Trust invites people to become citizen scientists in wake of Coronavirus pandemic

Trust invites people to become citizen scientists in wake of Coronavirus pandemic

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is inviting people to become citizen scientists and help monitor wildlife numbers where they live in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, people have been urged to exercise once a day only, preferably from their own homes.

The Trust relies on records of wild species across the county which provide invaluable information to conservationists about what species are under threat, the trends and movements of different species, and where wildlife surveys may need to be undertaken. It is also used by planning authorities and developers who want to find out information about the wildlife in a particular area.

With people spending more time at home as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Trust is keen to remind people to look out for species and send in sightings regularly during their daily walk or in their gardens.

Rory Middleton, Senior Ecological Data Officer, for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Sending in species sightings helps us gain a whole host of vital information to use for our conservation work.

“Everyone is adapting to a new way of life at the moment in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, and we still need those records which provide us with such important data.

“We’re inviting and reminding people they can still do this. From looking in their gardens, to making sure they look for flora and fauna while out on their walks by where they live, their records would be very much appreciated.

“Keeping our records allows us to see which wildlife species are struggling and in need of support, so we can come up with ways to help them.”

Anyone wishing to send in their sightings can do so here https://bit.ly/33Q1WS9 or by email to records@staffs-ecology.org.uk