Frequently Asked Questions

A bioblitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time, usually 24 hours.

A great starting point is Recording Ireland’s Wildlife: A Beginner’s Guide produced by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Donegal Bioblitz has two primary considerations in choosing locations for a blitz event:

1. Locations in Donegal that appear to be under-recorded from a biodiversity perspective, and/ or

2. Locations that merit repeat monitoring.

There are no hard and fast rules. We are open to receiving suggestions as to where might be suitable. As well as the biodiversity merit of the location we take into account accessibility and health and safety consideration for participants.

We intend to run a mix of bioblitz events. The first event in May 2024 will be for those experienced in biodiversity monitoring. Later in the year, we hope to run a public event open to people who want to learn more about biodiversity recording, or improve their ID skills.

There is no attendance fee to come along to events. Donegal Bioblitz will look for funding to support the costs of the event, including venue hire, catering etc. We welcome offers of sponsorship for individual events or longer-term monitoring programmes.

Each bioblitz site is individual and what you will need to bring may change. We will publish specific guidance for each event.

In general, we recommend the following as a minimum:

• Clothing appropriate to the weather, bearing in mind this is Donegal and we frequently get all four seasons in one day. A dry change of clothes is recommended.
• We recommend strong, waterproof shoes or wellies.
• A notebook and pen to record what you find.
• A fully-charged mobile phone — this is essential so we can contact you in case of an emergency.
• A high visibility vest if you have one (we will aim to have some available).
• Any field guides you have relating to your area of interest.
• Any recording equipment you have relating to your area of interest e.g. binoculars, butterfly net, moth trap, bat detector.

Everyone needs to register their attendance in advance by using the simple form on our event page. This is to help us manage the event and plan for elements such as the impact on the biodiversity site.

This will depend on the specific bioblitz event. In general, the idea is to get out, explore and have fun recording what you find. Throughout the day we will ask you to notify our central recording team of your finds for verification and to create the biodiversity record for the day.

For each bioblitz event the priority is to ensure that all records are submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. We aim to have a central recording team at each event and provide assistance with verification if necessary.

Where necessary, we aim to have experts onsite who will assist with verification on the day.

Donegal Bioblitz is organised by a team of volunteers, currently led by John Cromie and Leah Fairman. John has a long history of biodiversity recording with a particular interest in moths and birds, as well as upland habitats. Leah is a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast currently honing her ID and recording skills.

Donegal Bioblitz events adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace and require all participants to act in accordance with them

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Be Considerate of Others
3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife
4. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
5. Leave What You Find
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
7. Minimise the Effects of Fire