National BioBlitz 2010

[paulhurley]

I hope members won't mind me posting this up on the forum, I though it something that may be of interest:

National BioBlitz UK 2010

I'm working on behalf the of Bristol Natural History Consortium (Registered Charity: 1123432), who are co-ordinating this year's National BioBlitz Programme. I'm sure many members of the forum will know about BioBlitzes - they're large scale 24-hour recording events, which aim to involve as many people as possible with the biodiversity on their own doorstep. As 2010 is International Year of Biodiversity, we're co-ordinating 14 BioBlitzes across the country, between May and August, and are hoping to generate real engagement and excitement about the project.

Fundamental to a BioBlitz are the natural scientists, biologists, teachers, and enthusiasts who volunteer their time and expertise by leading the public on biodiversity surveys. The events cannot happen without ‘Naturalists’ in each specialist field, who help to find, identify and record species with the public... and this is what brings me to WAB.

We are really keen to involve insect and invertebrate experts across the country with the National BioBlitz - details of where and when these will be happening can be found on BNHC | BioBlitz (a couple of details are still to be confirmed). If you would be interested in coming to any of the events as an expert, there's a link on the website where you can register online, or if you'd like to have a further chat about what is involved then do drop me a message. Likewise, if you have any associates or colleagues across the country who may be interested, please do pass on this information. BioBlitzes really are a brilliant way to engage the public with biodiversity and I would be very grateful for any thoughts, enthusiasm, or just questions that may be useful to you.

The website also has more information about Bristol Natural History Consortium and a video of last years Bristol BioBlitz, which gives a really great idea of how the events work. I really look forward to hearing from some of you!

Many thanks for reading,

Paul Hurley
National BioBlitz / BNHC