Submitted by Jessica Haskell on Tue, 2021-06-29 13:12
Here at the University we believe that conserving biodiversity is inherently the right thing to do, we need to rebuild nature and give biodiversity a helping hand. Join our summer ‘Spot on!’ campaign to find out how your wildlife sightings can support a nature-friendly estate and future.
The campaign is packed full of talks and workshops, both in-person and online. From identification courses to wildlife walks, we’ve got something for everyone.
What’s happening?
Back in March we launched our online iRecord account and user guide so that anyone over the age of 13 can submit their wildlife sightings (video instructions are also available). This user-friendly website (or app), acts as a database for species found across the University’s estate. Without data, we can’t identify the areas we’ve improved or those that need our attention.
The events below are designed to not only let you know why we need to focus on recording biodiversity here in Cambridge, but also to provide you with the confidence, skills and experience to contribute your own wildlife sightings. This campaign is for everyone, whether you’re a wildlife expert, novice, or anywhere in between!
All online events will be recorded.
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Creating a nature-friendly estate and an introduction to iRecord Join Mike Maunder, Executive Director of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and Chantal Helm from the Botanic Garden for the online launch of our ‘Spot on!’ campaign. We’ll be exploring why monitoring biodiversity matters and you’ll come away with tips and tricks for recording your own wildlife sightings. |
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Online introduction to insect ID This beginner’s guide to identifying insects will be hosted by Brian Eversham, CEO of BCN Wildlife Trust. |
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15 July, 18:00-20:00 |
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20 July, 12:00-13:30 |
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Online workshop – Hedgehog Friendly Campus 22 July, 14:00-16:00 |
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Practical hedgehog survey workshop – Hedgehog Friendly Campus 22 July, 18:00-19:00 |
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Bioblitz with the Botanic Garden and Museum of Zoology 23 and 24 July |
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Online introduction to dragonfly ID 27 July, 12:00-13:00 |
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Online introduction to butterfly ID |
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Online introduction to raptor ID 5 August, 13:00-14:00 |
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Online introduction to wildflower ID 10 August, 12:30-13:30 |
Why does ‘Spot on!’ matter?
Beyond believing that biodiversity should be protected in and for its own right, conserving biodiversity also reaches to the core of quality of life, ecosystem services, economic advantages, wellbeing and health. Nature is a much-needed source of delight and optimism and, healthy, thriving ecosystems are intrinsic to our own futures. Large-scale change is needed but it starts on our own doorsteps.
Back in October 2020 the University launched its first Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The BAP provides a formal framework to meet one of our core sustainability objectives; to have a positive impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. To understand our progress towards this target, we need data. A biodiversity baseline was completed in 2018, which provides a great starting point for us but we need the help of the community to see how this data changes over time. If we don’t track the species we see, we can’t assess the effectiveness of our biodiversity measures. By contributing to this campaign you are contributing to a nature-friendly future, here in Cambridge and beyond.
Written by Rachel Steward, Environmental Manager