Discovering Priority Habitats Project FAQ
Volunteer Citizen Science Project in partnership with
the Freshwater Biological Association
What is the Discovering Priority Habitats project?
What would volunteer citizen scientists be doing?
Is previous experience or any skills required?
If I sign up, what is expected of me?
When would the project run?
I am interested in taking part – what do I do now?
What is the Discovering Priority Habitats project?
The project began in 2019 and forms part of the UK’s commitment to the International Convention on Biodiversity. The Freshwater Biological Association (FBA)’s aim is to train volunteers as citizen scientists to carry out naturalness assessments on small waterbodies (streams, rivers and lakes) that have fallen through the cracks of the Water Framework Directive. The results of these assessments will guide and inform Natural England and other collaborators to identify and prioritise areas for protection and restoration. Further information on the project can be found on their website.
What will volunteer citizen scientists be doing?
Volunteers will undertake naturalness surveys on the river Kent, its tributaries, and surrounding waterbodies. Understanding the whole catchment helps to identify issues such as pollution, physical modifications and invasive species and this project hopes to build up a good understanding of our waterbodies.
Is previous experience, or any skills required?
No previous experience or skills are required, but you do need to be over 18 years old.
The FBA will run a training session from 10am – 3pm on Wednesday 15th March 2023 at The Pavilion, Main Street, Staveley.
It starts from the basic principles of naturalness and works up to conducting surveys, collecting data, and uploading to our online system Cartographer (an integrated mapping and monitoring system used to collate data).
The training will begin with a presentation followed by a practice survey on the river Kent. These are visual surveys that can be done from the bank so no need to get your feet wet, though wellies are advised. The day will end with a demonstration of how to upload survey data into Catographer.
Click on the links below to view:
– Extracts of training resources to give you an idea of the content and focus of the
project.
– A poster summarising the project.
If I sign up, what is expected of me?
There is no specific commitment required from the volunteers – as much or as little as youlike
on your chosen stretch of the river Kent, or its tributaries.
When would the project run?
From end of March through to the end of September 2023.
I am interested in taking part – what do I do now?
Email: senstaveley@gmail.com to confirm you are available to take part in the training day:
10am – 3pm on Wednesday 15th March 2023 at The Pavilion, Main Street, Staveley.