NESBiP Camera Trap Project

The NESBiP Camera Trap Project offers schools and community groups across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray the chance to borrow a camera trap, discover local wildlife, and contribute biodiversity records to NESBReC.

The NESBiP Camera Trap Project builds on the success of the earlier NESBiP Schools Camera Trap Project, which gave pupils the chance to discover and record wildlife in their own school grounds.

As a result of the strong interest and positive outcomes from that project, we are now expanding access so that schools and community groups across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray can take part.

Discover Wildlife Where You Are

Through this project, groups can borrow a camera trap for free for three months and use it to discover wildlife in their chosen green space.

Camera traps offer a unique way to uncover the hidden wildlife that often goes unnoticed, particularly mammals and other species active at night. They can be deployed in a wide range of settings:

  • School grounds
  • Community green spaces
  • Gardens and allotments
  • Woodland, farmland or rural land
  • Villages, towns and city spaces

Learning Through Real‑World Nature Monitoring

Using a camera trap provides a hands‑on way to:

  • Learn about local species and behaviour
  • Understand how wildlife uses different habitats
  • Build skills in observation, recording and data collection
  • Encourage curiosity and connection to nature

The project is suitable for all experience levels, with clear guidance provided on setting up and using the equipment responsibly.

Camera Trap strapped to a tree, a simple way to discover woodland wildlife

One type of camera trap that you may get in your kit

How the Camera Trap Loan Works

  • Kits are loaned for a 3‑month period
  • The loan is completely free
  • Replace the AA batteries upon return
  • NESBiP provides guidance on placement, use and welfare considerations
  • Participants keep their images and videos

This flexible format allows groups to tailor the project to school terms, seasonal surveys or community activities.

Contribute to Biodiversity Knowledge

We encourage participants to actively submit their wildlife records to NESBReC (North East Scotland Biological Records Centre).

Sharing records helps:

  • Improve understanding of species distribution
  • Better reflect wildlife using everyday community spaces
  • Support conservation planning and decision‑making
  • Track how biodiversity is doing across the region

Every record submitted adds to the growing picture of biodiversity in North East Scotland. Watch to learn more about biological recording. 

Who Can Take Part?

The project is open to:

  • Schools
  • Community groups
  • Youth and environmental groups
  • Organisations managing land or green space
  • Schools and Groups located in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray

How to Get Involved

 

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