CJS Training: Surveys and Fieldwork

Many conservation organisations appeal for volunteer surveyors to record and submit local sightings for a national wildlife survey. Taking part in any of these surveys will give you useful experience and also help to extend the scientific knowledge of a species, so vital for appropriate conservation management. Some include training in survey techniques and some may even pay expenses.

Hunt the Humming-bird Hawk Moth and Painted Lady Butterfly this summer as part of National Insect Week 2008. With climate change, both insects seem to be more common in Britain and Ireland, and we need your help in recording accurate numbers - visit http://www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk/hummingpaintedintro.php to log your sightings. Posted Apr 08

Entomologists are concerned that the once common 2-spot ladybird could be in decline, particularly in places where the invasive harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, occurs. Visit http://www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk/survey.php) to record your sightings of the 2-spot ladybird and to find out how your own ladybird sightings – especially during National Insect Week – can help our scientists to understand and protect the 2-spot ladybird. posted Mar 08

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ Living with Mammals survey begins 1st April and is asking for volunteers to record sightings and signs of mammals in the built environment. To take part contact 020 7498 5262, LwM@ptes.org or go online http://ptes.org/index.php?cat=63 from 29^th March.

"Garden Beewatch 2008 Posted March 2007 - updated March 08

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust are running a national bumblebee survey. To take part, simply take digital photos of any bumblebees you see. Email them, together with the date and postcode or grid reference to enquiries@bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk. The trust will let you know what species you have seen."

Also take part in the nestbox trial http://www.bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk/nest_boxes.htm

Volunteers needed for amphibian fungal disease (chytrid) screening programme in 2008 (Natural England, the Institute of Zoology and The HCT). Volunteers are needed to take harmless swab samples from 60 amphibians. Sampling kits, training and support will be provided. Contact John Baker, The HCT, john.baker@herpconstrust.org.uk, 01202 391319. Posted Feb 08

Volunteers needed in Ayrshire to assist with both red squirrel sightings and particularly with squirrel surveying and feeder box monitoring. Own car useful. Training provided on nationally recognized squirrel survey methods. See www.ayrshireredsquirrels.org.uk for further details. Contact Shona, 01292 520929, shonaredsquirrel@btconnect.com Posted Feb 08

Volunteers required for the ongoing Scottish Natural Heritage funded Scottish Squirrel Survey to record red and grey squirrel distribution right across Scotland, but particularly in areas where both species occur. Further information from mtonkin@swt.org.uk Individual records can be logged at www.scottishsquirrelsurvey.co.uk/records.html Posted Feb 08

Dorset Wildlife Trust is coordinating at County wide mammal survey, aiming to produce a Dorset Mammal Atlas in 2012. We are looking for volunteers prepared to carry out surveys across the County for specific mammal species. Training given where required. Contact Anna Hobbs at DWT on 01305 264620 for details.

Common Plants Survey 2008
Volunteers required for The Common Plants Survey, Plantlife's Annual nationwide survey of 65 common plants in different habitats. Monitoring over 520 one km Ordnance Survey grid squares. More surveyors required for Scotland, N. Ireland, Northern England, Wales, Midlands, East Anglia and the South West. 01722 342755 enquiries@plantlife.org.uk http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/plantlife-get-involved-common-plants-survey.html Posted Jan 08, updated April 2008

This annual survey at the end of January generates a lot of media coverage, as well as recording national changes in bird numbers and distribution. A simple recording form will be supplied free with the spring issue of the RSPB 'Birds' magazine, or packs of 10 recording forms can be ordered [free, I think] on Tel: 0870 1222793 and will be delivered in January. More information: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

For teachers and those in contact with a school [or visitor centre?]. Same simple format as the Big Garden Birdwatch, but in schools. Can be part of a project to improve school grounds or to support curriculum learning. Tel: 0870 1222792 for a pack [free, I think], or visit: www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch

Froglife's Toads on Roads project (in partnership with ARG-UK) registers toad migratory crossings throughout the UK. Toad Patrollers need your help in the spring to monitor these sites and help record vital information on the current status of the Common Toad nationally. Interested in taking part? More information at: www.froglife.org Posted Jan 08

Lee Knight (the coordinator of the Hypogean Crustacea Recording Scheme - cave shrimps etc.) has produced a "Cave Life" leaflet in association with the Freshwater Biological Association. The aim of the leaflet is to reveal the fascinating biology of underground environments, and encourage cavers to discover the organisms around them. http://www.fba.org.uk/recorders/publications_resources/cavelife.html Posted Jan 08

First ever national survey to investigate the distribution of what is thought to be one of Britain’s most common mammals. MoleWatch is calling for people to report sightings of molehills – or the lack of them. To take part all you need to do is log your sightings online at: www.molewatch.org.uk or call 020 7498 4533 for an information pack. Posted Dec 07

Dorset Wildlife Trust is inviting divers and snorkellers to the annual FISHWATCH survey at the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve. This ‘snapshot’ survey of fish in the reserve will monitor changes in species which might indicate climate change. More information at www.coastlink.org/kimmeridge Posted Nov 2007

Hogwatch is part of a major project being carried out by Royal Holloway, University of London on behalf of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, which is looking into why hedgehogs are declining and what we can do to prevent or reverse their loss. The survey is closed and the results are in

Plantlife organises one-off Survey Events to monitor individual species at particular nature reserves. Open to everyone, free and no experience needed as full guidance is given on the day. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, no dogs and booking is essential. www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/plantlife-get-involved.html

National Moth Night 2008 will take place on Saturday 7 June 2008 with a range of target species and a chance for anyone to take part in this nationwide survey of Britain's moth populations. Visit www.nationalmothnight.info for further details. 2007 results must be received by 1 Dec 2007

Orchard surveys with People’s Trust for Endangered Species Posted Oct 2007 - updated Feb 2008

Help PTES to discover more about England's traditional orchards - help us to locate them & to help establish their condition . You’ll be provided with a detailed survey pack containing everything you need. For more details http://ptes.org/index.php?cat=95 or Anita Burrough anita@ptes.org.uk 020 74984533

Deadline: 28th February 2008

Waterscape (British Waterways) Posted June 2005 - updated April 2008

National Waterways Survey. Visit your local canal, river or lake and record (online) all the species you see. The information gathered will be used by British Waterways to help plan the management of our navigable waterways and to protect their wildlife. www.waterscape.com/wildlife or Tel: 01923 201120.

Deadline: ?

2007

Mammal Society Posted July 2007 - updated April 2008

National Owl Pellet Survey

Analysis of the bones found in owl pellets can provide us with information on the current distribution of small mammals throughout the UK. Please send batches of pellets you find with a location and contact details to Alasdair Love, 4 Laurel Way, Totteridge, London, N20 8HP See: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/mammal/current_surveys.shtml

Mammals on Roads Survey. By identifying and recording the mammals drivers see (live or dead) on our roads we can build a picture of species distribution and, by comparison with previous years, their relative numbers. Free survey pack from http://www.ptes.org/index.php?cat=64, mor@mtuk.org or 020 7498 5262. Survey starts 1st July.

All People's Trust for Endangered Species / Mammal Trust surveys, past results and present surveys can be viewed on http://www.ptes.org/index.php?cat=9

Scottish Natural Heritage has commissioned The Game Conservancy Trust to conduct a survey of mountain hare (Lepus timidus) in Scotland until 01/09/2007. We are interested in sightings of mountain hare since March, 2006. Report sightings (4 figure grid reference and dates) at smh@gct.org.uk. Visit http://www.gct.org.uk/text01.asp?PageId=390 for more information.

Now in its sixth year. If you've seen any glow-worms this year we'd love to hear about them. You can easily report your sighting online anytime. Visit: www.uksafari.com/glowworms

If you are planning a glow-worm evening, intend to survey glow worms, want to report a site or simply want to know where and when they can be seen, visit the UK Glow Worm Survey website, www.glowworms.org.uk. Surveys are purely voluntary. Email robin@galaxypix.com

The British Seahorse Survey studies the 2 species of Seahorse found around the British Isles and it is totally reliant on volunteers. If you are a diver or find a seahorse washed up on the beach contact the survey and we can advise you where to look for the British Isles best kept secret. www.britishseahorsesurvey.org www.theseahorsetrust.co.uk

The Moths Count project, launched on 2 May, aims to raise awareness of moths, stimulate moth recording and establish a National Moth Recording Scheme. Many free training events suitable for beginners are being organised. See www.mothscount.org for details.

Please help keep an eye out for stag beetles throughout the summer and record your sightings online at www.greatstaghunt.org

You are likely to see them in towns and on roads but the most likely place for a sighting is your own garden!

The Natural History Museum is asking everyone to search for and record bluebells in their area to find out how climate change and hybrids are affecting the wildflower. An online identification guide and simple forms to record sightings are available here: www.nhm.ac.uk/bluebells

The survey is now closed but for more details about other Buglife Surveys click on www.buglife.org.uk

It’s the world’s largest aphid, fiercely guarded by ants and milked like a dairy cow. Now the Giant oak aphid needs your help. The new survey will help us to map where it lives so that we can discover just how rare it really is. For more details and survey forms look at http://www.buglife.org.uk/getinvolved/surveys/giantaphidhunt.htm Submit sightings to hopkins@fireflyuk.net or call 01603 660300.

National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme Posted January 2007 - updated Sept 2007

Help the Herpetological Conservation Trust this spring by taking part in the National Amphibian Survey and National Reptile Survey. Involves several visits to a site allocated near you. Beginners welcome. Training sessions around the UK. Please visit www.narrs.org.uk to learn more and get involved.

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). As a top predator the heron is an excellent indicator of a healthy countryside. This survey began in 1928 and is the world's longest running breeding season monitoring scheme. Observers required, especially in Scotland & N. Ireland. Contact john.marchant@bto.org More information on http://www.bto.org/survey/heron.htm

Elm Map Project. If you find or know of a mature Elm tree you can enter your record online at the The Ancient Tree Hunt website www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk (NB: Other species can also be recorded here). Everything you need to help you identify elms and submit your contribution can be found on the Natural History Museums website. The information will contribute to the Natural History Museum's UK Biodiversity programme, highlighting the changes to the countryside since Dutch Elm Disease and the importance of the surviving mature elms for dependant species of invertebrates, algae, fungi, lichen, moss and fern.

National Bat Monitoring Programme. Volunteers needed to help monitor the UK's bat populations by taking part in surveys at bat roosts and foraging sites. The surveys are aimed at various levels of experience, meaning anybody can take part. Contact: Bat Conservation Trust, Tel: 020 7501 3622, Email: nbmp@bats.org.uk or sign up online at www.bats.org.uk

Harlequin Ladybird Survey. The most invasive ladybird on earth arrived in Britain last summer and now threatens our 46 native ladybird species. Numerous individuals have been recorded east of a line from the Wash to the Isle of Wight, with a few more sightings in the Midlands. This survey will monitor its spread across Britain and assess its impact on native ladybirds. Monitoring ladybirds has never been more important and surveyors are required throughout the country. Send records online via www.harlequin-survey.org or print off their recording form (in Word) and post to Harlequin Ladybird Project Officer, Biological Records Centre, CEH Monks Wood, Cambridgeshire PE28 2LS. Report online at: www.harlequin-survey.org (Record all species of ladybirds on www.ladybird-survey.org ).

The National Phenology Network website includes Nature's Calendar and Springwatch surveys to record your UK wildlife sightings. There are also live interactive maps, personalised calendars and data tables, forum, games and their analysis of spring last year and the latest on this year. Visit www.naturescalendar.org.uk

Your chance to contribute to skate and ray conservation by taking part in Britain's first ever eggcase hunt. In recent decades several species of skate and ray around the British coast have dramatically declined in numbers. The empty eggcases that wash up on our beaches all year round are an easily accessible source of information on the whereabouts of their nursery grounds. Search the tideline, collect the empty cases, wash them and identify the species from the Trust's simple identification guides, submit your results and see the national distribution so far - or even organise a local eggcase event. Visit: www.eggcase.co.uk or write to The Shark Trust, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon PL4 0LF

Several national, annual surveys to monitor many bird species in a range of habitats, creating an unrivalled historical database of UK bird populations and distributions. In addition to running the UK's national Bird Ringing Scheme, other surveys include: Breeding Bird Survey, Garden Birdwatch Survey, Heronries Census, Nest Record Scheme, Owls, Wetland Bird Survey, and Bird Atlas 2007-11. Competent birdwatchers required, especially in remote areas. Details at www.bto.org or from BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2PU