23rd to 31st May 2026

The results are in for this year's National BioBlitz!

View the results
Together you recorded an incredible 3,781 observations of 544 species across the country, from Scottish isles to the tip of Cornwall.

A huge thank you to everyone that got involved. Every single record helps us to understand and protect the wildlife of the UK coastline.


How can you get involved?

Find out how to sign up to take part (and what prizes are up for grabs!) here.

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about the National BioBlitz and why it's important with our handy FAQ section.

Results and leaderboard

View observations by other participants and check whether you're leading the pack!
Sign up here

FAQs

What is the National BioBlitz?
The Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz takes place all across the UK, and anyone can take part wherever they are. Participants head to their local rocky shore, explore the rock pools, and record what they find using the iNaturalist app. It is a flexible, week-long event, so you can choose the day that works best for you. Whether you take part on your own or with friends and family, you can help build a national picture of marine life on our coasts.
Why are we focusing on non-native species?
Since the 1960s, over 20 invasive marine species have established on UK shores, and more are expected. These non-native species often arrive via shipping or climate shifts and can harm native wildlife and ecosystems. Many are small, under-recorded, and spreading.

By recording what you find, you'll support conservation and marine management across the UK.

Want to learn more? 
Explore this fantastic Marine Non-Native Species ID Guide from our partners at the Marine Biological Association (MBA):   
MBA Marine Non-Native Species Guide (PDF)
Where can I take part?
You can take part anywhere with a rocky shoreline in the UK. This year there are extra points available for records in areas where data hasn’t been recorded in our previous National BioBlitzes!
Do I need any equipment to take part?
To take part, you will need:
- A smartphone or tablet with the iNaturalist app(free for iOS and Android) installed, or a camera to take photos in the fieldwhich can be uploaded to iNaturalist afterwards
- Suitable footwear (such as wellies or otherappropriate rock pooling shoes)
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Optional: ID guides, notepad, tray or bucket forviewing rocky shore organisms
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is communal event where participants identify as many species as possible in a given area within a time-limited period, to gain a snapshot of the biodiversity in the area! Everything found is documented andpassed on to national databases to contribute to scientific understanding andconservation.  
How do I use iNaturalist?
If you don’t already have an iNaturalist account, you will need to download the iNaturalist app and create a free account. There is further advice on using iNaturalist available on our website.
Can I participate on my own or do I have to be in a team?
Anyone can participate in National BioBlitz on an individual basis. If you would like to, you could also form a team and see how many pointsyou can get together as a group!
I’ve never been rock pooling before. What do I need to know?
For guidance on rock pooling safely and responsibly (while finding lots of creatures to record!) we recommend reading our Guide to Rock Pooling.
What should I be looking for?
You should look for any plants or animals living in the intertidal zone (the area of the shore between the highest tide and the lowest tide) –such as crabs, starfish, anemones, seaweeds and more. We are especially keen to record non-native species –species that are not native to the UK – as these help us to understand how ourmarine ecosystems are changing. ID help and examples are available on our website.
What is the points system?
At The Rock Pool Project we run regular citizen science events that involve fun, friendly competitions with points gained based on thenumber of species recorded and the rarity of species recorded. During the National BioBlitz, there are also extra points available for recording non-native species and for recording in areas of the UK where we haven’treceived records before.
How will my records be used?
All records collected will contribute to scientific understanding and marine conservation. Verified records are shared via iNaturalist with researchers, conservation bodies and national databases. Your findings help track biodiversity, monitor invasive species, and protect coastal ecosystems.
When do my records have to be submitted by?
Results from the National BioBlitz will be announced on week commencing 8th June 2026, so make sure all your records are submitted before then – the sooner records are added to iNaturalist, the more time there is for other iNaturalist users to verify records.
Can I share what I find on social media?
By all means share your finds online and be sure to tag #BigRockPoolChallenge and #NationalBioBlitz!
I can’t get to the coast during the National BioBlitz -are there other ways I can get involved?
If you would like to get involved with National BioBlitz but can’t get to the coast, you could help with identifying and verifying other people’s observations on iNaturalist. You can access the project here.
How can I get involved with The Rock Pool Project outside of the National BioBlitz?
You could:
- Volunteer with us
- Get involved at one of our hubs around the UK – or start a new hub in your area
- Become a member of the Marine Biological Association and join our online community
- Come to our Community BioBlitz Festival 2026 in Cornwall!

Explorer Bonus map

Discover the different recorded locations

This map shows where records were collected across the country, as well as how many additional points you could gain for surveying in a particular unexplored area.

Please note National BioBlitz 2026 has now finished. We hope to see you again next year!

Current results and Leaderboard

Check out the leaderboard below to see the top scoring participants across all UK regions.

Only individual participants are shown in the league table or eligable to win prizes, however Team scores are shown in the final event report.
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Please note, only Research Grade records are counted in the league table.

Watch our webinars

As part of the National BioBlitz, we ran online webinars hosted by experts.
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- Using R to explore iNaturalist data: 19th May 2pm, 2nd June 2pm - hosted by Dr Ben Holt
- UK marine invasive non-native species: 21st May 7pm- hosted by Dr Ben Holt
- From UK Coastlines to Worldwide Invader: The European Green Crab: 28th May 6:30pm- hosted by Dr Laura Coles
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Missed our webinars? Don't worry, you can catch up on YouTube!
YouTube

Responsible rock pooling

Rock pooling responsibly: Please read our Rock Pooling Guide for advice on how to explore safely and minimise disturbance to wildlife (available here).
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Staying safe: Participation in the National BioBlitz is at your own risk. Ensure you are familiar with your survey location and any potential hazards. Always check tide times and weather conditions before setting out, and avoid surveying alone.

Last Year's Resources

Check out materials from National BioBlitz 2025.

Event Report 2025

Results and highlights from last year’s Big Rock Pool Challenge: National BioBlitz, where hundreds of participants explored and documented coastal wildlife.

Full Report

Expert Webinar Series Recordings

Recordings from last year’s webinars where scientists shared insights on species identification, why monitoring matters, and how your observations make a difference.

YouTube

The Big Rock Pool Challenge is proudly funded by The ScottishPower Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund whose generous support enables us to inspire communities and deliver lasting environmental impact across and beyond the South West.  

This initiative is delivered in partnership with The Rock Pool Project and the Marine Biological Association. Together, we’re empowering people and their communities to connect with nature, contribute to valuable biodiversity data, and support the health of our coastal ecosystems for future generations.

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