City Nature Challenge

Help Document Congleton’s Wild Plants and Contribute to Science!

From 25th to 28th April 2025, Congleton will take part in the City Nature Challenge, a global scientific event happening in 700 cities worldwide!

We are inviting residents to help document wild plants across the town. Every observation you make will be added to a scientific database, helping researchers compare today’s plant life with historical records from 1915, when Reverend G. Cartlidge documented the local flora. This will allow us to see how Congleton’s plant life has changed over the past century and preserve a record for future generations.

This event is part of the larger Our Disappearing Nature project, which focuses on long-term research into local biodiversity. By taking part in the City Nature Challenge, you’re contributing to a wider conservation effort—and if you want to do even more, there are volunteer opportunities in the project too!

Event Details

When? 25th-28th April 2025

Where? Anywhere within Congleton – only observations from within town boundaries will count

How? Just download iNaturalist, take photos of wild plants, and upload them.

What? We observe wild plants, including grasses, shrubs, trees, and flowering plants.

✅ No prior knowledge needed—anyone can take part!

How to Use iNaturalist?

iNaturalist is the app we use to collect and share plant observations. It’s simple and free to use:

🟢 1. Download iNaturalist (available on iOS and Android). Link –
🟢 2. Create an account and enable location services for accurate data.
🟢 3. Find a wild plant anywhere within Congleton, such as in parks, along roadsides, in canals, or on hillside slopes, open the app, and tap “Observe”.
🟢 4. Take several clear photos of the plant from different angles—capture leaves, flowers, and stems for better identification.**
🟢 5. Tap “What did you see?”—add the plant’s name if you know it, or leave it blank. The app will suggest possible matches, and the iNaturalist community will help confirm the identification later.
🟢 6. Save your observation, and it will automatically be shared with the City Nature Challenge database!

Check out a quick video tutorial here
You can also find a step-by-step instruction guide here

Why Get Involved?

✔️ Be part of a global movement — your observations will join thousands of others across the world.
✔️ Help scientists understand how Congleton’s plant life has changed over time.
✔️ Support conservation efforts and future green initiatives in the town.
✔️ Learn more about nature in your community

What Is Our Disappearing Nature?

This City Nature Challenge is just one part of the Our Disappearing Nature project, a long-term initiative led by Congleton Museum and funded by The Royal Society.

We are working to document, analyse, and compare modern plant life with records from over a century ago, building a comprehensive picture of how nature in Congleton is evolving.

Want to get more involved? We are also looking for volunteers to help with research, data analysis, and educational efforts! Find out how you can contribute on our website.