Listen Live

Nature Challenge logs 89 species previously never recorded in Exeter

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 08:00

By Chris Collman

Exeter’s first City Nature Challenge has been hailed a success, with more than 1,500 observations of 507 species recorded.

Organisers say 89 of the species identified during the weekend had not previously been recorded in Exeter.

Highlights included the shelled slug - a surprisingly yellow creature rarely seen because it lives underground eating earthworms - and linnets.

People from across Exeter took part in the City Nature Challenge over the weekend of 24 to 27 April. Twenty-two free events were organised, giving nature enthusiasts the chance to go on a bat walk or try moth trapping or pond dipping.

The event was organised by the University of Exeter in partnership with the City Council and other partners, including the National Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon Bat Group, Exeter City Council, Devon Wildlife Consultants, Ecological Training UK, Friends of Hoopern Valley, the South West Lichen Society and the Met Office.

Organisers say that 75% of the records from the weekend are ‘research grade’, meaning they will be added to international and national biodiversity recording databases and can be used by researchers and conservationists to understand and protect wildlife.

Started in 2016 as a friendly competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge has grown into one of the biggest scientific events in the world, motivating people to find and document wildlife in their own cities.

Last month’s global event saw 754 cities from 61 countries take part across six continents, with more than 76,000 species recorded and over 100,000 people participating.

Share

More from Local News

On Air Now Non Stop Evenings 6:00pm - Midnight
Now Playing
Mercy Duffy Download
Recently Played

Schedule

Recently Played

Today's Weather

  • Exmouth

    Light rain shower

    High: 18°C | Low: 13°C

  • Exeter

    Light rain shower

    High: 19°C | Low: 11°C

  • Dawlish

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 18°C | Low: 12°C

  • Torquay

    Light rain

    High: 17°C | Low: 12°C

  • Sidmouth

    Light rain shower

    High: 18°C | Low: 13°C

Easy Fundraising

What's On

  • Walking Cricket

    Walking Cricket is a low-impact version of traditional cricket designed to accommodate players of all ages and abilities, especially older adults or those with ...

    at Exwick Cricket Club
  • Devon in the 1920's

    One of Devon’s leading social historians is giving a special lecture this month on what the county was like a century ago. Dr Julia Neville, an honorary rese...

    at Matthews Hall
  • Seachange Activity Club - Exmouth

    Friendly weekly activity club which will provide a chance for people to get out of the house and meet other people.

    at Palmer House