Take part in the City Nature Challenge 2026
Since the 1980s we’ve lost 157 species in Cheshire, with 3,200 species not recorded since 1990s .
People in the borough are being asked to take part in an epic nature challenge between 24 - 27 April 2026 to play their part to help map wildlife in the area. The City Nature Challenge is a global event where people in hundreds of City Regions worldwide are working together to record as much wildlife as possible.
You can help nature just by ‘catching’ a picture of a species on your phone in a phone app like iNaturalist.
You don’t need to be a scientist. You don’t need expensive equipment. You don’t even need to travel far.
If you can spot a bird, a flower, or an insect and record what you see, you can actively help nature.
Why recording species matters
Every time someone records a species—whether it’s a butterfly in their garden or a bird on a walk—it adds a vital piece to a much bigger picture. These records show what lives where, how common it is, and how things are changing over time. That information is gold for conservation.
Nature is changing fast. Climate change, habitat loss, and pollution are reshaping the world around us. Species records act like early warning signals. When plants flower earlier, birds arrive later, or insects disappear from places they once thrived, recorded observations are often the first clue that something’s wrong.
Small observations, big impact
Scientists alone can’t be everywhere. But thousands of people recording wildlife? That’s powerful.
When everyday nature lovers log what they see, they create a huge, shared dataset that helps:
- Detect species declines before it’s too late
- Track the spread of invasive species
- Protect important habitats
- Influence real conservation decisions
Your single record might seem small—but combined with others, it can shape national and even global conservation efforts.
Reconnect with the wild where you live
Recording species doesn’t just help science—it changes you.
Once you start noticing and naming what’s around you, walks become more interesting. Green spaces feel more alive. You start to recognise patterns, seasons, and surprises. That connection builds care—and people protect what they care about.
Be part of the solution
Nature doesn’t need superheroes. It needs observers.
By recording species, you become part of a growing community that’s actively helping to understand and protect the natural world. It’s simple, it’s meaningful, and it makes a real difference.
So next time something catches your eye—a bird call, a wildflower, a buzzing insect—don’t just admire it.
Record it.
Share it.
Help nature thrive.
Ready to get involved? Start with what’s right in front of you.
Visit the Record website for more information about this year's City Nature Challenge.
For more details about Nature’s Recovery in Cheshire & Warrington visit the Local Nature Partnership website
