Black-tailed godwit by Chris Mills

Norfolk's biggest BioBlitz


Wednesday 19 July, 2017



This weekend (22 & 23 July 2017) Norfolk will see one of the largest wildlife surveys conducted in the county. Norfolk Wildlife Trust is joining forces with National Trust, RSPB, Natural England and Holkham Estate to carry out a BioBlitz stretching from Holme-next-the-Sea in west Norfolk to Salthouse in the east. A BioBlitz is the identification and recording of as many species as possible within a 24-hour period, ranging from small insects to large mammals.
 
The BioBlitz weekend also provides a great opportunity for families with children aged 8-16 to be part of the exclusive Nocturnal Nature event taking place overnight (6.30pm – 8.30am) at Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes. Families can enjoy a sunset supper and experience the reserve’s wildlife at night which is rarely seen by other visitors with bat walks, moth trapping and wildlife films. Sleeping over in the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre, they will wake up to see the reserve at dawn with a refreshing bird walk followed by breakfast.
 
Cley Marshes Community Education Officer Rachael Wright said: “This is one of the biggest events to take place on the North Norfolk coast this year, and we hope that as many people as possible get involved. Identification specialists will be on board to assist anyone with little or no surveying experience, making our BioBlitz weekend a fantastic opportunity for children to get stuck in as well as adults. Considering the scale of the event, we are hoping to discover some species we haven’t come across on this area of the coast before.”
 
The Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre at NWT’s Cley Marshes visitor centre will be used as an information hub throughout the weekend. Information stands from Norfolk Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Marine Conservation Society, Norfolk Ornithological Association and Butterfly Conservation will be found in the education centre across the weekend with advice for all surveyors wishing to get involved. Cley Beach will also be hosting activities such as wildlife crafts for families. 
 
It is hoped that this huge BioBlitz will uncover some wildlife treasures that were previously unknown to be present along the North Norfolk coast. All discoveries made during the BioBlitz will be submitted to local wildlife record centres and the National Biodiversity Network to help increase our understanding of how wildlife along the North Norfolk coast is changing and how best to protect it.
 
The BioBlitz is free with no pre-booking required. Booking is essential for Nocturnal Nature. For more information or to book Nocturnal Nature (£25 members, £30 non-members, all activities and meals included in price), go to www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk or call Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes on 01263 740008.
 
- Ends -
Share this

Top news stories

2024-02-19 Cromer goats join NWT! Cromer goats join NWT!
Monday 19 February, 2024
Twelve rare breed goats are settling into their new life with Norfolk Wildlife Trust after retiring from their conser...
2024-02-09 High-tech cows aid nature cons High-tech cows aid nature conservation at NWT Sweet Briar Marshes
Friday 09 February, 2024
Six rare breed cattle, sporting the latest in grazing technology, have been released at Norfolk Wildlife Trust's ...
2024-02-08 NWT Cley Marshes to host Rober NWT Cley Marshes to host Robert Gillmor retrospective
Thursday 08 February, 2024
Norfolk Wildlife Trust will host a retrospective exhibition of the work of renowned wildlife artist, Robert Gillmor, ...
2024-02-02 Population of UK’s tallest bir Population of UK’s tallest bird hits record-breaking high
Friday 02 February, 2024
Survey results show 2023 was another successful year for the Common Crane, with a record 80 pairs confirmed in the UK...
2024-02-01 National Lottery Heritage Fund National Lottery Heritage Funding to support our new 'Building Foundations for the Future' project
Thursday 01 February, 2024
We are delighted to announce that we have been granted an incredible £241,642 from The National Lottery He...
2024-01-19 UK Government authorises use o UK Government authorises use of bee-killing pesticide for sugar beet
Friday 19 January, 2024
'Emergency' authorisation to use a highly damaging neonicotinoid has today been approved by UK Government, de...
2024-01-04 £210,000 boost for west Norfol £210,000 boost for west Norfolk's wetland wildlife
Thursday 04 January, 2024
Norfolk Wildlife Trust opens the new year with an exciting new project making vital improvements to rare wildlife-ric...
2024-01-04 Our former leader, Brendan Joy Our former leader, Brendan Joyce OBE
Thursday 04 January, 2024
Everyone at Norfolk Wildlife Trust is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Chief Executive Brendan Joyce OB...
2023-12-08 British Sugar fails to deliver British Sugar fails to deliver on 3-year plan to end use of banned neonicotinoids
Friday 08 December, 2023
Time's up! Minister urged to help sugar farmers go neonic-free and honour ban as deadline approaches to end relia...
2023-12-05 Western Link road planning dec Western Link road planning decision sparks outrage amongst environmental groups
Tuesday 05 December, 2023
Following yesterday’s announcement that Norfolk County Council has given the green light for a planning applica...
2023-11-14 Shared vision revealed for Nor Shared vision revealed for Norwich nature reserve
Tuesday 14 November, 2023
We have revealed the emerging long-term vision for our newest nature reserve Sweet Briar Marshes. Sketches,...
2023-11-06 We've purchased a popular Hick We've purchased a popular Hickling pub!
Monday 06 November, 2023
We have announced that we are the new owners of the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling Staithe.  ...