Lancaster City Park Bioblitz Proposal
What is a Bioblitz?
A “BioBlitz” is a large scale event that engages large numbers of people with
biodiversity, inviting them to get directly involved in surveying and monitoring their
local wildlife and green spaces. During a BioBlitz event scientists and members of
the public work together to survey a natural space; seeking, identifying and recording
as many species as possible over a 24 hour period.
The events have three main elements:
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Length – BioBlitz events are run over a specified time period in a single
location
People – BioBlitz events involve large numbers of scientists and members of
the public
Focus – BioBlitz events place equal emphasis on scientific recording and
public engagement
Why are we doing a Bioblitz on the Lancaster City Park site?
City Park Feasibility 'Stage' Project
During 2012 Lancashire County Council in partnership with Lancaster City Council
commenced with the feasibility stage of the City Park project. Work has included
mapping different areas/themes including the archaeology, heritage, access and
ecology of the site and this will lead to suggestions for how the area may be
improved in future.
A key theme of the project is to enhance the environment, landscape and views
including to:
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Develop a better understanding of the site and its potential
Build up relevant data evidence (trees, landscape and views, ecology)
Develop management proposals and frameworks
To achieve these aims, potential approaches and methods include arranging
opportunities for shared learning and exchange; compiling and evaluating existing
data and identify gaps. A Bioblitz on the City Park site can play an important role in
developing the ecological aims for the site.
Beyond the Castle
As part of the City Park feasibility project, Lancaster University through its PROUD
Programme ran a series of community engagement 'co-design' activities and events
during 2012. This project was called 'Beyond the Castle' and involved over 750
people in giving their views on how the City Park site should be improved in future
Outcomes and ideas from Beyond the Castle were organised into a pyramid of
values with the most important identified at the top. One of the 4 key values
identified on the top tier of the pyramid is to 'Keep involving people in a meaningful
way in the process'. A Bioblitz is one such event that will help meet this core value
The Site
Lancaster 'City Park' is approximately 14 hectares in size and includes the land
surrounding Lancaster Castle and Priory, Vicarage Fields and Quay Meadow.
It has been identified as a potential area to be improved as part of the Lancaster
Square Routes programme, a City Council led initiative to rejuvenate public spaces
in the centre of Lancaster.
The 'City Park' site is an area of national historic importance with the remains of a
series of Roman forts and a Saxon Shore Fort believed to be sited on Vicarage
Fields and the land adjacent to, and north of Lancaster Castle and Priory. Such is its
importance that this southern part of the site is designated as a scheduled ancient
monument.
The proposed development of Lancaster Castle following the closure of the prison
offers a catalyst for the regeneration not only of the Castle itself but also of the
surrounding area.
Proposed format of the Lancaster City Park Bioblitz
Proposed date and duration:
18th May 2013, 1 pm – 11:00pm (10 h) The length of time for the Bioblitz is not yet
fixed and will depend on areas of interest and resources.
Who to involve:
At this stage partners and groups to be involved in the bioblitz have still to be
finalised. Potential groups to be involved could include Lancashire County Council
Ecology Service, Lancashire County Council Ranger Service (?), Lancaster City
Council Playrangers (booked), North Lancashire Green Groups and Watch Groups
Resources
After initial scoping of the event a budget and resource plan needs to be prepared.
The cost could either be covered through the LCC Environment and Community
Revenue budget, or this could be built into the proposed Heritage Lottery bid (Our
Heritage programme) to be submitted late February/early March 2013 by Lancashire
County Council.
Cost is to be kept to a minimum as we hope to source necessary equipment and
input through partner organisations, local groups and volunteers. Potential
expenditure could include some consultancy fees (LWT), publicity (leaflets and
printing), material and equipment for activities.
Health and Safety
Risk assessments will have to be produced as some of the areas are quite
overgrown and are subject to anti social behaviour at times, particularly during
evening hours. Some of the Bioblitz activities may take place after dark (eg related
to bats and moths) and appropriate risk management will need to be adhered to.
Police and neighbouring properties will have to be informed of the event in advance.
The activities schedule
A schedule for activities will be developed in consultation with participating groups
and to meet the basic requirements to cover both key outcomes
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Identify and map species (habitats, zones and time of day)
Provide an enjoyable experience and engage people with the site through
a range of appropriate activities
Activities that can be scheduled will also depend on the availability of resources
(volunteers to lead ad support activities)
Publicity
A co-ordinated approach to publicity will be needed to ensure that activities run
smoothly on the day of the Bioblitz, and to maximise the number of people involved.
A communications plan on how the Bioblitz event is to be publicised will be
developed following discussions with potential partners that may be involved in the
event.