Oxford BioBlitz to study garden wildlife

Members of the public are to take part in a 24-hour survey of animals and plants in part of Oxford.

It is hoped the first Oxford BioBlitz will enhance scientific knowledge of urban wildlife.

Dom McDonald, from Science Oxford, said: "More knowledge helps us make better decisions about the things that go on in our cities."

All the 1,500 homes in St Clements will be sent a form so residents can record wildlife in their gardens.

Experts will be on hand to offer advice on trapping moths or identifying animals during the BioBlitz from 23 to 24 June.

Mr McDonald said: "Huge numbers of animals live and die in people's gardens but we have a very poor understanding of it.

"The BioBlitz will enable everybody to learn about the world around them and feel connected to it."

Anybody is welcome to join in the free activities including a Worm Charming Olympics which will see teams compete to lure earthworms to the surface of South Parks.

Teams of two people will have to attract as many earthworms as possible to the surface of their plot of the park.

There will be a prize for the team which attracts the most worms and one for the longest individual worm.