After the successful launch of the event last year, the BioBlitz Festival was back in July 2026 for another weekend celebrating Welsh wildlife and biological recording. Our aim was to get as many people as possible involved and record the greatest possible number of species at the Garden during the 48-hour event.
We welcomed experts, volunteers and visitors of all ages to the Garden, and brought together over 23 conservation organisations from across Wales.
A BioBlitz is a race against time to find and identify as much wildlife as possible over a specific period. This creates a snapshot of the diversity of species in a specific location. We had just 48 hours to record as many species as possible over the 560-acre site – and we needed your help to do it!
Over 50 recorders of all ages were involved in submitting their species sightings, and many more took part in the wide variety of activities held over the weekend. Records were submitted through the LERC Wales app, with our local records centre, the West Wales Biodiversity Information Centre (WWBIC), on hand to collate records and assist with queries.
Over the course of the weekend nearly 700 records were submitted, representing approximately 366 different species, which is an incredible effort. We’d like to thank everyone who submitted records and supported the event – it was a great effort from everyone involved!
New species for Wales discovered and other exciting finds
There were at least 29 species recorded at the Botanic Garden for the very first time during the event. These species have never been spotted here before, so it was very exciting to add these finds to our ever-expanding species list.
Most excitingly Liam Olds from Glo i Natur found a new species record for Wales – a ground bug called Metopoplax fuscinervis. We understand that this bug has previously only been recorded from scattered localities in the Southeast of England and the Midlands. It has now been found for the first time in Wales.
Liam also added a further 16 new insect species to the Garden list, likely including the beetle Bruchidius imbricornis – a new species for Carmarthenshire, and only the second record in Wales.
“Discoveries like this show just how valuable BioBlitz events can be. By bringing together experts, enthusiasts and members of the public to record wildlife, we continue to improve our understanding of the species found in Wales — and sometimes even uncover species that have gone unnoticed until now.” – Liam Olds, Glo i Natur
The most recorded species by far were three species of butterfly; Large White, Meadow Brown and Painted Lady, followed closely by the Swift which could be seen – and heard – zooming around in their screaming parties all day long. We were even treated to the sight of a few young swiftlets peaking out of their nest boxes on the Apothecary Hall.
Festival Highlights
The event is not just about biological recording – there was also a packed programme of talks, guided walks and workshops designed to enthuse and engage the public in Welsh wildlife and conservation. There was something for everyone to enjoy and get involved in.
We learned about the different lichen species that usually go unnoticed growing on the trees, benches and rocks. We met Harvey the Harvest Mouse brought along by the Conservation Officer at Folly Farm. Meanwhile, the Wildlife Sound Recording Society provided an exciting way to experience wildlife using microphones and audio to reveal the sounds of the diversity around us in new ways. For those with more of an artistic flare, there were also plant dyeing and nature journaling workshops to enjoy.
This event is a truly collaborative effort between organisations, volunteers and visitors from across Wales and further afield – we couldn’t have done it without all of your support. It was lovely seeing so many wildlife enthusiasts all in one place, sharing their knowledge, passion and the incredible work that they do.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in planning, running, and supporting this fantastic event – it was a real team effort and a meaningful contribution to biodiversity monitoring. We hope to see you all again next year for BioBlitz Festival 2027!
Further information
For more information about the BioBlitz, biological recording and how to submit records, use the following links:
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is supported by Welsh Government’s Nature Networks Fund, funding work to deliver infrastructure improvements on Waun Las NNR, allowing us to manage the site for improved biodiversity and engage with visitors on our natural heritage.
