The Big Rock Pool Challenge BioBlitz Battle

If you are looking for something different to do on the coast this month, there is a citizen science event happening at Ovingdean Beach on 28 March 2026. It is called The Big Rock Pool Challenge BioBlitz Battle. The idea is to spend time exploring the rock pools along the Brighton shoreline to record biodiversity data. It is organised as part of The Rock Pool Project, which aims to get local communities more involved with their coastal environment. You do not need any prior experience to join in; the organisers are looking for people who are curious about the marine life found in these pools and want to spend a morning by the water.

The event is structured as a 90-minute BioBlitz. During this time, participants use a specific app and iNaturalist to log the species they find. It is set up as a friendly competition where each species is assigned a rarity score based on existing records from across the UK. At the end of the 90 minutes, the scores are tallied to see who has recorded the most unique or rare finds. It is a practical way to contribute to biodiversity data while learning how to identify different species in their natural habitat. The process is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to focus on the discovery aspect while the digital tools handle the data collection.

Since this is a pilot project, it is designed to be accessible for anyone interested in the local coastline. You are essentially helping to build a clearer picture of what lives in our rock pools by documenting what you see. It is a straightforward activity that combines manual exploration with digital recording. If you have an interest in the sea and want to see what is living right on our doorstep, this is an opportunity to get involved in a structured way without needing to be an expert. It is a chance to engage with the environment in a way that feels productive, turning a walk on the beach into a contribution to local scientific knowledge.