This Spring, join RECORD in celebrating 10 years of the City Nature Challenge, which is taking place in more than 500 cities across the globe.
“We’re calling on the people of Chester and beyond to take part in this epic nature challenge 25 – 28 April 2025. The goal is to document as much local wildlife as possible over the four days of the challenge. 2025 is the third year we are taking part here in Chester and we want to make an impact. Over the four-day challenge, we would love people to join us in exploring local green spaces and documenting wildlife observations, using the free iNaturalist app.” Iona Cowell, Engagement and Volunteering Officer
Every observation counts; not just towards our Chester Region total, but towards understanding and conserving the animals, plants and habitats around us. As scientists increasingly rely on
community-generated data, it is more important and impactful than ever to document nature observations. This helps us understand how wildlife is doing locally as well as on a wider scale, so we take action to protect it.
The City Nature Challenge is open to everyone – you don’t need to be a wildlife expert to take part. Just download the free iNaturalist app, take pictures of the wildlife you see, upload – and share! The app is easy to use, with a handy AI feature to help you identify what species you’ve photographed and a community of scientists and wildlife enthusiasts who will help verify your sighting.
If you’re recording observations anywhere within Cheshire West and Chester you’ll be helping to contribute to our regional total.
They are aiming to collect over 10,000 observations this year! See live updates of how we’re doing by joining our iNaturalist project, plus you’ll also be able to check how we measure up to other in the UK and Worldwide too.
What’s more, there are loads of events for all ages taking place across our area during the City Nature Challenge including nature walks, family activities and more. Find out more here.
The Chester Region City Nature Challenge is being organised by RECORD (The Local Environmental Records Centre for Cheshire, Halton, Warrington and Wirral) and Chester Zoo. You cand find loads more information on our website. The global challenge is organised by Natural History Museum Los Angeles County and California Academy of Sciences.
