A celebration of coastal wildlife

Immerse yourself in 24 hours of wildlife exploration.

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Photo (c) Marine Biological Association

What is the Community BioBlitz Festival?

The Community BioBlitz Festival is a part of The Big Rock Pool Challenge.

Hosted by the Rock Pool Project in partnership with the Marine Biological Association, for this event we are not just focusing on rock pool species!

Our aim is to survey as much coastal wildlife across coastal habitats as possible, including insects, plants, birds, and marine mammals.

This immersive event is a brilliant opportunity for individuals, families and nature groups to learn, connect and make a difference.

How can I get involved?

Join for all or part of the day and experience nature based events, talks and activities.

The event will feature a range of activities to interest all ages and abilities, including:
- Day and night rock pooling events (including our mobile rock pool)
- Butterfly walk
- Wildlflower walk
- Guided snorkelling
- Nature arts and crafts
- Outdoor games
- Talks and workshops

Register via Eventbrite.

Event partners

We are looking for partner organisations to get involved with Community BioBlitz Festival 2026. This could be by having a stall at the event, running an activity (nature walk etc.), or holding a talk.

If you or your organisation would like to get involved please contact us on info@therockpoolproject.co.uk

Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to get involved with Community BioBlitz Festival 2026. This could be by guiding people on actitivities, or even running one yourself if you have a special interest in particular species group.

If you think you can help, we'd love to hear from you on: info@therockpoolproject.co.uk

You can also find more information on our volunteer webpage.

Daytime Activities

View our daytime activities below. Activities are free unless otherwise stated.

Activity booking will open soon! Join our mailing list to be the first to know once booking opens.

Mobile Rock Pool

Mobile Rock Pool:

Our mobile rock pool is a highlight of our events. Learn about all the creatures of St Austell's rock pools by watching them up close, with fascinating facts and ID tips from our experts.

The mobile rock pool is an excellent way for people of all ages and abilities to access rock pool wildlife, including those who may not be able to navigate the uneven terrain of the rock pools.

Rock Pool BioBlitz:

Discover the hidden world of Cornwall's rocky shore as you help us record the amazing wildlife living between the tides.

Whether you're a seasoned rock pooler or trying it for the first time, everyone can contribute to this fun, hands-on citizen science activity while helping us build a snapshot of local marine biodiversity.

Rock Pool BioBlitz

Snorkelling

Snorkelling:

Take the plunge with our guided snorkel safari!

Led by Wild Wonder & Wisdom CIC, enjoy a leisurely, guided snorkelling session. Take photos of the widlife you find using our underwater cameras. The best finds will win a prize!

Please note this activity has a small additional charge.
Butterfly Walk:

Discover the wonderful world of butterflies on this guided nature walk led by Cornwall Butterfly Conservation.

Learn about Cornwall's coastal butterfly species and how to to identify them.

Record the species you spot to win points and prizes.

Butterfly walk

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding:

Join the experienced team from Porthpean Outdoor for a fun stand-up paddleboarding session in the sheltered waters of St Austell Bay. Whether you're a complete beginner or have paddled before, qualified instructors will provide a safety briefing, expert guidance and all the equipment you need before heading out onto the water. Enjoy the stunning Cornish coastline while building your confidence and having fun.

Please note, this activity has a small additional charge.
Birdwatching:

Join a friendly birdwatching session on Porthpean Beach, led by Rob Nicholls and Rowena Castillo-Nicholls from Connect with Nature.

Spot and record coastal birds whilst learning about their fascinating ecology. Suitable for beginners and experienced birdwatchers alike.

Birdwatching

5K nature walk

5K Nature Walk:

Led by Wild Wonder & Wisdom CIC, join us for a 5k walk to connect with nature, explore the local landscape, and discover wildlife!
Bug Hunt:

Join Buglife for a hands-on bug hunt and discover the amazing world of insects and other minibeasts.  Learn how to safely search for and identify different species, and uncover the vital roles these fascinating creatures play in healthy ecosystems. A fun, family-friendly activity that's perfect for budding naturalists of all ages.

Bug Hunt

Wildlife experts

Wildlife Experts:

Meet a range of local wildlife organisations, community groups and conservation charities at our Community Hub. Chat with experts, discover projects happening across Cornwall, learn how you can get involved, and join in with wildlife-inspired activities, information and resources for all ages.

Arts and Crafts:

Get creative with nature-inspired arts and crafts for all ages. Experiment using natural materials, connect with nature through hands-on activities, and take home your creations.

Arts and crafts

Outdoor games

Outdoor Games:

Enjoy a selection of outdoor games and activities designed for the whole family at the beautiful Porthpean Outdoor site. There will be equipment available throughout the day for visitors of all ages to enjoy while spending time outdoors.

Predator-prey Laser Tag:

Take on the laser tag challenge with the team from Porthpean Outdoor in this exciting nature-themed game of predator versus prey! Choose your side and work together to outsmart the opposing team as you dodge, defend and complete your mission on a purpose-built outdoor course.  

Laser tag

Evening Activities

View our evening activities below. Activities are free unless otherwise stated.

Activity booking will open soon! Join our mailing list to be the first to know once booking opens.

Expert-led talks

Expert-led Talks:

Join local experts, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts for a programme of engaging talks. Learn about Cornwall's incredible biodiversity, discover current conservation projects, and pick up tips for helping wildlife in your own community.

Full talk line up to be confirmed.
Film Screening:

Join us for an inspiring selection of locally produced environmental short films, showcasing local stories of climate action, conservation, and community.

Film screenings

Night Rock Pool

Night Rock Pool:

Experience the magic of the rocky shore after dark on our guided night rock pool adventure. Discover a different side of marine life as nocturnal creatures emerge and the pools come alive under UV torchlight.

Learn about fascinating coastal species, their adaptations and behaviours from our experts, while helping us spot and record the wildlife found along the shore. A unique opportunity to explore the coast in a whole new way!

Moth Trapping:

Discover the incredible diversity of Cornwall's moths with this fascinating live moth trapping demonstration. See a variety of species up close as our experts carefully identify, record and release them, while sharing fascinating insights into their lifecycles, ecology and importance for local wildlife. A unique opportunity to appreciate these beautiful but often overlooked nocturnal insects.

Moth trapping

Last year's event

At the Big Rock Pool Challenge: Community BioBlitz Festival 2025, we gathered together from 19-20 September at Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre, for a jam-packed 24 hours of wildlife recording and celebrating our stunning coastline in the UK.

This year's theme, ‘Our Coast. Our Climate. Our Future’ helped us focus on climate-sensitive species and generate vital biodiversity data. Together, we identified 307 species and recorded over 600 observations! These observations will support ongoing scientific research, conservation work, and regional climate resilience planning.

A huge thank you to everyone who braved relentless downpours and took part in the event! Special thanks also to the generous support of the ScottishPower Foundation, National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Duke of Cornwall’s Marine Environment Fund, for making this immersive 24-hour biodiversity challenge FREE for all to attend.

Event report
Rock pooler handling a crab

Highlights of the 2025 event:

  • 24-hour coastal BioBlitz (including a night rock pool session!) focusing on climate-sensitive species
  • Expert-led workshops and talks on wildlife conservation and climate impact
  • Camping and outdoor activities including stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling (additional fee will apply)
  • Hands-on training in species identification and citizen science methods
  • Community networking hub featuring local partners and groups
  • 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.

See who was involved last year!

We love to offer a rich and diverse mix of activities at the Community BioBlitz Festival, covering as many habitats as possible. From woodlands and meadows to rivers, fungi and freshwater invertebrates. Huge thanks to our partner organisations in 2025 for helping create a space to explore the local impacts of climate change and inspire meaningful action.


If you or your organisation would like to get involved this year, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch!

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