Citizen Scientists
There are all kinds of opportunities run by charities and organisations across the country who are engaging in citizen science, as well as very locally based projects. Everyone can participate in citizen science – you do not need to have science experience! – and people participating in their local area helps create a picture of what is going on across the UK, as well as deepening your connection to your local environment.
Withyham Parish Council Projects
We have set up a Thermal Imaging Camera Project, which loans a thermal imaging camera along with instructions and resources to local residents. The borrowers will use the camera to find out about heat loss within their homes, and then can makes changes to reduce loss – both saving money, and reducing carbon emissions! We are compiling the results of the surveys, to build a picture about the nature of the buildings within the parish, and what we can do and signpost to help residents heat their homes effectively.
Local Projects
Wild Groombridge are recording what is growing and living in the area using iNaturalist, check out what they’ve found so far on the Groombridge iNaturalist page and get involved!
Project Ripple Effect is a citizen science project monitoring the health of the Upper River Medway in Groombridge and the Ashdown Forest, and welcome applications from interested volunteers.
District and County Council
Wealden District Council are responsible for planning in the local area, and through them you can apply to register trees to be protected, with a Tree Preservation Order. Find out more about this process on the Wealden District Council website.
National Projects
Lots of national projects need help from citizen scientists in local areas to help build a picture of what is happening across the UK.
The Buzz Club is running experiments to help us understand the wildlife we share our gardens with, and what we can do to conserve it.
CPRE The Countryside Charity runs a Star Count each year.
Butterfly Conservation runs a Big Butterfly Count each year.
The RPSB runs a Big Garden Birdwatch each year.
The Woodland Trust are undertaking an Ancient Tree Inventory, you can find out how to be part of the project on the Ancient Tree Inventory section of their website.
