Citizen Science
Citizen Science is for everyone! It doesn’t matter how young or old you are
- it gives you a chance to contribute to scientific discovery; often without
having to leave your local area. A Rocha UK is passionate about Citizen Science.
Read on and find out more about our current projects and how you can get
involved!
The information gathered from Citizen Science can be a very useful tool. It
can help to build a picture of what is happening in our countryside, our
community and our cities. So anyone watching birds, for example, could use their
hobby to help researchers better understand how global events such as climate
change can effect wildlife in Britain. Even if people are monitoring a single
species in their garden they are helping, because all over the country people
are doing the same and the data collected helps to develop a national picture.
A Rocha has been involved with a number of Citizen Science projects in the
past:
- In 2012 A Rocha began working with Bats in Churches to identify the
importance of the presence of Bats around the churchyard. This years Citizen
Science campaign aims to educate those who are unaware that Bats are of
significant importance and encourage those to identify and listen out for Bats
within the church. To find out more information and to get involved in the
competition for a chance to win a Bat detector see opposite.
- In 2010 A Rocha were working with Buglife on the invasive Harlequin
ladybird, which is a threat to native species of ladybird in Britain. The
Harlequin originated in Asia, but it was introduced to North America and
mainland Europe to control aphids that were feeding on crops. The public were
asked to record sightings and their data was mapped and linked to the NBN
Gateway (National Biodiversity Network.) Through working with Buglife, A Rocha
UK were able to increase their understanding of the distribution of this species
and how quickly they were spreading across the country
- In 2009 supporters joined forces with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and
were encouraged to record sightings of the Tree Bumblebee which is now spreading
rapidly across the country from mainland Europe. This is a probable result of
climate change.
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Our Current Citizen Science Campaign
Have a read of the next Citizen Science campaign on Bats in Churches.
Click here (Doc, 952.8 kB, info) to download Bats in the Belfry.
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