Over the first weekend in July, we shall be taking a ‘snapshot’ of the wildlife in Coton Orchard. The ‘Bioblitz’ is being organised with On the Verge, Cambridge, and the activities and recording will be led by experts from various fields. So do come along and see what we find, and help with identification. ID guides and experts will be on hand, and no prior experience is required. Records from the event will be passed on to national recording schemes and will help to build our knowledge about the biodiversity in the Orchard.

There are various events and activities throughout the two days, but numbers on each are limited so places must be booked in advance. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult. Further details and booking are via the Eventbrite links below. Dress for British weather - long trousers to protect from nettles etc for guided walks advisable. Above all have fun and celebrate Nature!

If you haven't signed the CPPF petition to #SaveCotonOrchard, please consider doing so here. Thank you!

SATURDAY 1 JULY

Various times  Coton Conversations
A round table discussion with journalists, podcasters, locals, experts & enthusiastic amateurs about biodiversity (or lack of) in Cambridgeshire.

8.30–9.30am   Small Mammals
Opening mammal traps and identification, with Lorraine Jenkins, Cambridgeshire Mammal Group

[BOOK]

9–11am           Moths
Opening moth traps and identification, with Adrian Matthews, Cambridgeshire Moth Group

[BOOK]

12–1pm          Butterfly and Bug Walk 1
A walk through the Orchard looking at butterflies and other invertebrates, with Val Perrin, butterfly expert

[BOOK]

2–3pm           Plant Walk
A walk through the Orchard looking at plant species, with local plant expert

[BOOK]

3–4pm           Bird  Walk
A walk through the Orchard identifying bird song and trying to spot the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with Paul

FULL

9–10pm          Bat Walk
A guided night walk to find out about the different bat species in the Orchard, with Kit Stoner, Cambridgeshire Bat Group

MEETING POINT COTON FOOTPATH NOT GARDEN CENTRE

[BOOK]

SUNDAY 2 JULY

Various times  Coton Conversations
A round table discussion with journalists, podcasters, locals, experts & enthusiastic amateurs about biodiversity (or lack of) in Cambridgeshire.

11am–12         Bee Walk
A walk through the Orchard looking at bee species, with Claire Wallace, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Researcher

[BOOK]

1–2pm           Butterfly and bug walk 2
A walk through the Orchard looking at butterflies and other invertebrates, with Will McEwan, butterfly expert and Ben Greig, On the Verge

[BOOK]

NOTE : GARDEN CENTRE CARPARK LOCKED AT 4:30!