Help spot wildlife at Iona Bioblitz

“We’re keen to welcome visitors with any level of experience, from nature novices to keen enthusiasts as we’ll have plenty of fun activities they can lend a helping hand with. Those attending will be taking part in citizen science, where research is informed by everyone’s contributions and considered together to form a holistic view of the important biodiversity on Iona. We’ll use this knowledge to help us understand how good the farm is as a habitat for wildlife now, and to inform our approach to managing it, so it can be even better in the future.

“It’s important for the trust that both nature and human communities have the opportunity to flourish at our places. To many visitors Iona is a peaceful retreat from everyday life with its patchwork of small fields, heathery hills and flowery machair leading to white sandy beaches, but it’s also a place where people live and work all year round.

"Our farming and crofting practices have created this landscape, that not only sustain rural businesses and local food production but also provide a home for a wealth of wildlife, such as the secretive corncrake whose rasping call is now heard from the iris beds as it returns from Africa to breed. 

"Come and join us to help uncover more of the secrets of Iona’s wildlife and make treasured memories with your loved ones this spring.”

The Iona Bioblitz event contributes to the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to provide access and enjoyment to Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022. Events like this support its vision to care for, protect and share Scotland’s rich natural heritage and contribute to its conservation and engagement objectives.

Find out more about the National Trust for Scotland at www.nts.org.uk.