What Is The Summer Bioblitz At Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park In Sheffield?

It's that time of year again. The summer holidays are winding down, and everyone's looking for one last brilliant day out before school starts again. Fancy doing something a bit different? Something that's fun but also genuinely helps the planet?

Well, there's an event happening near Sheffield that might just be the ticket. The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park is calling for 'habitat heroes' to join in on a massive nature survey, and it sounds like a proper adventure. This isn't just about looking at animals; it's about becoming a real-life scientist for the day and helping with some very important conservation work.

So, what's a bioblitz, anyway?

Right, let's get this sorted. The event is called the Summer Bioblit, and it's happening on Bank Holiday Monday, 25th August, and Tuesday, 26th August. But what actually is a 'Bioblitz'? It sounds a bit like something from a superhero film, doesn't it? Really, it's quite simple. It's when a group of people, from experts to families, get together to find and identify as many different species of plants, animals, and insects as they can in one place over a short period.

Think of it as a big census for nature. The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park has teamed up with dozens of other zoos for a campaign run by BIAZA (that's the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums). The goal is to get a snapshot of all the native species living right there in the park grounds. It's hands-on wildlife conservation, and anyone can join in.

Get ready for a bug hunt and more!

This is where it gets really fun. Forget just walking around looking at things. The Summer Bioblitz is all about getting your hands dirty. Visitors can become official habitat heroes by taking part in a whole host of activities. You could be doing some pond dipping, carefully scooping up water to see what tiny creatures are swimming about. Or maybe you'll be turning over stones to see which creepy crawlies have made a home underneath. There's also sweep netting, which is a bit like using a butterfly net to gently catch insects in long grass for a closer look before letting them go again.

And of course, there will be proper insect counts and bird watching sessions. It's a full-on bug hunt! It's a fantastic way to see the smaller, often-overlooked wildlife that calls the park home. And while you're there, keep an eye out for Buzz, the park's friendly conservation mascot. A selfie with a giant bee is definitely one for the holiday photo album.

It's not just about the bugs

Of course, a day at this fantastic park in North Anston is about more than just the Bioblitz. All the usual summer holiday fun is still happening, so there's plenty to do for everyone. The amazing Animal Antics show is always a massive hit, and the daily keeper talks give you a brilliant chance to learn more about the animals from the people who know them best.

If the kids still have energy to burn, there are tractor-trailer rides, a splash zone for some watery fun, and brilliant play parks to explore. And let's not forget the Dino Trail for any budding palaeontologists. To make sure you don't miss anything, you can grab a timetable at the Jungle Gift Shop on your way in. The entire day is set up for families to have a great time while also learning about the incredible animals at this popular family-run zoo.

More than a day out: a mission for wildlife conservation

Here's something you might not know. The Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park is serious about conservation. And not just for the exotic animals inside. They are deeply committed to protecting local native species. In fact, this family-run zoo, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, owns over 46 acres of land nearby that's purely for conserving British wildlife. A bit of the money from every entry ticket goes towards managing this land, buying wildflower seeds, and putting up bird boxes.

They have over 450 bird boxes across their sites, which are home to one of the UK's largest tree sparrow populations! They've also recorded red deer, barn owls, and grass snakes on their land. This commitment to wildlife conservation is at the heart of everything they do. The recent construction of a new, energy-efficient Butterfly House in 2023 is another example of their dedication. Their work is also backed by their membership with BIAZA, an organisation that ensures zoos and aquariums meet high standards in animal welfare and conservation, including fundraising for projects around the world.

Plan your visit to the park

So, if you fancy becoming a scientist for a day and helping with vital conservation work, the Summer Bioblitz at the Tropical Butterfly House Wildlife Conservation Park is the place to be.

It's a brilliant way to get closer to nature and understand the amazing biodiversity right on our doorstep. When you need a break from all the exploring, you can grab a bite at the Butterfly Cafe or a coffee from Lotties Coffee Lounge. The whole park is set up for a fantastic day out. Normal admission prices apply for the event, and you can find all the details you need on their website. It's an amazing chance to help the conservation team and have a brilliant, memorable day out at the same time.