BioBlitz 2017 – Friday 16th – Sunday 18th June 2017
Become a wildlife explorer for the weekend and discover what’s living right on your doorstep by joining in at your local BioBlitz event.
With interactive activities for youngsters, grown-ups, beginners and experts alike there is something for everyone including Guided Walks, Talks, Children’s Art, Nature Table, Dawn Chorus Walk, Bat Walks, Pond-dipping, Moth-trapping, Grass-Sweeping, Tea Hut and much more – and it’s all free!
Friday 16th June
20:30 – Bat Walk. Meet outside the tea hut, Wanstead Park.
Come and join Conservation Ranger, Frances Castro and search for pipistrelles, Noctules, Daubenton’s and other bats. Bring a torch and suitable clothing for an evening walk. (approx. 90 minutes)
22:00 – Moth-trapping. Meet outside the Temple, Wanstead Park.
Local moth enthusiasts will have their light traps fired up to attract some of the great array of moths to be found in Wanstead Park. Bring a torch and wear appropriate clothing for an evening activity. (approx. 2 hours). Leader Tim Harris
Saturday 17th June
08:00 – Wildlife Refound: from parkland to woodland.
Meet at junction of Bushwood Road and Stanmore Road.
Leader: James Heal
10:30. Flowers of Wanstead Flats
Meet at Centre Rd car park gazebo. Leader: Tricia Moxey
11:00 – Spider Hunt
Meet at Centre Rd gazebo. Leader: David Carr
14:00 – Dogs and Wildlife; a guide to responsible dog-walking
Meet at Centre Rd car park gazebo. Please bring your dog (on a leash)! Leader:
15:00 – 16:00 Children’s Pond Dipping
Meet at Jubilee Pond. Leaders: Sean Dillon and Gill James
Sunday 18th June
05:00 – Dawn Chorus Walk
Leading birder Nick Croft, joined by Tim Harris and Jane Cleall, lead the crack-of-dawn walk around the park to listen to the sounds of the dawn chorus, see a new generation of young birds and maybe encounter a surprise or two. (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes).
11:00 – Pond Dipping. Meet at Temple enclosure, Wanstead Park.
The park’s lakes hold a surprising amount of aquatic life, from large fish to tiny invertebrates, including dragonfly larvae and even crayfish. Help Derek and Cathy McEwan catch an endless array of life-forms from the Shoulder of Mutton Pond. (approx. 90 minutes).
11:15 – Nature Walk in Wanstead Park
Meet at Temple enclosure, Wanstead Park
Leaders: Mirza Rashid, Jackie Morrison, David Giddings
14:00 – 16:00 – Nature Club. Storytelling, Minibeast Hunt, & Crafts
Meet at The Temple. £3.50 per child (children aged 2-7 years old)
Leaders: Sean Dillon of Wild East Project and Gill James
14:00 – Pond Dipping in Shoulder of Mutton pond (90 minutes)
Leaders: Derek and Cathy McEwan
15:00 – Wanstead Park Trees
Meet at Temple enclosure, Wanstead Park.
Leaders: Tricia Moxey, David Giddings, Jackie Morrison
16:00 – Finish