2010 BioBlitz Activities
We offered a number of activities such as pond dipping, moth trapping, and bat walks throughout the 30 hour event. Everyone had a great time chatting to our expert naturalists about the wildlife found, and taking a peek inside the Discovery Tent. There was something exciting for the whole family at BioBlitz, and all the events were completely FREE. Unfortunately, the event has now passed, but we hope you can join us next year!
Below is a list of some of the many great activities that happened at the 2010 BioBlitz:
Lichen Hunt - Friday, May 21st at 4:00PM
David Hill, lichenologist and botanist, will seek out trees, rocks and walls for the secrets they hold in the world of lichens. These are fungi which live together with green algae in symbiosis so that their bodies are made up of two different organisms. In this Lilliputian world (bring a hand lens or magnifying glass if you can) there is a fascinating diversity of form, function and colour. Some of the species are environmental indicators like a kind of ecological litmus. Come an see how many of these these wonderful, intricate and varied plant like fungi you can find.
Start at 4:00PM from the base camp marquee and the duration will be around about 1.5 hours. Come with stout footwear and, if you have one, a hand lens (not required).
Joint Dusk Walk - Friday, May 21st at 8:30PM
A twilight walk with Roger Moses of the Hawk and Owl Trust and David Brown of Avon Bat Group. We will be looking for all the creatures who prefer to be out in the dusk and into the night - we will focus on bats and owls but on a night walk you never know what is out and about.
Start at 8:30PM from the base camp marquee and the duration will be around 2hrs - please wear suitable clothing and footwear - a small torch would also be useful. We will conclude with a hot chocolate at base camp!
Moth Trapping - Friday, May 21st at 9:30PM
Orange Footman, Small Yellow Wave, The Mocha, Flame Shoulder - just some of the multitude of moth species that hide away by day and then appear by night. To see these surprising and attractively coloured moths join the Bristol & District Moth Group running powerful lights in the Blaise woodlands that draw 'moths to the flame'. Why are moths attracted to lights when they fly in the dark? How many 100s of different species occur in our gardens, parks, woodlands and meadows? Why are they important for the health of wildlife habitats and how they can help monitor climate change? Discover the moth world and find out the answers to these questions at the Bioblitz from 9.30pm on Friday 21st May.
Start time is 9:30PM and will last 2 hours, possibly longer for those that want to stick around! Please wear suitable clothing and footwear as well.
Dawn Chorus Bird Walk - Saturday, May 22nd at 4:30AM
Join Ed Drewitt, Ornithologist for a dawn chorus walk. As we venture out, birdsong will be in full swing and we'll be listening for all the different birds defending their nesting territories at first light. We'll hear everything from robins and blackbirds, to different warblers and ravens and may even catch a late bat or owl. If you've never heard a dawn chorus before, the intensity and volume is to be heard to be believed!
Start at 4:30am from base camp marquee and the duration will be around 1.5hrs - please wear suitable clothing and footwear (can be quite chilly this early); bring a snack bar; binoculars not essential.
Spot the Ladybird – Saturday, May 22nd at 9.30am and 1.30pm
Join Dr Remy Poland, co-ordinator of the UK Ladybird Survey, for a ladybird hunt around the grounds of Blaise Castle Estate. There are 46 species of ladybird in the UK – how many can you find in an hour? We will use sweep nets and beating trays to survey different types of habitat, and keep our finds in collecting pots for identification back at the ID tent. Look out for 7-spot ladybirds in the nettles, 10-spots in the trees, and harlequin ladybirds climbing up the Castle walls! All your records will be added to the UK Ladybird Survey. www.ladybird-survey.org
Start times are at 9.30am or 1.30pm from base camp. The walk will last for about an hour, with time for identification in the ID tent afterwards. Please wear socks and shoes (no sandals) and long trousers.
Stream Dipping - Saturday, May 22nd at 9.00, 10.00, 11.00, 1.00, 2.00
Join the Environment Agency and put on a pare of wellies to see what you can find in the Blaise Estate stream...
Fungi Walk - Saturday, May 22nd at 10.30am
North Somerset and Bristol Fungus Group will lead a foray into the word of fungus and see what delights Blaise has to offer... Don't miss out!
