Churchyard Bioblitz this Saturday

St. Margaret’s, Church Road, Thorpe Market, Norfolk, NR11 8AJ

The word ‘bio’ means life and ‘blitz’ to do something quickly. Put these words together and help Norfolk Wildlife Trust try as they try and record as many different animals and plants in six hours in the beautiful churchyard of St Margaret’s in Thorpe Market.

Come along to St. Margaret’s Church on Saturday 9 July from 10am to 4pm. There will be guided walks, conservation and wildlife talks, a churchyard quiz and you can help the experts with their search for animals and plants. This event is free and there is no need to book. Small charge for refreshments.

Many of Norfolk’s churchyards, including this one at Thorpe Market, provide quiet havens for wildlife including species which have declined in the wider countryside. Many of our churchyards at this time of year are rich in colourful wildflowers such as ox-eye daisy, red campion, common poppies, bedstraws and cranesbills which in turn provide nectar for bees and shelter for  many kinds of insects.  

Living Landscape Project Officer, Gemma Walker said: “This rural church also has a resident tawny owl that leaves owl pellets in the grounds for us to find and is home to a whole host of different species of butterflies, moths and bumblebees which we record as part of this bioblitz. Every hour we’ll update the running total of what we’ve seen. Come along and enjoy the wildflowers and learn about how and why churchyards can play a role in protecting Norfolk’s wildlife.”

The event is part of Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s two-year project County Wildlife Action, made possible by National Lottery players thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), to work with local communities to visit, enjoy and learn about the wildlife on more than 100 local sites.