This year I went on tour to schools in Scotland, if by some chance you missed it then the blog is here (Click me). My mission was simple, to educate and inspire, and I'm pretty confident I succeeded. Result!
Next year I want to do it again. I'll be heading out to schools up and down Scotland only this time I'll be offering 'BioBlitz Sessions!!!!'
Now, some of you may be thinking 'What's a BioBlitz?' Well, let me tell you, The BioBlitz was First developed by Sam Droege in the USA in 1996, BioBlitzes are now held regularly in many countries and have been taking place in the UK since 2006, probably earlier. According to Wikipedia a BioBlitz is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Groups of scientists, naturalists and volunteers conduct an intensive field study over a continuous time period (e.g., usually 24 hours).
We won't be as long as that description, basically we will pick an area in the school grounds or nearby and we will spend approximately 1-2 hours surveying the area seeing what wildlife we can find. This is a great informal and fun learning opportunity. Children and teachers get to go outside (teachers secretly cheering) and spend some time with the local wildlife, learning all about it in the process. You will be amazed at just what can be discovered. A treasure trove of nature goodies awaits.
I hope to be able to bring some sweep nets, pots, trays, books, spotting scopes and some check lists for the pupils to use, funded by this crowdfunder. The money raised will allow me to purchase all the equipment needed for the BioBlitz Sessions, and offset some of the fuel costs. If I can raise more than the total then I'd like to be able to leave each school with a 'BioBlitz Kit' so they can conduct their own BioBlitz when I've gone, thus educating countless children. Last year I managed to engage over 1500 pupils of all ages, that's a possible 1500 future naturalists, conservationists, entomologists, ecologists, teachers, Planet Savers!!
The worlds wildlife is rapidly declining, we need to engage the younger generations now more than ever, these BioBlitz sessions are perfect for capturing that interest and creating that passion that may one day lead to these children ultimately saving and conserving what we have left.
Last year I did mini sessions in the schools, I had some items donated but the majority of it come from my own pocket after failing to secure any funding.
I'd be grateful for anything that can be donated.
Thank You.