Events

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/

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

Join us in the heart of Brighton for a fun-filled day celebrating wildlife and nature at the Brighton Froglife Festival! Taking place in Jubilee Square on 11th July, this free event will be packed with exciting, hands-on activities for both children and adults.

Activities will be led by one of Froglife’s Trustees, Gordon MacLellan, zoologist, teacher, artist, puppeteer, and dancer who combines scientific and expressive fields to deliver creative activities.

Discover amazing amphibians and reptiles, get creative, learn more about local wildlife, and find out how you can help nature thrive in your community. Whether you’re a family looking for a great day out or a nature lover keen to learn something new, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy.

Pop along any time between 10am and 4pm and help us celebrate our spectacular species!

A gentle guided walk exploring the hidden green spaces that support wildlife across the heart of Lewes as part of the Lewes Wildlife and Wellbeing Mosaic project.

Discover how nature is thriving in unexpected places, from wildflower verges and community gardens to churchyards, green walls and other wildlife friendly sites. Led by local guides, the walk will visit a selection of these spaces while sharing stories of local action, the species they support and simple ways to get involved.

This is a relaxed route through the town using pavements, footpaths and gentle slopes, suitable for anyone curious about nature in urban spaces.

Meeting point: Outside the Linklater Pavilion, Railway Land Nature Reserve, Lewes
Advance booking is essential and places are limited
Please wear suitable footwear and weather appropriate clothing

Participants will also learn how to support wildlife friendly spaces in Lewes, add their own sites to the Mosaic map and stay connected with future events.

Explore how regenerative livestock farming works alongside nature recovery at Knepp Estate during this practical day of talks, discussion and guided farm walks. Led by Farm Manager Pat Toe, the event examines the opportunities and challenges of producing 100% pasture fed beef within one of the UK’s leading rewilding landscapes. Learn about grazing management, livestock systems, ecological monitoring and how farming can support biodiversity, before seeing the regenerative farm in action. The day also includes refreshments, lunch, and an optional visit to Knepp’s rewilding project. Tickets are limited and advance booking is essential.

This special public event will shine a light on the importance of moths in garden environments, from their contribution to pollination to their essential place within food chains. Often overlooked, moths are a cornerstone of biodiversity, supporting birds, bats, and other wildlife.

We’re delighted to include a special contribution from Charles Waters of the Sussex Moth Group, who will share expert insights into moth conservation and the significance of moth recording.

The event will feature a live exhibition of moths trapped the previous night, offering a unique opportunity to observe these incredible creatures up close. We’ll also discuss the importance of creating and maintaining suitable habitats in gardens to support moth populations and encourage thriving ecosystems.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or simply curious about nature, this event offers an engaging and informative experience in a beautiful setting.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

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.

Learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are someone looking to unwind and boost wellbeing, spend time in the gardens exploring and making new connections, with breathing and reflection exercises all designed to help people connect with nature with wellbeing at it’s core.

We particularly welcome individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges, are from under-served communities or have limited experience of engaging with nature.

Sunday 26th July
Saturday 15th August
Sunday 20th September
10:30am – 1pm & 2pm – 4:30pm

Free transport to and from Haywards Heath station. Free entry and parking. For more information or to book, email us at wakehurstcommunity@kew.org

Join Friends of Shoreham Beach Local Nature Reserve for a fun, family friendly morning exploring the wildlife of Shoreham Beach. Search the strandline for fascinating natural treasures, bring your discoveries for experts to identify, and get up close to the small marine creatures living along the shoreline in interactive wildlife tanks. Learn about the unique plants, animals and coastal habitats that make Shoreham Beach such a special place for wildlife.

Entry is free for Friends of Shoreham Beach Local Nature Reserve members and their families, or £2 per person for non members, with the option to become a member on the day. Refreshments are available nearby, or you are welcome to bring a picnic. Please check the organiser’s website or social media before travelling in case of poor weather.

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.