Citizen Science

Brown Long Eared Bat, photo by Tom Marshall

Each year the Black to Green team and volunteers are undertaking a range of unique wildlife recording schemes, all aimed at local communities helping us to understand more about particular key species in the Heart of the Forest.

Ongoing – Bats

Our Heart of the Forest Bat Survey is a 3 year citizen science project that aims to shine a light on where bats are living in the area and in what numbers. We are placing an automatic bat detector in household gardens and on public sites each week between May to September. The large amount of ecological data generated will allow us to target wildlife conservation efforts all across the area. Alongside this we will be delivering a wide range of bat related events, from bat walks to bat survey training workshops.

From 2017 – Hedgehogs

Our Log a Hog citizen science project will commence in May 2017 and run for two years, capturing as much information about local hedgehog populations within the Heart of the Forest as possible. Using specialised hedgehog footprint tunnels in gardens and other public sites, we will record and monitor where hedgehogs are living and where they may have been lost. Alongside this survey we will be hosting a wide array of hedgehog activities, from hedgehog talks to craft sessions.

From 2018 – Moths

For the final year of Black to Green we will be recording the many moth species which can be found in the Heart of the Forest. Join us for one of our unique 2-part Moth Breakfast events, which involve attending an introductory evening talk and leaving with a moth trap to set up in your own garden, then returning the next day to have your moth findings identified. Or come along to Timber Festival to experience the giant Moth Hotel, based upon the worlds largest moth trap!