That’s a wrap on this year’s City Nature Challenge 2026!
Across the globe, people came together to record wildlife in their local areas, contributing to a remarkable over 3 million observations worldwide using iNaturalist. We’re proud that Berkshire and Oxfordshire were part of this truly global effort.
Our local results
Here in the TVERC area, participants across Berkshire and Oxfordshire achieved:
- 3,512 observations
- 1,135 species recorded
- 274 observers
- 504 identifiers
These fantastic results reflect the enthusiasm and dedication of our local recording community.
A growing community of recorders
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, whether you were an experienced recorder or trying iNaturalist for the first time. It’s been brilliant to see so many people getting involved, exploring their local green spaces, and sharing what they find.
Every observation submitted helps build a clearer picture of the wildlife living across our towns, parks, gardens and countryside. These records contribute valuable data that supports conservation work and helps inform decisions about how we protect and enhance nature locally.
It’s especially inspiring to see how the City Nature Challenge continues to grow each year, with more people taking part and more wildlife being recorded and identified.
Noticing Nature during the Challenge
Alongside the Challenge, we had a great time running Noticing Nature events on the Friday and Monday, bringing people together to connect with nature and contribute wildlife records.
On Friday, we explored Aston’s Eyot and the Kidneys on a relaxed spring walk led by Ruth from Friends of Aston’s Eyot. Highlights included spotting a newt in the newly created ponds, recording spring plants like ramsons and red campion, and enjoying sunshine‑loving butterflies such as orange-tips, holly blues, brimstones and peacocks.
On Monday, we teamed up with Wild Oxfordshire at BBOWT’s Iffley Meadows, where Julie helped us get to grips with grass‑like plants. We were delighted to spot Oxfordshire’s county plant, the beautiful snake’s head fritillary, alongside hearing muntjac calling, enjoying birdsong, and catching glimpses of butterflies.
These events were a wonderful way to introduce people to wildlife recording and show how easy and enjoyable it can be to take part.
Keep recording!
Although the City Nature Challenge may be over for this year, wildlife recording doesn’t stop here. You can continue using iNaturalist all year round to record and discover the nature around you.
Next year's City Nature Challenge will take place 30th April to 3rd May.