Free nature scavenger hunt taking place this Saturday in Widnes

Knowsley Safari and Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust are inviting wildlife lovers, of all ages and abilities, to a free family-friendly BioBlitz, taking place at Spike Island in Widnes, on Saturday 27 April from 11am – 2pm. 

The BioBlitz event forms part of the City Nature Challenge, an annual, global community science competition to document urban biodiversity.

There is no requirement to book and the fun event will see participants become ‘nature detectives’ during an interactive team effort to spot as many creatures as possible in and around the Mersey Estuary, from bugs and birds to plant and mammal species.

Knowsley Safari and Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust experts will be providing advice and tips during the BioBlitz, including how to record wildlife sightings using iNaturalist – an app which enables millions of conservation-keen people around the world to identify and log native plants and animals.

Phil Blackburn, conservation engagement coordinator at Knowsley Safari, said: “The Bioblitz is a fun and educational way to gain insight into the wildlife on our doorstep. 

“Adults and children alike will enjoy this real scientific experiment, where findings are analysed by conservation experts. 

“We hope as many people as possible come and share the experience of this environmental scavenger hunt, while connecting with nature.”

Stephanie Harrison, conservation officer at Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, said: “The Mersey Estuary is a biodiversity hotspot, rich with native wildlife. 

“Whilst it’s important we preserve the natural environment of this special landscape for future generations, we should also have fun, spending time outside and learning new things. The Bioblitz means we can do all those things.”

For further information please click here and follow Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust on social media: @mgenvtrust.

For further information about Knowsley Safari’s commitment to conservation, click here.