BUDDING Packhams and Strachans are needed to volunteer at Moors Valley Country Park on July 24.

The park already surveys its butterfly, dragonfly and damselfly populations, and keeps a record of bird sightings.

But now, the rangers want to survey the park’s other inhabitants during a 24-hour Bioblitz.Countryside education ranger Katie Davies said: “We are organising a 24-hour Bioblitz and would love to bring some new volunteers on board to help discover and record particular species.

“We are hoping lots of members of the public will also want to join in, but obviously they will need guidance, so knowledgeable experts will be welcome.

“We are also keen to increase the scope of our regular surveys, so we would also welcome support from volunteers who can’t make the Bioblitz but would be keen to get involved with regular survey work.”

Moors Valley is recognised as one of the country’s best destinations to see dragonflies.

Ms Davies added: “As the third most visited country park in England we have to work extra hard to ensure we balance the needs of our visitors with those of the many plants and animals spread across the park.

“It would be immensely helpful to be able find out more about them. In particular we’d be interested in working with anyone with knowledge of amphibians, mammals and invertebrates – including my personal favourite – beetles.

“We are also keen to record more of our flora, an area which has never been fully explored.”

For details of how to take part in the Bioblitz or to find out more about becoming a wildlife volunteer at Moors Valley contact Ms Davies on 01425 470721 or email ktdavies@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk