Now, a few months later, the final results of the Elgin Bioblitz from NESBReC are in. And they paint a fantastic picture of the wildlife thriving right on Elgin’s doorstep.

A Woodland Teeming with Wildlife

Thanks to the enthusiasm of everyone who took part, an impressive 111 species were recorded during the BioBlitz.

The species tally included:

• 56 plants and wildflowers
• 20 invertebrates
• 17 bird species
• 9 tree species
• 6 mammals
• 3 fungi species

From Red Squirrels and Buzzards to tiny insects, colourful wildflowers and fascinating fungi, every record contributed to a snapshot of the rich biodiversity found within the woodland.

BioBlitz events are always full of surprises. While some wildlife is easy to spot, many species require a closer look, demonstrating just how much nature can be overlooked when we’re rushing through our daily lives.

Forest bug, Black Clock Ground Beetle, Magpie Moth

Why the Results Take Time

You may be wondering why we are only sharing the Elgin BioBlitz results with you now.

Collecting wildlife records is only the beginning. After the event, records are submitted to NESBReC (North East Scotland Biological Records Centre), where staff and volunteer verifiers carefully review observations to ensure the data is as accurate as possible.

This verification process is incredibly important. Species records help build our understanding of local biodiversity and can inform conservation work, so records need to be checked before they become part of the official dataset.

From identifying species in photographs to checking unusual sightings and collating records from multiple survey groups, this work takes time. We’re incredibly grateful to the NESBReC staff and volunteer verifiers whose expertise helps turn hundreds of observations into reliable biodiversity data.

More Than Just Numbers

While recording 111 species is a fantastic achievement, the BioBlitz was about much more than compiling a species list.

It was an opportunity for people to connect with nature, learn new identification skills and discover the wildlife living in their local area.

Participants highlighted how much they enjoyed exploring the woodland with knowledgeable guides and taking time to notice species they might otherwise have walked straight past.

One attendee described the event as:

“A brilliant way to learn about wildlife and discover things I would never have noticed on my own.”

Another shared:

“It was amazing to see how much biodiversity can be found in one place when people work together.”

These moments of discovery are exactly what BioBlitz events are all about.

Every Wildlife Record Matters

The Elgin Oakwood BioBlitz may have lasted just one day, but wildlife recording can happen anywhere, at any time.

You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need specialist equipment. And you certainly don’t need to wait for the next BioBlitz.

Whether it’s a butterfly in your garden, a bird on your walk to work, a fungus in a local woodland or a bee visiting flowers in a park, every observation helps build a better understanding of the wildlife around us.

Collectively, these records contribute to a much bigger picture, helping conservation organisations, land managers and communities understand how nature is changing and where action may be needed.

Get Recording!

Inspired by the Elgin Oakwood BioBlitz?

Why not start recording the wildlife you see in your everyday life? Take a photo, make a note of what you spotted and submit your records through platforms such as iRecord, submit directly to NESBReC, or take part in a future community wildlife survey or BioBlitz.

Every record counts.

The discoveries made on 10 July show what can happen when people come together with curiosity and a love of nature. Imagine what we could learn if more of us recorded the wildlife we see every day.

Take a closer look. Record what you see. Help build the picture of nature in North East Scotland.