Citizen science is a type of scientific research that involves the participation of members of the general public in the collecting and analyzing of data, often as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists. It is a way for people who are not professional scientists to contribute to and get involved in scientific research.
Due to being immersed within local nature, allotment holders are in an invaluable and prime position to take part in the multiple citizen science projects contributing to knowledge, ecosystems and their importance in human life.
There are many ways to get involved in citizen science. One way is to look for opportunities to participate in research projects that are open to the public. These projects often have specific goals and may ask participants to collect data, analyze data, or both. Some examples of citizen science projects include birdwatching, tracking the spread of invasive species, and recording the timing of flowering plants.
To find citizen science opportunities in the UK, you can check out the following resources:
- ISpot – A friendly and free community helping to identify wildlife and share nature.
- Big garden Bird watch 27-29 January 2023 : Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing. Sign up for your free guide and let’s look out for birds together on 27-29 January.
- UK centre for ecology: Here you can volunteer to participate in data collection for UKCEH scientific projects, some of which have free smartphone apps that enable anyone to record environmental information. As well as connecting thousands of people to their environment across the UK, and the wider world, Citizen Science has a high value to research and policy.
- The British Citizen Science Association: This organization is focused specifically on citizen science in the UK and provides information about current projects and resources for getting involved.
- Zooniverse: This platform hosts a variety of citizen science projects that cover a range of scientific disciplines.
- The Great British Bee count : A great way to learn about bees – and help experts learn more too. Thousands of verified bee sightings will contribute to the national Pollinator Monitoring Scheme – the first comprehensive health check of Britain’s bees and other pollinators
- Earthworm watch : Join fellow scientists across the country by conducting your own earthworm survey to help map where they are, better understand the vital benefits they bring, and ultimately, help protect them.
Feel free to comment or share any other citizen science projects your aware of.
Keel Drive Allotments 