A 24-hour long BioBlitz will be held on Brownsea Island from midday on Friday 12 June in order to record coastal wildlife at the site.
The outdoor event is one of 25 interactive wildlife surveys happening across National Trust coastal sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland this summer. Over 24 hours, the charity’s wildlife experts will work closely with students and volunteers in a race against time to discover and record as many animals and plants as possible.
This much loved stretch of coastline attracts thousands of visitors every year to its shores, many of whom visit because of the fantastic wildlife found there.
All discoveries will be recorded and then submitted to local wildlife record centres and the National Biodiversity Network to help understand how wildlife along the coast is changing and how best to protect it. The National Trust will also use the findings to determine the conservation management needs of Brownsea Island.
David Bullock, Head of Nature Conservation for the National Trust, said: ‘We know that people visit Trust properties on the coast because they are so beautiful. But we also know that many would like to get under the skin of what is there – the special plants and animals that live there.
‘Our coastal BioBlitzes offer a unique opportunity for experts to tell us more about the wildlife that is on our coasts, and for visitors to learn more about what is in the rockpools and mud, and what is flying around at night on our coasts.’
Volunteers with wildlife knowledge can help out with the event, from leading on identifying species to talking to visitors about the work that’s taking place.
Visitors are also invited to join in with the fun by taking part in the free activities available on the day.
Melinda Fisher, volunteer at Brownsea Island, said: ‘There is lots of amazing marine life in Poole Harbour and on the beaches of Brownsea Island. The BioBlitz is a chance to discover all about these creatures and help in their conservation.’
The focus of the National Trust’s BioBlitzes on coastal wildlife is part of the conservation charity’s celebrations of the coastline. 50 years ago the Trust launched its Neptune Coastal Campaign which has since raised £65 million to help look after the English, Welsh and Northern Irish coastline.
To find out more about how to take part in the BioBlitz, visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island or call 01202 707744. Local residents with proof of their BH postcode are entitled to free admission to take part in the BioBlitz. Normal boat charges still apply.
