Pollenize is proud to announce the launch of Nature Counts, an ambitious community project bringing citizen science, environmental education and hands-on conservation to Devonport Park and Mount Wise from April to September 2026.

Nature Counts is funded by The Rank Foundation’s £1 million participatory fund, matched by £500,000 from Livewell Southwest, supporting community-led projects enabling more effective, health-focused action to reduce loneliness and social isolation across Plymouth. The project also responds directly to the ongoing decline of pollinators and other insects in urban green spaces. Through six free weekend nature-based events taking place at Devonport and Mount Wise, the project will empower local residents to explore, record and protect the biodiversity on their doorstep.

Community-Powered Citizen Science

At the heart of Nature Counts are guided BioBlitz surveys designed to make wildlife recording accessible, engaging and impactful. Participants of all ages will be supported to use the iNaturalist Classic app to identify and log insects, wildflowers and other species found within the parks.

No prior experience is needed. Pollenize facilitators will provide simple training in insect and plant identification, helping attendees gain confidence in recognising key pollinator species and understanding their ecological roles.

Each observation submitted contributes to a growing body of open-source ecological data but, crucially, that data will also drive site-specific action.

Introducing Floradex: Data-Driven Planting for Pollinators

A key component of these surveys is Floradex, Pollenize’s pioneering biodiversity tracking tool.

Floradex analyses insect and plant observations gathered from each site, providing ranked recommendations for trees, shrubs and flowering plants that will best support pollinators and strengthen ecosystem health. By translating community-collected data into practical planting guidance, Floradex ensures that decisions made later in the year are evidence-led and tailored specifically to Devonport Park and Mount Wise Park.

Observations from the BioBlitz events will feed into an online dashboard, creating a live picture of nature in local parks and directly informing autumn action.

Later in 2026, using the results generated by Floradex, Pollenize will host community planting events in both parks. Residents will be invited to help install carefully selected plug plants identified through the biodiversity data, turning citizen science insights into tangible habitat improvements for pollinators and people.

More Than a Survey: Creative, Active Community Days

Nature Counts is designed to be hands-on, welcoming and family-friendly. Alongside the citizen science activities, the events will feature:

The Rebel Botanists – creative, curiosity-led plant exploration activities designed to spark wonder about local wildflowers and opportunities for nature-inspired chalking.

Together, these activities transform each weekend into a celebration of urban nature, combining learning, action and creativity.

Educational Resources - Biodiversity Booster Cards!

To make learning even more engaging, Pollenize will be giving away a limited number of Top Trumps-style card packs to event participants. The packs feature ten native wildflowers commonly found in city spaces.

Each illustrated “species file” card will include:

Key identification features
Flowering periods
Pollinator interactions
Fascinating ecological facts

These accessible, family-friendly resources are designed to spark interest, encourage repeat visits to the parks, and inspire long-term stewardship of local biodiversity.

Building on Proven Impact in Plymouth

Nature Counts builds on Pollenize’s growing track record of environmental action in Plymouth. Previous initiatives include the Seeds for Schools programme, which provided every school child in Plymouth (approx 38000) with a Pollenize wildflower seed packet in celebration of World Earth Day. The project supported local schools to establish pollinator-friendly planting and engage young people in biodiversity learning.

Pollenize has also led awareness campaigns encouraging a shift away from pesticide use in urban spaces, including its Pesticide Free Plymouth campaign, which advocates for more wildlife-friendly land management practices across the city- raising awareness of ‘Wildflower Not Weeds’.

These initiatives demonstrate Pollenize’s commitment to combining education, advocacy and practical habitat creation.

From Data to Action

Pollinators are essential for urban ecosystems, supporting wildflowers, trees and the wider wildlife that depends on them. Yet across the UK, insect populations continue to fall in numbers due to habitat loss, climate pressures and changes in land management.

Nature Counts ensures that engagement leads directly to measurable ecological improvements. The project not only supports biodiversity recovery but also promotes wellbeing through outdoor learning, shared discovery and meaningful participation.

Residents, families, schools and community groups are encouraged to take part in the upcoming weekend sessions between April and September 2026The events are as follows

Saturday 25th April - Devonport Park- 10:30-1pm
Saturday 16th May - Mount Wise Park - 10:30-1pm
Saturday 13th June - Devonport Park -10:30am -1pm
Saturday 25th July- Mount Wise Park -10:30am -1pm
Saturday 8th August - Devonport Park - 10:30am - 1pm
Saturday 29th August- Mount Wise Park - 10:30am - 1pm

Further event details, registration information and a downloadable digital toolkit can be found here pollenize.org.uk/impact/nc26

About Pollenize

Pollenize is an environmental organisation dedicated to restoring pollinator habitats and empowering communities to take action for biodiversity through creative engagement and evidence-led planting.

Media Enquiries:
brittany@pollenize.org.uk

Pollenize Launches Nature Counts to Power Community-Led Biodiversity Action in Devonport and Mount Wise Park