The Atlantic Academy is getting ready for its first ever BioBlitz on the 27th and 28th June. Organised by the North Devon Coast National Landscape, the event aims to showcase the amazing wildlife on campus and around Buck’s Mills.
A “BioBlitz” involves finding and identifying as many different species as possible, including, plants, fungi, animals, and insects. The team are enlisting eager volunteers and members of the public to join them on FREE expert led walks to record wildlife. There is no experience required, and all ages are welcome.
The BioBlitz will begin with a nighttime nature exploration on the Friday evening, offering a rare glimpse into the nocturnal world – perfect for nature enthusiasts, stargazers, and curious minds alike. As twilight descends, moth and mammal traps will be set up to find out which creatures emerge after sunset. These will be checked first thing on Saturday morning to see which animals have been found. In addition, telescopes will be available to peer into the night sky, before heading into Buck’s Mills rainforest in search of bats.
Saturday morning’s programme of expert led FREE activities include;
- Moths and Mammals
- Brilliant Birds
- The Low-down on Lower Plants
- Tours of Atlantic Academy
- Life in the Stream
- Lichens
- Atlantic Rainforest Invertebrates
- Rockpool Ramble
- Woodland Plants
This is the third and final BioBlitz of the ‘Finding Nature’s Footprints’ project; each of which has been in a different location in North Devon. The project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, North Devon Council and Torridge District Council, and is focussed on working with communities to survey, map, and take action for North Devon’s wildlife.
Jess Giblett, the Finding Nature’s Footprints Project Coordinator, said: “Following the success of last years’ BioBlitz in Ilfracombe, and on Northam Burrows in 2023, we wanted a completely different location this year and the Atlantic Academy offers us just that. From Temperate Atlantic rainforest, to streams and dark skies, the school grounds and surrounding land has it all. As well as public events on the Friday and Saturday, we are additionally hosting a whole week of engagement with school children from Atlantic Academy and Bideford College. The Finding Nature’s Footprints project is all about getting local communities involved in nature to improve their understanding of wildlife in their area, and a BioBlitz is a great way to do this. It’s a free, fun way to look at wildlife. No experience is necessary, just come along and give it a go.”
The full programme of events can be seen on the North Devon Coast National Landscape website https://www.northdevoncoast-nl.org.uk/findingnaturesfootprints/bioblitz2025 as well as on their Facebook and Instagram pages (@northdevoncoastlnl). For further questions, contact jess.giblett@devon.gov.uk.
