The City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe 1. It’s a bioblitz-style competition where cities are in a friendly contest with each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people 2
West Lothian is contributing as part of the City Nature Challenge 2024: Greater Edinburgh project this weekend
As more of us live in cities, it is important that we understand how different species are adapting to the habitats in them, to find ways to make homes for them and ensure their protection.
You don’t need any previous experience of nature recording – all you need is your phone with the iNaturalist app on it. The only criteria for submitting records is that the photo must be of wild species so no pets or garden plants. No expert knowledge needed as the app will help to ID findings, or photos can be shared with the global community that use the app for an answer.
You can record what you see from your windows, spot in your flower boxes, find outside in your gardens or balconies or see in your local park or greenspaces. Just Remember to follow government advice and social distancing guidelines while being a citizen scientist!
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2024-greater-edinburgh?tab=about
Download the iNaturalist app or register on their website, join the “City Nature Challenge 2024: Greater Edinburgh” project, then start taking pictures of wild things!
Read more here:
If you want a hand setting up the iNaturalist app to take part, come along to the Growing Together Biodiversity Roadshow in Almond Park today, 26th April, 1:30-3pm, at the Selm Park entrance. Almond Valley Nature Action will be there to help you get started with the #CityNatureChallenge
Local events this weekend
Almond Valley Nature Action 