A housing association is helping residents explore urban wildlife right on their doorstep.
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is running five BioBlitz events across Oldham in July and August.
Giving residents the chance to become 'citizen scientists' for an hour each week and help identify and record wildlife in their communities.
The £1,375 project is supported by Plant Cooperative CIC and forms part of FCHO’s Greater & Greener partnership with the National Trust.
David Wrigley, head of neighbourhood care at FCHO, said: "These BioBlitz surveys will capture a snapshot of the variety of wildlife found in a specific community and is part of our drive to help create more nature-friendly neighbourhoods and improve green spaces.
"We’d really like our customers and residents in these areas to come along on the day for just an hour and take part with the expert guidance of Andy Farrington from Plant Cooperative."
The housing association is already taking steps to improve biodiversity through planting schemes and reduced grass cutting in some areas to encourage wildlife.
Mr Wrigley said: "Knowing what lives in these locations with the help of our communities on a BioBlitz will help us understand more and get even better at protecting our environment – something our customers say loud and clear they want to see happen."
The events are open to everyone, with no previous experience needed.
Andy Farrington, project lead at Plant Cooperative CIC, said: "Through these BioBlitz's we're inviting people to take the opportunity to explore their local green spaces and discover the incredible variety of wildlife that shares our neighbourhoods.
"Every observation helps build a better picture of local biodiversity and contributes to important citizen science.
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"We're hoping to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those who may never have taken part in wildlife recording before, showing that you don't need to be an expert to make a valuable contribution to nature conservation."
Each BioBlitz takes place on a Wednesday from 11am to noon.
Locations include OL1 Community Garden on July 29, Littlemoor House on August 5, Eldon Street open space on August 12, Longfellow Crescent/Wells Road in Moorside on August 19, and Marlborough Drive and Barons Court in Failsworth on August 26.
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