Discover Woodland Wildlife in Elgin – BioBlitz Event
Join NESBiP, Moray Council and NESBReC for the first Elgin Oakwood BioBlitz on Friday 10 July. Take part in expert led wildlife walks and help record woodland biodiversity.
Join Us for the Elgin Oakwood BioBlitz
NESBiP and Moray Council are delighted to invite you to the Elgin Oakwood BioBlitz. A day of wildlife discovery and biodiversity recording in one of Moray’s most important woodlands.
Taking place on Friday 10th July between 13:00 and 17:00, this event marks the first-ever BioBlitz to be held in Elgin Oakwood. We will be holding guided walks and other activities throughout the day.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the wildlife around you, everyone is welcome to take part. All ages are welcome! Join us to discover woodland wildlife in Elgin.
Find out more about the event and book yourself on a guided walk below.
What Is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a friendly, community-based event where people work together to record as many species as possible within a set place and time. The information collected improves our understanding of local biodiversity and supports better conservation and land management decisions across the North East of Scotland.
All wildlife records gathered during the day will be shared with NESBReC, which will contribute valuable data for Moray and the wider region.
About Elgin Oakwood
Elgin Oakwood is a diverse woodland habitat supporting a wide range of trees, wildflowers, invertebrates, birds, and mammals. This BioBlitz is an exciting opportunity to build a richer picture of the species that live here while celebrating the ecological value of this special woodland.
Event Location
We will be based at the Eight Acres Hotel & Leisure Club from 12:30. Participants are welcome to drop in at any time to record wildlife independently, collect data or ask for advice on identification and recording. Find out more about the event and book yourself on a guided walk here.
Guided Wildlife Walk
Alongside open recording throughout the day, a series of expert-led wildlife walks will take place, covering different species groups.
Please note: Spaces for guided walks are limited, and booking is required. More information about how to book will follow soon.
🌳 Trees
13:00 – 14:30 | Maximum 20 participants
Join Wild Things for a walk in the Oakwoods to explore the range of both native and non-native trees. Learn how to identify them, the roles they play in woodland ecology and how humans have used them for foods, medicines and materials
🐞 Invertebrates
14:45 – 16:15 | Maximum 20 participants
Join Ruaraidh to learn about what minibeasts (invertebrates) we have in the Oakwood, learning about what they do, where they live, and how they fit into this wild and complex ecosystem. We will be using various techniques to find out what is around, from ‘shake sheets’ to simply lifting up old logs to spotting things buzz by in the air and everything in between!
🌼 Wildflowers and Plants
16:30 – 18:00 | Maximum 20 participants
Join John and Kate to identify as many plant species as possible and explore how woodland plants provide vital habitat and food for wildlife.
🦊 Mammals & Tracking
18:15 – 19:45 | Maximum 14 participants
Head into the woods with Dan Puplett to look for signs of mammal life. Signs include tracks, feeding evidence, and pathways used by woodland species.
🐦 Evening Bird Chorus
20:00 – 21:30 | Maximum 20 participants
Join Stephen Wiseman of Nature 4 Health for an evening chorus, tuning in to the avian singers as they mark territory and settle down for the night.
Discover Woodland Wildlife In Elgin by getting involved.
- Take part in wildlife recording throughout the day
- Join expert-led guided walks
- Develop your species identification skills
- Contribute valuable local biodiversity data
- Help build a better understanding of Elgin Oakwood
No prior experience is needed, just enthusiasm for nature and suitable outdoor clothing.
Partners
The Elgin Oakwood BioBlitz is delivered by NESBiP in partnership with Moray Council, with recording support from NESBReC.
Together, we are working to celebrate and protect Moray’s woodland biodiversity for future generations.
