhoods.
"Every observation helps build a better picture of local biodiversity and contributes to important citizen science. We're hoping to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those who may never have taken part in wildlife recording before, showing that you don't need to be an expert to make a valuable contribution to nature conservation.
"So pop along, bring a friend and come enjoy and support the wildlife living right on your doorstep."
Event dates and locations
All BioBlitz sessions will take place from 11am to 12 noon on Wednesdays:
- 29 July – OL1 Community Garden
- 5 August – Wildflower areas, Littlemoor House
- 12 August – Eldon Street open space
- 19 August – Longfellow Crescent/Wells Road wildflower plots, Moorside
- 26 August – Wildflower areas, Marlborough Drive and Barons Court, Failsworth
Every observation will help us build a clearer picture of local biodiversity and support our efforts to create greener, healthier neighbourhoods for everyone.
