23 April 2026
“The City Nature Challenge highlights the strength of partnership working - connecting organisations, communities, and individuals around a shared goal"
The University of Sunderland is joining forces with local organisations to encourage more people to get outside and enjoy the nature and wildlife in their communities.
It's part of the City Nature Challenge (CNC); an annual four-day global bioblitz running from 24-28 April 2026.
The University will be part of a programme of citywide nature-centred events in partnership with other organisations including Wear Rivers Trust, Coast Sunderland, and Durham Wildlife Trust and supported by Sunderland City Council.
Keith Slater, Head of Environmental Sustainability at the University, said: "As a civic institution, the University of Sunderland is proud to support this collaborative, citywide effort that brings together partners from across the region.
“The City Nature Challenge highlights the strength of partnership working - connecting organisations, communities, and individuals around a shared goal of celebrating and protecting our natural environment.
“We’re encouraging our staff, students, and the wider community to get involved, connect with nature, and contribute to a growing body of biodiversity data that will benefit Sunderland and the wider north-east for years to come."
Participants will be able to connect with nature, learn from local experts, and record observations using the iNaturalist app, helping to strengthen regional biodiversity data and maximise the collective impact of the City Nature Challenge across the north-east.
This collaborative approach will bring together local expertise, resources, and community networks to create opportunities for local communities to engage with.
CNC 2026 is taking place across the UK with several major cities and regions signed up including the north-east. This is the second time Sunderland as a city has participated in the challenge, which is now in its second year, and it is a first for the University.
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy and Place at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s great that partners are coming together to support the City Nature Challenge across the north-east and creating opportunities to inspire people of all ages to get outdoors and discover the wildlife on their doorstep.
"Sunderland is home to an incredible range of natural spaces, and this citywide effort will help more residents connect with them, learn from them and play an active role in protecting them for the future.”
Find out more about what events you can get involved in here.
If you live outside of Sunderland, click here to find out about events near you.