Field mouse in the grass

Be a Citizen Scientist: Wildlife Surveying in the Royal Parks

Key information

17 - 27 September

Free

Bushy Park, Richmond Park

Nature

Wellbeing

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.

Close up of a moth

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.
 

Field mouse in the grass
Mammals Survey

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.

Grass snake in the park
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.