SOME 514 species of bugs, butterflies and moths were collected during the New Forest Bioblitz on Friday and Saturday.

The 24-hour dash to record as much wildlife as possible was the New Forest Park’s (NPA) contribution to the 2010 International year of Biodiversity.

Burley Primary School kicked off the event with 100 pupils and parents getting down to the serious business of pond dipping and bug hunting.

Headteacher Gwynne Kynaston said: “Not only was this event educational but the children and parents found it exhilarating.

“The children found some very exciting insects in the pond including dragonfly nymphs and in the Forest the children helped identify bird call.

“Biodiversity features strongly in its curriculum and I think it is for this reason that the school was chosen by the NPA to launch the event.”

Over the 24 hours, hundreds of people took part in a New Forest nocturnal bat hunt, the big Bolderwood bug hunt and a dawn chorus discovery.

A National Park Authority spokesman said: “Members of the public got involved in everything from bat hunts to 'worm charming' with the experts at places throughout the Forest from Friday evening through to Saturday evening.

“This was the first year to celebrate biodiversity but we will be making it an annual event. Over the course of the event, 514 species were recorded and the ecologist is identifying them now as we speak.”

She added: “The Bioblitz has served to show people how precious the New Forest is.”

The United Nations has named 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity, marking the year with a roll-out of events worldwide at museums, zoos, galleries, gardens, and research institutes.