Birds, bugs, and botany bioblitz

The Department of Natural and Applied Sciences is hosting a series of ‘Birds, Bugs and Botany Bioblitz’ citizen science days. These events offer students a hands-on opportunity to explore urban biodiversity, from birds and insects to the plants that support them. By taking part in real scientific research, students will investigate how green spaces influence both ecological communities and human well-being.

Students will contribute to a research project at Canterbury Christ Church University, collecting valuable data on urban wildlife and investigating the benefits of green spaces for our health and wellbeing. Through interactive activities, they will develop fieldwork skills, gain experience with scientific tools and deepen their understanding of local ecosystems.

Fieldwork and laboratory activities

• Bird and plant identification – using field guides, students will identify bird species and plants in a green space, exploring their role in urban biodiversity.

• Mobile apps and photography – students will use apps like iNaturalist and Seek to photograph and log plant and insect species, contributing valuable data to biodiversity databases.
• Microscopy and pollen analysis – students will collect and examine pollen samples under a microscope, deepening their understanding of pollination and plant biology.
• Value of nature experiment - students will explore perceptions of nature by viewing images and videos of green spaces. Before and after the activity, they will measure their heart rate and complete a mood questionnaire to assess the impact of nature exposure.
• Additional microscopy exploration: students will also have access to CCCU’s library of microscopic slides and preserved specimens to study under the microscope.

By the end of the event, students will have developed key research skills and discovered how they can contribute to wider citizen science projects. More than just an introduction to fieldwork, this experience highlights the power of citizen science in understanding and protecting biodiversity.

Available dates

The event is available on the following dates:

Thursday 19 June 2025

Friday 20 June 2025

Monday 23 June 2025

Tuesday 24 June 2025

Wednesday 25 June 2025 

The start time will be 9.30am with the day finishing at approx 2.45pm

Who can attend?

This event is open to students completing GCSEs, AS Levels, A Levels or equivalent (i.e., from Key Stage 4 onwards).

Maximum numbers per event

100

Additional Information

As part of the event, students may complete a short questionnaire. This will include questions such as:

1. How does spending time in a green space make you feel?
2. What do you think is the role of birds in urban environments?
3. Did you notice any birds, insects or plants today that you hadn’t seen before?
4. Are you more likely to visit urban green spaces after today’s event?
5. Did any particular bird, insect or plant stand out to you? If so, why?

This research has been risk assessed, and an ethics application will be approved by the university ethics panel prior to the event. We will not ask any students classified as vulnerable under NFER guidelines to participate in the questionnaire. We kindly ask school staff to assist in identifying students who are eligible to take part in this aspect of the study.

Accessibility

The fieldwork component of the trip will require students to walk from the CCCU campus to green spaces in central Canterbury in the morning, then walk back to the campus for laboratory work in the afternoon. If students are unable to walk for ~60 minutes over the course of the day, the school is welcome to arrange alternative transport so they can participate fully in the bioblitz day.

Similarly, if there are additional requirements for students in the laboratory, please let the university know at least four weeks in advance so we can ensure they have access to an appropriate and safe working environment.

Please can attendees bring their own lunch which will either be eaten at one of the green spaces or at our Canterbury Campus.