Big Weekend Wildlife Watch

Big Weekend Wildlife Watch

Credit; Tom Marshall

Big Weekend Wildlife Watch

30 Days Wild - Big Wild Weekend

A big thank you to all those who took part in our Big Weekend Wildlife Watch survey last yearĀ - our BioBlitzĀ challengeĀ is back forĀ 2021!

We hope you will join us again this year for moreĀ exploring and wildlife spotting!

As part of 30 Days Wild, we are inviting you to take part in the campaign's Big Wild Weekend, on the 18th -Ā 20thĀ June.Ā The Big Wild Weekend is a weekendĀ where we, along with other Wildlife Trust's across the UK want you to spend time outside (whilst following social distancing Government rules) and connect with natureĀ on FridayĀ 18thĀ -Ā Sunday 20thĀ June. The Big Wild Weekend takes place halfway through 30 Days Wildā€“ the UKā€™s annual nature challenge organised by The Wildlife Trusts andĀ which runs from the 1st -30th June.

For the Big Wild WeekendĀ in Staffordshire, weĀ are encouraging people to head outside to their local green space or garden and get involved in our exciting Big Weekend Wildlife Watch survey! You can even look out your window too at home to spot some of the species or whilst out on your daily walk.Ā 

We will be picking a lucky winner from those that submit results who will receive a species ID guide.Ā Sign up here to take part in the Big Weekend Wildlife WatchĀ https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/BWWW

30 days wild pack

30 Days Wild 2021 sign ups are now open!

Take on the UK's biggest month-long nature challenge. Can you do one wild action each day in June? Sign up to get your FREE pack today!Ā There are packs available for individuals and families, schools, care homes and businesses.Ā 

Sign up to 30 Days Wild

What is the Big Weekend Wildlife Watch?

Wildlife is in decline across the UK and we are calling on you to help us survey the state of Staffordshire's wildlife across the county.Ā  We want youĀ to look out for 30 key species across Staffordshire from Friday 18th June -Ā Sunday 20thĀ 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 lucky, there are 6 gold star species you canĀ find that are more difficult to spot than the others.Ā 

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

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?Ā Ā 

To take part in our Big Weekend Wildlife Watch, you will need to fill in theĀ form at the bottom of this pageĀ to register your interest. Once signed up, you'll get a confirmation message with a link to download yourĀ spotting booklet ready for the Big Wild Weekend. You canĀ print andĀ 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. TheĀ booklet pages includeĀ a checklist of the species we want you to look out for so you can tick them off alongĀ with some facts to help you spot the species.Ā 

Although we are asking you to look out for 30 species, we very much welcome you sending in records of any other wildlifeĀ you 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!

One lucky winner will be randomly chosen from those who sign up to take part in and submit results for the surveyĀ whoĀ will receive a UK Garden Wildlife guide!

Bird spotting
Westport Lake - family activities

Learn species ID skills at our special drop-in events!

As part of our Big Weekend Widllife Watch BioBlitz event, we are running a series of drop-in sessionsĀ on Saturday 19th June where you can learn how to record your local wildlife!

Weā€™ll be exploring the exciting wildlife of the stunning Croxall Lakes nature reserve, and your family will learn how to make scientific records of the wildlife you find, and why this is important!

All families will receive a free Transforming the Trent Valley ID guide and survey booklet on the day as well as a copy of the Big Weekend Wildlife Watch booklet.

Find out more

Why are we doing this?

The current state of nature in the UK is in trouble. 15 % of UK species are threatenedĀ and thereĀ have beenĀ strong or moderate declines since 1970Ā in 41% of all UK species. Hedgehogs, toads, water voles and turtle doves are just a few species of many whose numbers are declining.Ā 

We need to act to put nature into recovery before it is too late to ensure a Wilder Future for all.Ā By recording species for our Big Weekend Wildlife Watch you will be helpingĀ us to further analyse the state of Staffordshire's wildlife by building our record data as we map out the wildlife status of 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.Ā 

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

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!Ā 

Sign up

You can sign up for the Big Weekend Wildlife Watch survey by filling in the form below.

You will then receive a confirmation message with a link to the spotting guide as well as a copy going to the email address you signed up with (please check your junk folder if you are having problems locating our email)Ā 

Ā 

We promise to protect your data in accordance with the Wildlife Trust Privacy Policy 

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

Bug hunting

Credit: Matthew Roberts

Top tips for spotting wildlife

- be quiet otherwise you might scare off the wildlife

- have a good pair of binoculars and aĀ magnifying glass to help identify species

- take snacks and a drink out with you, you need to keep your energy levels up!

- read the facts in your spotting booklet to help you identify certain species

- species like to be active at different times of day so make sure you try and mix up when you go out exploring

- be careful where you go exploring and make sure you always have an adult with you - they can often help with extra clues to help find wildlife!