Hutton’s Craigiebuckler campus will be central hub for Aberdeen city-wide BioBlitz
The Craigiebuckler campus of The James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s pre‑eminent interdisciplinary research institute for sustainable land, crop and nature management, is set to act as the main hub for a city-wide BioBlitz in Aberdeen next month.
Organised by the North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership (NESBiP) and taking place on Friday 14 August, the BioBlitz will challenge Aberdonians to identify and record as many species as possible across the city in just one day.
As part of the event, drop‑in activities will run from 10am to 4pm at the Hutton’s Craigiebuckler campus on Countesswells Road. These activities will offer support with species identification, guidance on data recording, a chance to try your hand at moth trapping, live updates on discoveries throughout the day and opportunities to meet experts and fellow nature enthusiasts.
Participants can also submit their findings in person at Craigiebuckler, or by using the online recording form or phone app.
Participants can also submit their findings in person at Craigiebuckler, or by using the online recording form or phone app. The grounds at Craigiebuckler are home to the Hutton’s arboretum, which is filled with trees from across the world – including Aberdeen’s tallest tree, a 45m Sitka spruce. Wildlife such as deer, red squirrels and songbirds are also commonly spotted around the campus.
In addition to the drop-in events at the Hutton, the day will feature a number of guided walks taking place across the city:
- 11am to 1pm – Wildflower Workshop with Curam Fyvie at The James Hutton Institute.
- 11am to 1.30pm – Den Burn Restoration with Aberdeen City Council and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
- 1pm to 3.30pm – Bumblebee BioBlitz with Bumblebee Conservation at Seaton Park.
- 10am to 12pm – EGCP SeaWatch at Torry Coo.
- 1pm to 4pm – EGCP SeaWatchat Windows to the Sea, Donmouth.
- 7.30pm to 10pm – Mammals – Seals, badgers & batswith the North East Scotland Mammal Network along the River Don.
- 8pm to 9.30pm – Sunset Rock Pooling at Greyhope Bay.
Due to limited availability, booking is essential for some of these events. To find out more and book your space in advance, visit: Aberdeen City Wide BioBlitz 2026 -NESBiP
NESBiP Biodiversity Coordinator Abbie Ferrar said, “Many people are surprised by the variety of wildlife that can be found in Aberdeen, even in the heart of the city.
“BioBlitz events give people the opportunity to explore urban nature, learn from experts and contribute to real biodiversity records.
“By bringing together residents, families and wildlife enthusiasts, we can build a better understanding of the species that share our city and encourage more people to become involved in caring for nature.”
