Citizen Science is the collection of important data by members of the public. This gives you the opportunity to take part in research and recording of wildlife and habitats to help to increase our scientific knowledge. Become a Biosphere Citizen Scientist! We have complied a helpful list for you to see all the opportunities you can get involved with across the Biosphere.

Monitor your local river with Westcountry Rivers Trust Citizen Science Investigations

The West Country Rivers Trust is looking for citizen scientists to help to record their local river or streams for both good things (wildlife sightings) and bad (pollution, litter and invasive plants). Join part of the growing community of people taking action to record the state of the Biosphere's rivers!

You can find out more and apply for a water quality testing kit on their website.  

Big Seaweed Search

The Marine Conservation Society and the Natural History Museum have collaborated on this citizen science initiative due to the need for more information about some of the key seaweed species found in our waters. With some guidance, they need help to record where certain seaweed species are found and build a picture of how their distribution is changing over time.  

You can find out more and sign up on their website.  

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS)

WeBS surveyors monitor the UK's internationally important non-breeding waterbirds. Wetland sites are counted once per month, providing data for population and trends in abundance and distribution of waterbirds, including wildfowl (ducks, geese and swans), waders, rails, divers, grebes, cormorants and herons. Find more information and get involved here!

Garden Birdwatch

Stay connected to nature, learn about your garden wildlife and contribute to important scientific research without leaving your home. You can give as much time as you want to this project, however a minimum of 20 minutes per week is recommended. Find out more.

Nest Quest

Nest Quest is a public participation wildlife survey looking for wood ant nests in Devon. Everyone can take part in the survey while visiting woods, heaths and moors, by recording nest sightings through the Buglife.

Why are wood ants important? They perform an important role in woodland ecosystems by recycling nutrients and maintaining habitats. Their distinctive nests, often covered with pine needles, can be home to hundreds of other species as well as the ant colony itself. They have declined in range in recent years and engaging in this initiative will help Buglife to gain a better understanding of their current status in Devon.  

Nature’s Calendar

What effect has recent weather had on wildlife? Does climate change affect timings in nature? Take part in the Nature’s Calendar citizen science project and help scientists discover answers to these questions. Simply record the signs of spring that you can see from your window or garden.

Wildwatch on Exmoor National Park

Do you love Exmoor and want to protect its wonderful wildlife? Every year, Exmoor National Park highlight some species that they are particularly keen on getting more information on in order to better protect them. Most of this project uses iNaturalist, so you might want to sign up! To find out more and get involved, visit their website.  

Record Invasive Species for Devon Biodiversity Records Centre

Use Devon Invasive Species Initiative ID Sheets to identify invasive species in your area and submit your records directly on the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre site https://www.dbrc.org.uk/wildlife-sightings/

Alternatively, you can use apps such as iSpot and iRecord.

Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count will begin on Friday 15th July 2022 and run until Sunday 7th August. On their website you can sign up and download their handy butterfly identification chart!

At other times of the year you can also gather casual records and individual sightings through the i-Record portal or find out about your local Devon group.  

People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)

PTES have two surveys you can get involved in. Firstly, the Living with Mammals survey allows you to watch for mammals that visit your garden and record them online.

Although a sad sight, recording roadkill each year tells us about how wild mammals are faring in the wider landscape.  

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You can find a comprehensive list of citizen science opportunities for the whole country at : https://www.countryside-jobs.com/volunteers/citizen-science