City Nature Challenge 2026
We are once again participating in the annual City Nature ChallengeLink opens in a new window, a global initiative that promotes citizen science and the recording of wildlife.
Join us to learn about the importance of citizen science and how you can contribute by using the iNaturalist appLink opens in a new window. It's a fun and easy way to record wildlife all year round, during your daily commute, lunchtime walk, weekend trips or holidays.
In 2025, Coventry and Warwickshire joined forces with Solihull, making an even bigger impact on documenting nature in the region. The partnership resulted in 6082 observations of 1198 species (1756 observations and an amazing 295 species more than the previous year) which placed us 9th on the UK leaderboard!Link opens in a new window
We are pleased to contribute to this global effort to document wildlife by running a mini bioblitz and a pond survey (with the help of the ecology team of Coventry City Council) on campus on Monday 27th April.
What to expect during these activities:
- introduction to citizen science,
- introduction to iNaturalist (please make sure you download it onto your smartphone beforehand, internet connection is needed for this activity); the level of detail will depend on the participants' existing knowledge of the app - beginners are welcome!
- the mini bioblitz will require active participation from all attendees using iNaturalist,
- the pond survey will enable attendees to observe how to collect samples from a waterbody, and learn about the various species we find. Please note, attendees will not enter the water but are encouraged to participate in the species ID.
Please dress according to the weather as these are outdoor activities. We will stay near the footpaths but please wear suitable footwear.
Please ensure you read the Risk AssessmentLink opens in a new window prior to attending the event.
All skill levels are welcome, the activities are suitable for complete beginners as well.
Places are limited so sign-up is essential.
Meeting place TBC.
These activities contribute to the Warwick Award!
Sign up for
- Pond survey (10:00-11:00) hereLink opens in a new window - open to students, staff and the general public
- Mini bioblitz (12:00-13:00) hereLink opens in a new window - open to students and staff only
This year the City Nature Challenge runs between Friday 24th and Monday 27th April 2026, and partner organisations run a variety of free events that are open to the public. Please click on the links below to find out more and to sign up for these externally run activities:
Wednesday 15th April:
- Online iNaturalist Training for City Nature ChallengeLink opens in a new window by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 18:00 start
Friday 24th April:
- Family friendly Biological Recording at Charterhouse Link opens in a new windowwith Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 15:00 start
- City Nature Challenge 2026 at Wyken Croft Nature ParkLink opens in a new window with Coventry University, 10:00 start
Saturday 25th April:
- Biological Recording at Lake View ParkLink opens in a new window with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 11:00 start
- Bioblitz at Ryton Pools Country ParkLink opens in a new window with Warwickshire County Council, multiple times available between 10:00-15:00
Sunday 26th April:
- Guided walk on fauna & flora at Coundon WedgeLink opens in a new window with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 11:00 start
- Riverfly Invertebrates at Coundon WedgeLink opens in a new window with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 12:00 start
- Bioblitz at Abbey Fields, KenilworthLink opens in a new window with Warwickshire County Council and Friends of Abbey Fields, 10:00 start
Monday 27th April:
- Guided walk on fauna & flora at WhitleyLink opens in a new window with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 15:00 start
Friday 1st May:
- Wildlife ID partyLink opens in a new window with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, 13:00 start.
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