Join the Big Rock Pool Challenge
A Marine Conservation Adventure!
Welcome to the Big Rock Pool Challenge — an exciting and competitive way to explore the incredible marine biodiversity along the South West coastline. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a family looking for fun outdoor activities, or someone who’s passionate about conservation, this project is for you! The Big Rock Pool Challenge invites people of all ages to join competitive rock pooling events while contributing to essential marine conservation efforts.
Sign up and join our team of citizen scientists!
What is the Big Rock Pool Challenge?
The Big Rock Pool Challenge is a thrilling, hands-on marine conservation initiative, created in partnership between The Rock Pool Project and the Marine Biological Association. Participants will explore the rich marine ecosystems in South West England, racing against the clock in friendly competition to discover and document as many marine species as possible. The data you collect will help scientists and conservationists monitor the health of our coastal habitats and take action to protect them.
This project is proudly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the ScottishPower Foundation.
Check out the excitement of a BioBlitz Battle!
Where is it Happening?
The Big Rock Pool Challenge is launching in some of the most stunning coastal locations in the South West of England! During Stage One of the challenge, events will take place along the rocky shores of Falmouth and Plymouth. These regions are home to incredibly diverse marine life, making them the perfect setting for our Bioblitz Battle events.
As the project grows, we’ll be adding even more locations across the South West, ensuring that as many people as possible can get involved in this exciting marine conservation initiative. Keep an eye on our website for updates and new event announcements!
Be sure to join us at our next monthly Bioblitz Battle in Falmouth and Plymouth on 18th January 2025 — it’s going to be another fantastic day of rock pooling, wildlife discovery, and fun competition!
Upcoming monthly Bioblitz Battle:
Falmouth (Castle Beach)
18th January 2025 (13:00pm – 16:00pm) SIGN UP HERE
15th February 2025 (12:30pm – 15:00pm) SIGN UP HERE
15th March 2025 (11:30am – 14:00pm) SIGN UP HERE
12th April 2025 (11:30am – 14:00pm)
17th May 2025 (13:45pm – 16:15pm)
14th June 2025 (13:15pm – 15:45pm)
Plymouth (Mount Batten)
18th January 2025 (13:00pm – 16:00pm) SIGN UP HERE
15th February 2025 (12:30pm – 15:00pm) SIGN UP HERE
15th March 2025 (11:30am – 14:00pm) SIGN UP HERE
12th April 2025 (11:30am – 14:00pm)
17th May 2025 (13:45pm – 16:15pm)
14th June 2025 (13:15pm – 15:45pm)
How It Works
- Form a Team
Gather your friends, family, or co-workers to create a team of rock pool explorers. No experience is required—just enthusiasm and a sense of adventure! - Bioblitz Battle Events
Take part in our Bioblitz Battle events, where teams compete to identify as many marine species as possible in a set time frame. Work together to log your discoveries on platforms like iNaturalist, which will be used to inform marine conservation efforts in the UK and beyond. - Contribute to Science
All the data you collect will be shared with the Marine Biological Association (MBA), who are assisting the scientific side of the challenge. With their help, your findings will reach global biodiversity networks, contributing to international conservation efforts.
How many points does my rock pool find score?
Why use iNaturalist?
iNaturalist is a fantastic tool for people of all levels of knowledge to use. Whether you are trying to report something special or just curious about “What bug is this?” you can use iNaturalist to help.
By using iNaturalist you are able to share images of the wildlife you find while also recording important information about where and when you found it. This information allows for the fellow nature enthusiasts to help with identifying what it is you have found all while allowing for researchers to use the data you have submitted to help with conservation work.
Getting started with iNaturalist
- Download the iNaturalistapp from the Appstore or Google Play Store.
- Create a free account.
- Join the corresponding BioBlitz project (project name will be provided on event day) within the app.
Uploading observations during the event
- How to make an observation on the app
- Take photos of all the wildlife you encounter on the day.
- Upload your photos to the app, adding the species name (if you know it).
- Add any additional information to your observation.
- Save your observation to the corresponding BioBlitz project.
- Share your findings with the community!!!
- Taking quality photos
- Make sure to get a good image of your species
- Make sure your subject is well lit and out of the shade.
- Try and get as much of the species into the picture as possible.
- Make sure your cameras GPS is turned on.
- Not sure about an ID?
- While uploading your observation look for the “What did you see?” button. This will provide you with suggestions for potential ID’s.
- The iNaturalist community will be able to suggest possible ID’s for your finds so don’t worry about putting a name if you aren’t sure.
- Ask other people!!! Sometimes the best way to ID something is to put your heads together and work with someone else to figure out what it is, so please feel free to ask for opinions.
- Support and Resources
- iNaturalist has a fantastic range of helpful video tutorials to check out: here.
- If you need help with iNaturalist on the day please feel free to check out our registration/iNaturalist help desk.
Why the Big Rock Pool Challenge Matters
Marine ecosystems are under more pressure than ever before. Through this challenge, you’ll not only have fun, but also play an important role in monitoring the health of our marine life. The Big Rock Pool Challenge is the perfect way to get involved in hands-on conservation, helping to protect and preserve our precious coastal habitats for future generations.
With the National Lottery Heritage Fund backing this initiative, and with the Marine Biological Association leading the scientific data management, the impact of your participation will be felt far and wide.
Why Get Involved?
The Big Rock Pool Challenge is a unique opportunity to explore marine life while boosting your health and wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day with family, a way to connect with nature, or a chance to improve your mental and physical health, this project has something for everyone!
You’ll enjoy competitive rock pooling, contribute to marine conservation, and strengthen community bonds while experiencing the calming benefits of being by the sea.
Register with us now to join the fun!
Ways to Get Involved
- Sign Up for Events
Check out our upcoming Bioblitz events in Falmouth and Plymouth. Get ready to explore, compete, and contribute to marine conservation. - Volunteer
Passionate about marine life? We’re looking for volunteers to help run these exciting events. Find out more about volunteering opportunities here. - Support Us
Interested in providing prizes for future Big Rock Pool Challenge events? Become a sponsor or corporate partner! Contact us at info@therockpoolproject.co.uk.
Are You Ready for the Challenge?
Gather your team, get your gear, and prepare for an adventure like no other! Sign up today and be part of the Big Rock Pool Challenge—where fun, community, and conservation come together. Register Now!