Coventry will be taking part in the City Nature Challenge for the first time this year and we are encouraging people to get involved on campus and in the local area. Between 30^th April and 3^rd May naturalists, bird watchers, conservation groups and keen wildlife spotters from over 400 cities worldwide will be out and about recording the nature in their local areas so why don’t you join them? Whether you’re an expert or novice it couldn’t be easier to take part.

Simply download the iNaturalist app and take pictures of plants, trees, insects, or animals that you observe out in the wild around campus, Canley and Coventry, and upload. Teams of experts will be reviewing and verifying the information submitted and on 9^th May, it will be announced which city made the most observations, identified the most species and had the most participants.

The University is committed to protecting and enhancing our greenspaces for people and for wildlife. We are developing a Biodiversity and Ecology Strategy, which will see both habitat creation and enhancement projects taking place on campus. The information you share will help us to understand what species are present on campus and inform our future management.

This is an exciting opportunity to play your part in a global study to help gain a better understanding of nature in urban areas across the world. It will play a role in helping to shape conservation efforts, assist with scientific studies and land management.

If you aren’t on campus, or even in the UK, cities across the world are getting involved so have a look to see if yours is. Get out and explore!

More information:

• How to use iNaturalist guide
• How to use iNaturalist video
• iNaturalist training event (23rd April)