City Nature Challenge -Derby

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Will you take part in the 2023 City Nature Challenge?

Join residents in 450+ cities across the world in an epic, global mission to record as much wildlife as possible between Friday 28 April – Monday 1 May 2023.

Over the four-day challenge we want you to share your observations of nature, using the free iNaturalist app. Your recordings will contribute towards conservation efforts both locally and on a global-scale.

Download iNauralist now

Couple birdwatching with dog — WildNet - Tom Marshall

Why take part?

We can only protect wildlife if they know it is there. By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make your city a better place! Your observation efforts can help protect nature in the spaces where you live and inform plans for tackling the ecological emergency in the UK.

How do I take part?

Taking part is easy! Simply download the iNaturalist app to your smartphone or tablet and use it to upload photos of any wildlife you see.

You don’t have to be a wildlife expert, as the app will give you some handy suggestions of what it thinks you’ve seen. An online community of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts will then verify your sighting. It’s a great way to learn more about the wildlife around you, and best of all, the records you submit will help inform local and national conservation work!

Check out our guide to using iNaturalist below to get started and learn some top tips for recording wildlife. No need to wait until the challenge – you can start practicing on the app today!

Download iNauralist now

The whole family can take part!

Every nature spot is important to us- you don’t have to go far to find nature and we want to hear about everything you see. It could be as simple as spending time at your window watching out for birds or you may choose to go on a detecting adventure to a nearby reserve or wildlife site. We want to hear about everything you discover!

We have our Super Spotters detective book to download and get the children recording everything they see!

Download your detective notebook now

Read how you can take part below, and then download all the resources you will need to get started.

Got your detective kit ready?

Download your Detective Notebook below so that you can record the details of everything you see. If you have binoculars or bug hunting kit to help you that’s great!

Download your detective notebook now

Ready for promotion?

Once you/your child are a registered Super Spotter you can earn promotions and certificates for your/your children's hard work detecting wildlife. Incentivise your child to register their sightings and then download the certificates below when they have submitted their logs.

Super Spotter Detective Sergeant – 5 sets of sightings logged.

Super Spotter Detective Inspector – 13 sets of sightings logged.

Super Spotter Detective Chief Inspector – 23 sets of sightings logged

Download your certificates below.

Get Your Free Spotter Resources

Super Spotter Resources

Fundraise With The Big Backyard Nature Spot Booklet

Hints and tips to get you started!

Take a look at some of our activity sheets below to help you engage with the wildlife around you.

Right click and click save as to download the activity sheets.

What other UK cities are taking part?

City/regions across the whole UK have signed up to take part in the 2023 Challenge.

Birmingham & Black Country
Brighton & Eastern Downs
Cardiff, Newport and Gwent Levels
Chester
City of Nottingham
Coventry
Derby
Dundee
Gloucestershire
Greater Manchester
Hull
Liverpool City Region
London
North East England
Oxon and Berks
Staffordshire
Suffolk
Swansea
Warwickshire and Solihull
West of England

During the Challenge, we can check out the UK Leaderboard on iNaturalist! You’ll be able to watch live results from cities involved and see which city has recorded the highest number of species and number of people taking part!