5,000 in 50 challenge and Big 50 event

The Big 50 is a 50‑hour wildlife‑recording marathon running from 12pm on 26 June to 2pm on 28 June 2026. Over this time, we’ll be joined by wildlife experts and keen naturalists as we work together to record as many species as possible across Rutland Water Nature Reserve. Every new species discovered will help drive us closer to our ambitious "5,000 in 50" Challenge, marking 50 years since the creation of Rutland Water in 1976 and the goal of reaching 5,000 recorded species in the history of the Reserve by the end of the year. It’s a celebration of biodiversity, community science, and the extraordinary wildlife that calls Rutland Water Nature Reserve home. There will be guided walks, moth trapping, pond dipping and much more. Along with an 'Identification Hub', which will be set up at the Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre to help visitors identify any species they may find, which will be supported by local wildlife groups.

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