New targets

The Darwin Prize, open to those aged between seven and 14, "provides an arena for children to talk passionately about biodiversity, a subject that many are already very enthusiastic about", explained Marie Clements from the Museum. Local wildlife enthusiasts all over the UK can also take part in a week-long "Hide and seek" survey by The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) to help investigate the importance of wetlands for local species.

The action does not stop when the Sun goes down. People all over the UK are invited to spot bats as they take to the night sky, as part of the International Night of Biological Diversity.

The wide range of activities this weekend is taking place just months before world leaders gather in Nagoya, Japan, to set new targets to tackle the rate of decreasing biodiversity.

The many events and activities will "help people understand how crucial biodiversity is, and to discover the connections between themselves and the world around them", say organizers.