Global wildlife challenge comes to South Downs!
February 9, 2022
One of the world’s biggest wildlife spotting events is coming to the South Downs this spring.
People are being encouraged to make their walks a little wilder and spot the amazing animals and plants on their doorstep for the 5th International City Nature Challenge.
The challenge has grown from humble beginnings six years ago when it was a wildlife-spotting competition between San Francisco and Los Angeles in California.
Now a truly global event and no longer a formal competition, Brighton & Hove, together with the surrounding downland from Littlehampton to Beachy Head, will be one of 14 UK “lead cities” making a special effort to get people out and surveying wildlife.
The challenge takes place between April 29 and 2 May and taking part is easy:
- Download the iNaturalist app.
- Find wildlife and photograph what you find.
- Upload your observations.
The Sussex initiative is being supported by the University of Brighton, University of Sussex, The Living Coast, and the National Park Authority.
Although the Brighton region is one of the lead cities, people from across the National Park and from surrounding towns and cities such as Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester, Guildford and Eastbourne are also invited to take part over the four days and upload their observations on the app.
Wildlife surveying could include looking for insects, weeds or wildflowers, pond dipping, rock pooling, or listing any birds you can see. It could be on a walk in your town or on the Downs, or in your local park, seafront or school grounds.
Daniel Greenwood, Volunteer Development Officer, said: “This is a really fun opportunity to get involved in a worldwide community science initiative, whether you’re new to wildlife spotting or a seasoned pro!
“We all know that nature in the UK is facing unprecedented challenges and we need to understand more about where different species are to help look after them.
“So by spotting wildlife in your neighbourhood, you can help tackle the ecological emergency that is threatening nature on our doorsteps.”
Visit www.citynaturechallenge.org.uk to find out more and take part
