Release Date 04 June 2013

Organisers of Reading's first 24 hour biodiversity challenge this weekend (Friday 7 and Saturday 8 June), are appealing to local people, young and old, to get involved.

The free event, at the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus, will bring together scientists, wildlife groups and Reading residents to identify and celebrate animal and plant species on the 134 hectare campus from Friday at 9pm.

Dr Rebecca Thomas, Teaching Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences and organiser of the BioBlitz said: "The BioBlitz promises to be a great family event. We have worked to bring together our scientists, Berkshire environmental groups and members of the public to work together and do a fast and intensive survey of all forms of life on their doorstep. It's a race to find as many different species of plants, birds, insects, fungi, mammals, fish, and everything else as possible in 24 hours. Everything found will be written down to make a 'species record' which feeds into national databases that monitor our wildlife - it's real citizen science in action!

"It's so easy to take our woodland, meadows, open grassland and botanic gardens for granted, but events like this will hopefully remind people why our campus is so special and that ‘urban' wildlife shouldn't be overlooked."

A programme of lectures and guided walks will be hosted by staff of the University's School of Biological Sciences, commencing with bat and moth walks from 9pm on Friday evening, for which booking in advance is required.

Registrations for the BioBlitz will be taken at the entrance of the Harborne Building from 9.45am on Saturday. Guests will also be able to enjoy a Family Bird Walk, a Wild Flower Walk and a Butterfly Walk on the day, which will also host stalls of local groups such as the Berkshire Mammal Group and the Upper Thames Butterfly Conservation group at the event's environmental fair.

Visit the BioBlitz website for more information >>>

Follow Rebecca Thomas on Twitter - @BeckyMicrocebus #UoRBioBlitz 

ENDS

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