Take part in Moors Valley Bioblitz with a range of experts

The Bioblitz wildlife survey at Moors Valley Country Park on 27 July will aim to discover as many species of plants and animals as possible over 24 hours.

This will be the fourth annual survey to be carried out by park staff and volunteers and the first to involve seasonal rangers Sam Manning, (25) from Bournemouth, Mike Woods-Espine, (33) from Wool and John Hunt, (26) from Southbourne.

Each of the three has particular skills and interests that they bring to the survey. Sam holds a degree in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation and has a special interest in trees and woodland management; Mike holds a Level 2 apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation and focuses on wildlife recording, entomology and photography, while John has a degree in Zoology and holds a Level 3 apprenticeship in Environmental Conservation and is particularly interested in bats and birds.

Sam, Mike and John joined the Moors Valley team in spring to gain additional experience in their chosen fields and to learn more about how to manage a working forest and country park and how to reconcile the, sometimes competing, challenges of wildlife and the public.

Bat specialist, John Hunt, commented, “The range of visitor engagement makes this completely different to anything I have done before and has helped to expand my conservation skills in preparation for, hopefully, moving into a future role as a hands-on ranger.”

Clare Gronow, team leader at Moors Valley said, “We are incredibly lucky to be able to attract such high-quality seasonal staff to help out during the busiest time in our year.

“Their expertise is invaluable and will be particularly useful in helping the many volunteers who have come forward to take part in the Bioblitz, one of the most prominent dates in the park’s calendar.”