Citizen Science Surveys
There are many different citizen science surveys to choose from. Check out the slides below for more information about surveys to get involved in.
Birds
British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
The British Trust for Ornithology runs various projects, from watching garden birds to counting species in your local wetland. If you're new to birdwatching, or are a seasoned expert, there's a project you can take part it. If you want to develop your bird watching and listening skills, the BTO runs training courses and you can find helpful resources on their website. Click the links below to find out more about some of their projects.
Invertebrates
Bumblebee Conservation Trust
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust runs the BeeWalk from March to October each year. The survey involves counting bumblebee species along a selected route once a month. If you're not comfortable with bumblebee identification, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust website provides information about bumblebees and hosts events to help you with identification skills.
Butterfly Conservation
Butterfly Conservation has a whole host of surveys that you can participate in, including butterfly and moth surveys. Check out the Helping Hands for Butterflies Project to take part in an online butterfly identification course. Visit the Butterfly Conservation website for information about butterflies, information about moths, events.
UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS)
The UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme runs the FIT (Flower-Insect-Timed) Count survey which only takes 10 mintues to complete. If you want to spend more time looking for pollinators, you can sign up to take part in the 1km Square Surveys. Click the link below for more information on how to take part.
Mammals
The Mammal Society
The Mammal Society runs a variety of projects that citizen scientists can get involved in. As well as information and resources, The Mammal Society host training courses and events. Keep and eye out for National Mammal Week to take part in mammal-based activities and competitions.
Bat Conservation Trust
The Bat Conservation Trust runs the National Bat Monitoring Programme in which there are several surveys to choose from. New to bats? No worries. The National Bat Monitoring Programme has surveys suitable for beginners, and the Bat Conservation Trust hosts events and training for you to improve your skills. Click below to find out more about the National Bat Monitoring Programme and s lide along to check out the Sunset/Sunrise, Waterway and Field Surveys.
Recording Equipment
If you want to get involved in any surveys but don't have the right survey or recording equipment, we can help! We have a range of survey and wildlife recording equipment available for you to borrow, including species identification guides. Get in touch with us at Garnock.Connections@rspb.org.uk to start borrowing and get your surveys started!