Events

A UK-wide citizen science project inviting people to record birds in local green spaces between April and June. Open to all experience levels, with flexible participation using a simple app or paper forms.

The data collected helps improve understanding of how green spaces support birdlife and informs future conservation.

Find out more here.

Help track the UK’s declining House Martin population by taking part in this citizen science survey. Participants are asked to record nesting sites and breeding activity during the 2026 season, contributing valuable data to support conservation work and better understand population changes.

No prior experience is needed, and observations can be submitted from anywhere in Sussex and beyond.

Find out more and how to take part here.

The Stag Beetle Count is a citizen science survey that helps track populations of one of Britain’s most iconic insects. By recording sightings of stag beetles, participants contribute valuable data that helps conservationists understand where the species is found and how its numbers are changing.

Taking part is simple. Spend around 30 minutes on a warm evening watching for stag beetles in your garden or along a short walking route, then submit your observations online. Even a single sighting can help improve our understanding of this remarkable species.

Find out more and take part:
https://stagbeetles.ptes.org/stag-beetle-count/

Join Defra and partner organisations for the latest updates on farming policy and support schemes, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). This in person event will feature presentations from Defra, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), and Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF), covering upcoming application requirements, environmental land management support, and practical advice for farmers.

The session will conclude with a Q&A panel, giving attendees the opportunity to raise questions directly with policy and delivery teams.

Sussex Retold is a creative symposium exploring how the county’s heritage can inform more sustainable and inclusive futures. Bringing together artists, researchers, land managers and local voices, the event shares ideas through talks, performances and discussions.

Alongside speakers, the day includes workshops, walks and interactive activities, from creative writing and food heritage to music, dance and rewilding. It offers a chance to explore Sussex’s cultural and environmental history in new and engaging ways, while connecting with others working across heritage, landscape and nature recovery.

Find out more and book your place here.

Join Shoreham Port, the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS), and ReAP for a family-friendly beach clean aimed at protecting our coastline and local wildlife. Starting and finishing at Port Kitchen, Shoreham Port’s sustainability-focused café, this community event is a great opportunity to get outdoors, learn about marine conservation, and help tackle litter along the beach.

Litter-picking equipment and guidance will be provided, with prizes awarded for the heaviest bags collected. Suitable for all ages, with well-behaved dogs welcome on leads. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The event may be cancelled in the event of severe weather.

Join us to explore Southwick Reef, an innovative ecological enhancement project designed to boost marine biodiversity along Shoreham Port’s coastline. Installed during winter 2025/26, the reef incorporates habitat panels, intertidal cubes, and vertical pools that create shelter and feeding opportunities for marine wildlife.

Led by PhD researcher Isaac Doyle and Shoreham Port’s Head of Environment & Sustainability, Lydia Harvey, this event will provide an update on the project’s progress, early findings, and the science behind the reef. The session will conclude with a guided visit to the beach, offering the chance to see the structures up close and discover the marine life they are helping to support.

On Sunday 28 June, James and Victoria Fraser will be offering a guided walk around their woodlands and meadows, which they have been managing for biodiversity for almost 20 years.  We will look at the wide range of trees, wildflowers, dragonflies and butterflies (weather permitting) seen on the farm, the results of the new “dead-hedgelaying” technique one year on, and the impact of the huge landslides that have swept away part of the woods.  The walk is at Banks Farm, Mountfield TN32 5JY from 10am to 1pm.  Please email james_a_fraser@yahoo.com to reserve a place.

On Wednesday 8 July at 6pm, parish councillor and BEG alumnus Katrina Blench is leading one of her regular parish walks; weather permitting, she plans to combine it with Flower and Insect Timed (FIT) counts. FIT counts provide vital information to the UK’s Pollinator Monitoring Scheme and are easy to do, requiring just a 10-minute stop to count insects in square-metre patch of flowers.

The walk will be c7.6km, going through a variety of woods towards Batemans and Bog Wood, then back along the valley floor and up through fields. Starting at the triangle at the junction of Sheepshaw, Willingford and Observatory Lanes, with drinks at The Swan afterwards for those who want to join us. Please phone or email Katrina if you’d like to come: 07841866824 Cllr.katrina.blench@brightling-pc.gov.uk

The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide citizen science survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment. It was launched in 2010 and has rapidly become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies.

The Big Butterfly Count 2026 reopens on the 1st of July ready for the main event between the 17th of July and 9th of August.

Simply count butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather during the Big Butterfly Count. We have chosen this time of year because most butterflies are at the adult stage of their lifecycle, so more likely to be seen. Records are welcome from anywhere: from parks, school grounds and gardens, to fields and forests.

For more information and how to participate, click here.

National Whale and Dolphin Watch is a 9-day citizen science event dedicated to studying and protecting cetaceans in UK waters.

Preliminary Dates: Saturday 25th July to Sunday 2nd August 2026

Watches and surveys will be taking place across the country to create a ‘snapshot’ view of what can be seen in our UK coastal waters. The data collected during this event will enable us to develop an idea of the distribution of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the UK. This event is a great opportunity for everyone to become involved in the research which goes into understanding and protecting these magnificent creatures.

For more information and how to get involved, click here.

A five-week journey that brings people together to explore the power of sound, nature, and Wakehurst’s unique landscapes.

Each weekly two-hour session includes a gentle walk, creative music-making, and moments of mindfulness, while also offering opportunities to learn about our horticulture, seasonal changes, and the science behind the wild places we care for. No musical experience is needed – everyone’s welcome to take part.

These sessions are designed especially for Community Access Scheme members, community groups, and individuals seeking to boost their wellbeing and connect with nature.

For more information and how to register click here Wakehurst Nature Notes Poster 2026.