Our coast. Our climate. Our future.

Ready to take on a biodiversity challenge like no other?

The Community BioBlitz Festival 2025 is a 24-hour species-spotting race set along our stunning Cornish coastline, and we need you on our team. From 19–20 September 2025 at Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre, you’ll join forces with scientists, nature lovers, and local groups to record as many species as possible in a single day.

Rock pooler handling a crab

Wildlife groups – we need you!

We are calling on local wildlife groups and specialists to help us cover the full picture. From woodlands and meadows to rivers, fungi and freshwater invertebrates,  your knowledge is essential to make this event a true biodiversity snapshot. We’re especially keen to hear from groups with expertise in:

  • Woodland flora and fauna
  • Grassland and heathland species
  • Freshwater ecology
  • Fungi and lichens
  • Insects and invertebrates
  • Bats, birds, and other mammals
  • Any other overlooked or under-recorded taxa!

Thanks to the generous support of the ScottishPower Foundation, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Duke of Cornwall’s Marine Environment Fund, this immersive 24-hour biodiversity challenge will bring together local communities, organisations, and nature enthusiasts to celebrate biodiversity, encourage wildlife recording, and promote climate and environmental awareness.

The event will generate vital biodiversity data to support scientific research, conservation efforts, and regional climate resilience planning.

Rock pooler handling a crab

Help us spotlight the climate connection

This BioBlitz isn't just about counting species! It's also about confronting the local impacts of climate change. We’re inviting organisations working on climate awareness, adaptation, or nature-based solutions to join us in raising community understanding and action. Run a workshop, lead a discussion, share your work. We want your voice in this vital conversation.

The BioBlitz is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and educational, empowering local communities to become long-term stewards of the coastal environment. Whether you’re an environmental charity, local wildlife group, researcher, educator, or artist working with nature-based themes, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re interested in getting involved, or would like to discuss ideas, please get in touch with Loretta Kwok, Big Rock Pool Challenge South West Led, by 10 July 2025. We will provide more event details, logistics, and support closer to the time.

Highlights of the event include:

  • 24-hour coastal BioBlitz focusing on climate-sensitive species
  • Expert-led workshops and talks on marine conservation and climate impacts
  • Hands-on training in species identification and citizen science methods
  • Community networking hub featuring partners such as the Marine Biological Association and Cornwall Wildlife Trust
  • Wellbeing activities promoting a healthy relationship between community and nature

The BioBlitz is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and educational, empowering local communities to become long-term stewards of the coastal environment.

The Big Rock Pool Challenge is proudly funded by The ScottishPower Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund whose generous support enables us to inspire communities and deliver lasting environmental impact across and beyond the South West.  

This initiative is delivered in partnership with The Rock Pool Project and the Marine Biological Association. Together, we’re empowering people and their communities to connect with nature, contribute to valuable biodiversity data, and support the health of our coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Guides

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Cornish Sucker

This week’s Species in Focus is the Cornish Sucker. This unique looking fish may be little but packs a powerful ability to latch on to rocky surfaces using its adapted pelvic fins.

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Broad clawed porcelain crab

The broad-clawed porcelain crab is a charismatic little rock poolers favourite. It is the most common species of porcelain crab found in the UK and can often be found clinging tightly to the underside of rocks below mid tide level.