Events

Mapping amphibian breeding activity across the UK

The PondNet Spawn Survey maps the sightings of Common Frog and Common Toad spawn across the country to better understand how amphibians use different types of waterbodies to breed.

Freshwater Habitats Trust runs the PondNet Spawn survey from December to May. With your help, we can collect important data on the location of breeding frogs and toads. To take part, record Common Frog or Common Toad spawn spotted in garden ponds or any ponds, ditches or puddles you come across in your adventures in the countryside.

Visit the Freshwater Habitats Trust Website to see how to get involved.

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.

A relaxed outdoor session for families and young people to connect, play, and create music together in Wakehurst’s wild landscapes.

Join us throughout the year to explore the power of sound and nature at Wakehurst. Take part in a two-hour outdoor session designed for families and young people. Each session includes a gentle walk, creative music-making, and moments of mindfulness surrounded by nature. Suitable for ages 5+.

For more information and how to register click here Wakehurst Roots and Rhythm 2026 Poster.

Come along and hear from Wakehurst’s pollination scientists about their groundbreaking research, then explore their stunning landscapes while you are guided to take part in Trees for Bees – a treasure hunt style citizen science project monitoring pollinators around the gardens.

You don’t need to have any prior experience, or be a scientist, they will tell you everything you need to know!

Click here to find out more and register.

The mission of People’s Park for Nature is “Connecting people, sharing land, restoring the wild”. Come and find out why it is important to reintroduce lost species to the Lower Ouse Valley such as beavers, storks, eagles, and more. Drop in for activities for all ages and get advice on bringing the wild into your garden or green space.

Find out more 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/

A community celebration of nature and climate action, bringing people together across Arundel to explore practical ways to protect and restore the environment. Events run as part of the UK-wide Great Big Green Week, featuring walks, talks, workshops and hands-on activities that highlight local projects and inspire positive change.

It is a chance to connect with local nature initiatives, learn new skills, and get involved in protecting green spaces for the future.

See what’s on here.

Join Littlehampton Community Growers on a guided tour of the community plots at our local allotment. Please e-mail littlehamptoncommunitygrowers@gmail.com to register.

Free cooking demonstration.

Come along and hear from Wakehurst’s pollination scientists about their groundbreaking research, then explore their stunning landscapes while you are guided to take part in Trees for Bees – a treasure hunt style citizen science project monitoring pollinators around the gardens.

You don’t need to have any prior experience, or be a scientist, they will tell you everything you need to know!

Click here to find out more and register.

Join Littlehampton Community Growers and learn how to grow easy healthy greens. Sow a tray to take home with you. Free activity. Drop in anytime between 2 and 3pm.

Join our new book club. We will have a display of ‘green’ related books and you can also add your recommended books / authors. Drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm.

Come and hear about local community projects run by Littlehampton Community Growers with a focus on growing food and improving our environment.

Discover everything Goodwood Home Farm has to offer with a free, fun family day out in the West Sussex countryside.

Don your wellies and bring the whole family to our Goodwood Open Farm day. With complimentary access, aspiring farmers young and old will meet our cows, pigs and sheep, hop on tractors for a ride and learn new skills at our farming activity stations. With delicious food cooking on barbecues throughout the day, this is a wonderful day out for the whole family.

Find out more and book your place here.

Join us for litter picking from Beach Cafe (opposite Wave Leisure Centre). Gear provided. Hosted by The Beach Cafe.

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.

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.