Series of BioBlitz Events Celebrate Nature in Minehead

We are extremely pleased to be working with Somerset Wildlife Trust, National Trust, and Exmoor National Park on a series of citizen science events in Minehead, commonly known as a ‘BioBlitz’.

The events kick off on Saturday 4th March from 10 am at the Beach Hotel with an interactive lesson on how to use the ‘iNaturalist‘ app to identify and record any wildlife you spot, whether in your back garden, walking the dog, or at the beach! 

“Every observation can contribute to biodiversity science, from the rarest butterfly to the most common backyard weed. We share your findings with scientific data repositories like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. All you have to do is observe.” – iNaturalist

The session will include an informative talk from Somerset Wildlife Trust and Exmoor National Park about iNaturalist and how to use it to benefit wildlife in your local area. There will then be an opportunity to go out with our iNaturalist experts to practice your newfound skills in Minehead.

Free tea, coffee, and cakeare available for all attendees. Entry to the event is free, and you can book your free space here: www.somersetwildlife.org/events/2023-03-04-inaturalist-training

Then, on 25th March from 9 am, we’ll kick off the main event with a seashore-themed BioBlitz along the beach and coastline. Join us from 9 am on Minehead’s Harbour Wall for a shoresearch survey, looking out for dolphins and porpoises. Then from 10 am, we’ll meet in the Beach Hotel for a run down of the activities available throughout the day, from seashore safaris with Rangers from Exmoor National Park, free guided walks and talks, and arts and crafts activities for both children and adults. Volunteers from Somerset Wildlife Trust will run three environmental surveys throughout the day, with volunteers recording data on any wildlife found on the beach at different tide levels.

To keep the nature-focused theme going, there will be follow-on BioBlitz events centered around seasonal themes throughout the year, with the next events already planned for 17th June (plants and insects) and 28th October (fungi).

For more information on how you can get involved by volunteering for our event or attending on the day, contact zara@mineheadandcoast.org.uk.