Citizen Science

Citizen Science is a term being used more commonly. It describes the voluntary participation of people in gathering data that can then be used for the benefit of society.

Becoming a Citizen Scientist

Citizen Science activities are popular globally. However, the UK has long been good at harnessing the public interest in doing something to benefit our biodiversity. People with an interest in the environment and wildlife are encouraged to get involved in a range of recording schemes to record what they see around them and then submit their data resulting in large agglomerations of data that can be useful for science in identifying certain trends.

The motivation for people to take part is often a basic desire to help preserve our natural areas and wildlife for future generations. In return, participants can feel a greater sense of connectivity with their environment and can also learn more about the range of wildlife that shares the same space.

Citizen Science Recording Schemes

Citizen Science recording schemes can be designed to gain the participation of all ages and all levels of experience, from young children to mature naturalists. Some schemes can take place in easily accessed areas such as public parks, school grounds and even back gardens, e.g., RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, The Great Scottish Squirrel Survey, and the Big Butterfly Count. The North East Scotland Biological Records Centre is another good example. It is effectively a large ongoing citizen science project where anyone can contribute sightings of any species of wildlife to the database at a time and location that suits the contributor.

Other citizen science projects you may be interested in

Click on each title to read more about them and how to get involved.

Invertebrates

Mammals

Marine and Freshwater

SmartRivers – Sample and analyses invertebrates | Scottish Freshwater Hub
Seagrass Spotter – Help monitor seagrass | Project Seagrass
PondNet Spawn Survey – Track where and when amphibians are breeding across the UK | Freshwater Habitats Trust
The Big River Watch – Help build a picture of river health across the UK | The Rivers Trust
PondWatch – Look out for dragonflies | British Dragonfly Society

General Nature Sightings

Privacy Settings in apps

iRecord and iNaturalist are great for learning and ease of submitting data, but by default the data is not always accessible for biological records centres or planning use. With a few simple steps, you can make sure your observations are more likely to reach NESBReC and support real conservation decisions.

Use your real name.
Helps NESBReC validate and use your records.
Always attach a photo.
Records without photos rarely reach Research Grade.
Choose the right licence (CC0 or CC‑BY).
On the iNaturalist and iRecord website (not the app):
iNaturalist – Profile → Edit Account Settings → Project Settings → Licensing
iRecord – My Account → Edit → Scroll to licence for your photos and other media
Select CC0 or CC‑BY and apply to all previous records.
Add extra details.
e.g. insect life stage, plant flowering status, habitat notes.
Sensitive species.
For records such as badger, otter, or nesting birds of prey, send them directly to NESBReC rather than uploading publicly.

Report your sightings

NESBReC welcomes receiving sightings from members of the public. The sightings simply need to be from the North East of Scotland and should be of species that the recorder can confidently identify.

Organise a BioBlitz

Bio’ means ‘life’, and ‘Blitz’ means ‘to something quickly and intensively’. Together, they form ‘BioBlitz’. Read to learn how you can organise a BioBlitz in your greenspace. No matter the size!

BioBlitz's a fun and engaging way to get your community involved in citizen science

Participants can feel a greater sense of connectivity with their environment and can also learn more about the range of wildlife that shares the same space

Glenn Roberts

Co-Ordinator at NESBReC