The first ever Intervarsity BioBlitz was held on May 1st and 2nd this year with 5 campuses competing to record the most species on site in a 24 hour period. NUI Galway was the eventual winner with 581 species recorded. In total almost 2,000 species were recorded on the day with data streaming live from Dublin City University, Dundalk Institute of Technology, NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre provided training to the Green-Campus Committees and hosted all of the data streaming and compilation. Liam Lysaght, Centre Director, is keen to build stronger links between the Data Centre and third-level institutions to promote greater field skills and biological recording as part of natural sciences courses.’

Keen to take part in the action Cork University Hospital hosted “Skullduggery!” a very special event for the children’s ward where students from UCC brought animal skulls and other artefacts for identification. CUH are also a registered campus on the Green-Campus Programme. “Interaction between campuses and the willingness to share experience and education is central to the Green-Campus message” says Yvonne Ryan, Green-Campus Coordinator and adds that “campuses involved have benefitted enormously: they now have a preliminary species list on site as well as having hosted a lively and fun event bringing together the campus and wider community”. It is anticipated that the Intervarsity BioBlitz will become an annual event.