Be a Citizen Scientist: Wildlife Surveying in the Royal Parks
Key information
Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we are launching a collection of citizen science projects in Bushy Park and Richmond Park. This year we will be conducting research on the park’s moths, small mammals and reptiles, and you are invited to get involved!
Dates available from 17 - 27 September in Bushy Park and Richmond Park.
Adults only.
Moth Survey
We’re looking for volunteers to join our team on moth trap surveys to help with capturing, counting and identifying moth species.
Join us for a survey to learn:
- all about moths
- surveying techniques
- how to use a Robinson Moth trap (moths will not be harmed)
- how to help The Royal Parks collect and record important data.
Small Mammal Survey
Many of our small mammals play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and preserving biodiversity, they are also a key part of the food chain for birds such as Owls and Kestrels.
We’ll be collecting up the humane mammal traps set out the night before and then identifying, counting, potentially sexing, and releasing the mammals captured.
Join us for a survey to learn:
- all about small mammals
- surveying techniques
- how to set up a Longworth Trap (mammals will not be harmed!)
- how to help The Royal Parks collect and record important data.
Reptile Survey
Reptiles are highly vulnerable to the climate emergency as they have a very narrow range of optimal climates.
Join our ecologist on a long romp through the park visiting our Reptile Refugia sites to see if they are in use. We’ll be carefully checking the refugia and identifying/counting reptiles before leaving them in peace again.
Join us for a survey to learn:
- all about reptiles
- surveying techniques
- how to set up reptile hibernacula
- how to help The Royal Parks collect and record important data.
Date | Time | Event | Location | Book |
17 September | 9:30-11am | Mammal Survey | Bushy-Long Gallery | Register |
17 September | 11:30 - 13:00 | Moth Survey | Bushy-Long Gallery | Register |
17 September | 13:45 - 15:45 | Reptile Survey | Bushy-Long Gallery | Register |
20 September | 9:30-11am | Mammal Survey | Richmond - Holly Lodge | Register |
20 September | 11:30 - 13:00 | Moth Survey | Richmond - Holly Lodge | Register |
20 September | 13:45 - 15:45 | Reptile Survey | Richmond - Holly Lodge | Register |
26 September | 9:30-11am | Mammal Survey | Richmond - Holly Lodge | Register |
26 September | 11:30 - 13:00 | Moth Survey | Richmond - Holly Lodge | Register |
26 September | 13:45 - 15:45 | Reptile Survey | Richmond - Holly Lodge | Register |
27 September | 9:30-11am | Mammal Survey | Bushy-Long Gallery | Register |
27 September | 11:30 - 13:00 | Moth Survey | Bushy-Long Gallery | Register |
27 September | 13:45 - 15:45 | Reptile Survey | Bushy-Long Gallery | Register |
Please note:
- These Help Nature Thrive events is free to attend, thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
- These events are aimed at adults with an interest in learning more about the natural world and the Reptile Survey involves a gentle stroll through the park lasting up to 1.5 hours. These events are being delivered as part of The Royal Parks’ Help Nature Thrive programme.
- Please note that you will need to register as a Royal Parks Volunteer in order to sign up to these events.
- For any other questions please contact Help Nature Thrive via email: HelpNatureThrive@royalparks.org.uk
- There may be a photographer taking photos of the event on behalf of The Royal Parks. These photos may be used on social media and shared with our funders. If you do not wish to be in the photos, please tell a member of staff. Please see our privacy policy for details on how we process photographs.