Join the Leeds City Nature Challenge 2027
Help Leeds discover, record and celebrate nature
Have you ever spotted a bumblebee in your garden, a bird in the park, or an unusual wildflower while walking the dog?
The Leeds City Nature Challenge is your opportunity to turn these everyday wildlife encounters into valuable records that help us better understand, celebrate and protect nature across the city.
Taking place over a dedicated four-day period from 30 April to 4 May 2027, the challenge invites everyone in Leeds to record as much wildlife as possible using the free iNaturalist app. Every observation made contributes to a global citizen science event involving literally hundreds of cities around the world.
Whether you're a wildlife expert, keen photographer, bird watcher, student, dog walker, gardener, or simply curious about the natural world around you, everyone can take part.
What is the City Nature Challenge?
The City Nature Challenge is an annual international event that encourages people to observe and record wildlife in their local area.
Cities from around the world take part each year, collecting information including:
- The number of wildlife observations recorded
- The number of species identified
- The number of people participating
But it isn't just about competition. The challenge is designed to connect people with nature, improve wildlife recording and create a snapshot of biodiversity across participating cities all around the world.
For the first time, Leeds is joining the challenge, and we need your help to put our city on the map.
How Does It Work?
Step 1: Join the Leeds Network
Join the growing network of individuals and organisations taking part by completing this form. We'll be hosting informal online sessions each month where participants can share ideas, learn from one another and help shape Leeds' first City Nature Challenge.
Step 2: Download iNaturalist
Download the free iNaturalist app and create a free account. Once registered, you can photograph plants, animals, fungi and other living things and upload them as wildlife observations. The app provides suggested identifications using image recognition technology, while a global community of experts helps verify records and improve accuracy.
Step 3: Get Practising
Before the challenge begins, try making a few observations whenever you're outdoors. Whether you're commuting, walking the dog, gardening or visiting a local park, every observation helps build your confidence and improves your identification skills.
Step 4: Record Nature During the Challenge
Between 30 April and 3 May 2027, record as much wildlife as possible within the Leeds boundary. Every observation submitted during the challenge period will contribute to Leeds' results.
You Don't Need to Be an Expert
One of the best things about the City Nature Challenge is that absolutely anyone can get involved. You don't need any specialist knowledge, expensive equipment, or even a particular interest in wildlife - if you can take a photograph with your phone, you can contribute.
In fact, many common species are just as important as the rare ones. Observations of blackbirds, daisies, squirrels and garden insects all help build a better picture of biodiversity across Leeds and how we manage for nature in the future.
Join an Organised Event
Throughout the challenge, organisations and community groups across Leeds will be hosting guided wildlife walks, bioblitzes and recording sessions. If you represent a community group or organisation and would like to get involved, or you just want to spread the word, please get in touch, so we can add you to our mailing list and growing city map.
Why Does It Matter?
Nature is facing significant challenges, particularly within our towns and cities. By building a better picture of where wildlife occurs across Leeds, we can help inform conservation action, support habitat creation projects, influence planning decisions and identify areas that are particularly important for biodiversity.
The challenge is also about reconnecting people with nature. Research consistently shows that spending time outdoors and engaging with wildlife can improve physical health, mental wellbeing and our connection to the places we live.
Together, the observations recorded during the challenge will create one of the most comprehensive snapshots of nature in Leeds ever assembled.
When is the Challenge?
- April 30th - May 3rd: Observation period to take photos and record wild plants and animals
- May 4th - May 16th: Upload and identification period
- May 20th: Global results announced
All wildlife observations recorded within the Leeds challenge area during this period can contribute to the challenge.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you're an experienced ecologist, a community group, a school, a business, or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, we'd love you to be part of Leeds' first City Nature Challenge.
Sign up using the form link below and help put Leeds on the global nature map.
Leeds City Nature Challenge 2027
We use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to guide our activity. This work is linked to the following SDGs:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
