Join Us for the Gaer Hill Fort BioBlitz: 7–8 August 2026

We’re delighted to be partnering with Newport City Council and the Newport Local Nature Partnership to deliver this year’s Gaer Hill Fort BioBlitz, taking place on Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August 2026.

Funded through the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature Grant programme, the BioBlitz will bring together wildlife experts, local organisations, voluntary groups and members of the public to celebrate the remarkable wildlife of Gaer Hill Fort and record as many species as possible over the course of the event.

Whether you are an experienced naturalist keen to contribute records, a local resident interested in learning more about the wildlife on your doorstep, or simply looking for a free family day out, there will be something for everyone.

What is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is an event that aims to record as many species as possible within a set period of time. By bringing together specialists and local communities, BioBlitzes help build our understanding of the plants, animals and fungi that live in a particular place.

The records collected during the Gaer Hill Fort BioBlitz will help inform future management of the site and support Newport City Council’s plans to designate the area as a Local Nature Reserve.

Friday 7 August: BioBlitz Bat Walk

🦇 8:45pm–10:30pm

Kick off this year’s Newport BioBlitz at Gaer Hill Fort with a special evening bat walk led by Peter Wilton-Jones.

Join us for an evening walk around the hillfort to discover the fascinating bats that emerge after dark. Using specialist bat detectors, we’ll listen for and look out for the species that call this historic site home.

The walk is suitable for adults and families with older children.

Free event – booking essential.

🔗 Book your place here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GTIH

Saturday 8 August: Gaer Hill Fort BioBlitz

⏰ 10:00am–4:00pm

Throughout the day, wildlife experts will lead guided walks exploring the rich variety of species found at Gaer Hill Fort, including bats, reptiles, wildflowers, insects and other invertebrates.

There will also be wildlife stalls hosted by local organisations and voluntary groups, alongside a programme of family-friendly activities running throughout the day.

All activities are completely free and there is no cost to attend.

Getting Here

Meeting point and access: Wells Close, Newport (NP20 3LJ)

Google Maps / What3Words: ///models.shiny.driven

Stalls and activities will be based in a flat “muster area” just inside the entrance gates.

Please note that there is no dedicated car park at the site. On-street parking should be available nearby on Ruskin Rise and Morton Way. As these are residential streets, we kindly ask visitors to park responsibly and be considerate of local residents.

Facilities

Toilet facilities will be available throughout the day at Gaer Baptist Church, on Shakespeare Crescent, approximately a four-minute walk from Wells Close.

The church will also be serving tea and coffee and acting as a rest point for visitors during the event.

Glo i Natur CIC will be providing free refreshments and snacks at Gaer Hill Fort throughout the day.

Event Programme

Family Activities (drop-in throughout the day)

🪵 Willow weaving

🪲 Bug hunting

🎨 Nature crafts, including making pinecone bird feeders

Timed Family Activities

10:00am–12:00pm — Moth Reveal

Discover the incredible moths found at Gaer Hill Fort with Kevin Hewitt.

11:00am–12:30pm — Nature Treasure Hunt

A family wildlife adventure with Ai-Lin Kee of Nature on Your Doorstep.

1:30pm–3:00pm — Nature Treasure Hunt

A family wildlife adventure with Ai-Lin Kee of Nature on Your Doorstep.

Guided Wildlife Walks

11:00am–12:00pm — Reptile Walk

Search for reptiles with the Glo i Natur CIC team.

12:30pm–1:30pm — Wildflower Walk

Discover the site’s beautiful wildflowers with Dr Steph Tyler.

2:00pm–3:00pm — Insect Walk

Explore the fascinating world of insects with Dr George Tordoff.

Families are welcome on all activities.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

We look forward to welcoming you to Gaer Hill Fort this August as we celebrate the wildlife of one of Newport’s most fascinating green spaces. Whether you stay for an hour or spend the whole day with us, come along and help us uncover the incredible biodiversity living right on our doorstep.