Citizen Science, Surveys and Fieldwork

In order to accumulate the largest datasets possible many groups request that members of the public submit sightings to a centralised database.  The results can then be compared with previous years sightings and analysed for emerging trends. You can usually record sightings on their website or increasingly through specalised apps for your phone.  Research projects may ask for citizen scientists to complete an online survey to help answer some of the more complex problems.

Other organsiations and surveys require one off or regular surveyors to complete fieldwork across the country, these include long running surveys such as BTO's breeding bird 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 a few may even pay expenses (these are often listed in the main volunteers section).

Participants: If you are interested in helping with any of the surveys detailed below please contact the website or person listed.
Survey Organisers: 50 word listings are free, submit your details here.