Building your own BioBlitz

1. Planning

When planning a biodiversity survey, start by setting clear objectives for what you hope to achieve. Think about the types of plants or animals you want to observe, and use these goals to guide your next steps.

Next, choose a suitable site that matches your objectives—this could be a park, school grounds, or even your own garden.

Once you’ve picked the location, decide on the date, how long the survey will last, and what time of day you’ll carry it out. This helps you prepare for the best chance to spot different species.

2. Preparation

Before the survey, it’s a good idea to visit the site in advance to get familiar with the area. This recce helps you plan your survey route and spot any potential challenges.

If you have participants joining you, spend some time training them on how to record their findings and follow the survey protocol. Make sure everyone knows how to respect wildlife and the environment while participating.

3. Conduct your survey

During the survey, remind everyone of the proper procedures and encourage careful observation and good wildlife etiquette.

4. After survey completion

After the survey is finished, gather all the data collected and, if you wish, share the results with your participants. Analysing and sharing your findings not only helps everyone learn, but also builds a sense of teamwork and excitement around supporting local biodiversity.