First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is running five BioBlitz events this summer to help develop more nature-friendly neighbourhoods and benefit local communities.
Plant Cooperative CIC has been commissioned by the housing association to deliver the experience.
The £1375 project is part of FCHO’s award-winning Greater & Greener link-up with the National Trust to improve biodiversity.
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During the weekly Wednesday events in July and August, FCHO customers and residents will have the opportunity to take up the role of “citizen scientists”, working with Plant Cooperative to identify and record urban wildlife in their local area.
“These BioBlitz surveys will capture a snapshot of the variety of wildlife found in a specific community and is part of our drive to help create more nature-friendly neighbourhoods and improve green spaces,” said FCHO head of neighbourhood care David Wrigley.
“We’d really like our customers and residents in these areas to come along on the day for just an hour and take part with the expert guidance of Andy Farrington from Plant Cooperative.
“Each year FCHO takes biodiversity and climate change more and more seriously. We are planting more flowers, bulbs and trees to help our wildlife. We are also cutting our grass less in specific locations to encourage biodiversity.
“Knowing what lives in these locations with the help of our communities on a BioBlitz will help us understand more and get even better at protecting our environment – something our customers say loud and clear they want to see happen.”
Andy Farrington project lead at Plant Cooperative CIC said:
“Through these BioBlitz’s we’re inviting people to take the opportunity to explore their local green spaces and discover the incredible variety of wildlife that shares our neighbourhoods.
“Every observation helps build a better picture of local biodiversity and contributes to important citizen science. We’re hoping to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those who may never have taken part in wildlife recording before, showing that you don’t need to be an expert to make a valuable contribution to nature conservation.
“Come along, bring a friend and come enjoy and support the wildlife living right on your doorstep.”
