An ecological survey, known as a BioBlitz, will be held at the University’s Canterbury campus on Saturday 29 May 2021 from 08.00-21.30.
A BioBlitz is an interactive event held to record as many living species as possible within a specific area, under a short amount of time. With the University’s vast greenspaces and concentration of ecological specialists, it presents an ideal location to collect varied biodiversity data.
The School of Anthropology and Conservation (SAC) Sustainability Working Group is hosting the (Covid compliant) event and is calling for the public and volunteers to join its scientists, students and numerous local conservation and wildlife organisations to take part in collecting ecological surveys on the day.
A variety of specialist surveys will take place throughout the day, with experts on hand to explain how each species’ data is collected, facts about their behaviour/natural habitats and how they are protected on campus. These will include surveys for newts, butterflies and plants, a series of bird walks, moth trapping and a badger tracks walk. Members of the local community can register to take part in specific surveys via Eventbrite.
Attendance to the BioBlitz is free and open to all, even without previous biodiversity survey experience.
Emily Rampling, Member of Kent’s BioBlitz committee and a Conservation Project Management student at SAC, said: ‘We are delighted to be hosting a BioBlitz at Kent, presenting an opportunity for the local community to learn more about the diverse species on campus and the importance of sustainability in the local environment. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join the BioBlitz which is set to be a fun and educational experience.’
Find out more about Kent’s BioBlitz through the University’s website.
Woodlands at the Canterbury campus
University woodlands to be explored in the BioBlitz [Photo: Emily Mason]
Aerial view of Canterbury campus