Are you up for a City Nature Challenge?
The editor has a nifty app on his phone that helps him identify stuff. So, when he’s out walking and sees a bug land on a flower, or a beetle scurry across the path, he takes a snap and the app tells him what it might be. It’s ace.
Here’s a snap the iNaturalist app identified as a Hawker Dragonfly, taken by the editor in Apedale country park last summer.
Now, Staffordshire Ecological Records (SER) and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are calling on people across the county to record wildlife sightings for the 2023 City Nature Challenge - using this nifty app!
The City Nature Challenge challenge is a global thing, taking place Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May.
George Wood, Ecological Data Officer for SER, said: “This is a great way for lots of us to get out to see our county’s amazing nature. Every sighting counts and you can record everything from bumble bees to frogs, foxes, and birds.
“Not only is this a fun way to get involved in recording nature – the information gathered will give us vital data for our county and help us work to protect it.
Can we get Staffordshire wildlife sightings trending on the global leader board?
More details about how to rise to the challenge here:
Upcoming Events:
Thursday 20 April, 2pm - Fascinating Folk of Newcastle Film Show: Vera Brittain. Brampton Museum, an archive film by the ace Ray Johnson, “poet, war nurse, novelist and founder member of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Brittain was born in Newcastle.”
Thursday 20 April, 11.30am - White Monkey, the story so far. “An introduction to writer Richard Snell, highlighting his story, a selection of films to raise awareness for Mental Health.” Centre Space Arts, the QUARTER at Potbank, Stoke.
Thursday 20 April, 6pm - preview event for FORTYSEVEN, “The last bottle ovens and kilns of The Potteries”, an exhibition by photographer Phil Crow, with additional images from the Warrilow Collection in Keele Archives. Chancellor’s building, Keele Uni campus.
Thursday 20 April, 6-8pm - Youth Hustings Local Elections, “young people and the community unite and question councillors to see how they can work for them”. At YMCA North Staffs.
Thursday 20 April, 7pm - MAC Screenings, David Tennant in Good, “a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays.” A pre-recording of the National Theatre stage performance. Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley.
(Blimey, there’s a lot happening on Thursday…)
Friday 21 April - The Killing of Sister George opens at the New Vic theatre, “an iconic black comedy shot through with surprising moments of tenderness.”
Friday 21 & Saturday 22 April, afternoons - Earth Stories film festival, at Keele University and Mitchell Arts Centre. Free screenings of global short films to inspire climate action.
Saturday 22 April, 10am to 3pm - Climate Cafe at B arts in Stoke, free Earth Day and book related crafty activities in partnership with Stoke Reads.
Friday 28 April, 10.30am to 4.30pm - Coronation of King Charles III Indoor Street Party at the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre, Burslem, “a fun-filled day, discover new designs, win Moorcroft pottery, enjoy a buffet lunch and more.” Ticketed.
Friday 28 April to Monday 1 May - City Nature Challenge. Can we get Staffordshire wildlife sightings trending on the global leader board? Get the app, get spotting, get recording.
Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 April - Lymelight Music Festival, Ironmarket and Guildhall stages, Newcastle town centre, “local up and coming artists provide a weekend of free, live music.” A Newcastle BID event.
Monday 8 May, 11am to 3pm - King’s Coronation Park Party, free event in Hanley Park. Live music, circus skills, magic shows, sports, crafts, entertainers.
Tuesday 9 May, 10.30am - Home Education Wildskills at Biddulph Grange, inviting children and parents to “connect with the outside world and learn a range of new skills.” A Staffordshire Wildlife Trust event, following the Forest School ethos. Booking essential.
Want your event listed? Send us a simple sentence and link to details. editor@northstaffs.news
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