Big Weekend Wildlife Watch

What is the Big Weekend Wildlife Watch?

Wildlife is in decline across the UK and we are calling on you, Wildlife Explorer, to help us survey the state of Staffordshire's wildlife across the county.  We want you to look out for 30 key species across Staffordshire on Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st June, you can find these in your garden, local outdoor space and even spot some from outside your window at home. We want you to note how many of each species you have seen and send in the results to us. For those of you who are luckily, there are 6 gold star species you can find that are more difficult to spot than the others. 

All ages are encouraged to take part in the survey from kids to grown ups - we even had schools sign up last year! 

Species we want you to spot range from mammals to moths to bees and birds; so you need to make sure you are looking all around you!

How can I take part?  

To take part in our Big Weekend Wildlife Watch, you will need to fill in the form at the bottom of this page to register your interest. Once signed up, you'll get a confirmation message with a link to download your spotting booklet ready for the Big Wild Weekend. You can print and fill it in or if you don't have a printer, view the pages of the booklet on your phone and take a notebook out with you. The booklet pages include a checklist of the species we want you to look out for so you can tick them off along with some facts to help you spot the species. 

Although we are asking you to look out for 30 species, we very much welcome you sending in records of any others you manage to spot. We felt like 30 species was a good number to look out for over the weekend. You can also submit images of species you spot when you send over your results too!

Why are we doing this?

Last year, The Wildlife Trusts along with other organisations launched the 'State of Nature' report which through recording, researching and conservation assesses the current state of nature in the UK. 15 % of UK species were found to be threatened and there were strong or moderate declines since 1970  in 41% of all UK species. Hedgehogs, toads, water voles and turtle doves are just a few species of many whose numbers are declining. 

We need to act to put nature into recovery before it is too late to ensure a Wilder Future for all. By recording species for our Big Weekend Wildlife Watch you will be helping us further analyse the state of Staffordshire's wildlife by building our record data as we map out the county. Once numbers have been collated, along with other data, we can start to see a picture of which species aren't doing so well and therefore make extra efforts to help these species. 

It is also great fun spotting wildlife and taking part in the survey is the perfect excuse to get outdoors, learn about local wildlife and well ... go wild! 

Don't forget to keep us updating with how you are getting on and the cool species you have spotted by tagging us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Best of luck, we are counting on you Wildlife Explorers! 

You can change your contact preferences at any time by e-mailing member@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or calling 01889 880100. We promise to protect your personal data, in accordance with our privacy policy.