Wildlife Surveying
The Parks and Countryside Service is looking for enthusiastic people to help carry out surveys for birds, reptiles, mammals and many more at sites all over the Borough.
What is the project about?
We are inviting local people to learn more about wildlife in the area by becoming volunteer surveyors. Information that is gained from the surveys will help to direct management of parks and countryside sites to maximise their value for biodiversity.
Do I need experience?
No previous experience is required and you can be involved as much or as little as you like from casual recording to regular site monitoring. Survey events will run every month to demonstrate each survey method and to help build up your experience (see survey programme).
This is a good opportunity to gain experience if you’re working towards a career in conservation or if you are interested in learning more about wildlife on your local patch. Once, you have gained enough experience we would like you to carry out your own surveys beyond our monthly surveys depending on your interest.
Can I do my own surveys?
In order to be confident enough to carry out your own surveys we would advise you to join at least three survey events. This could include a public event or guided walk where you have the chance to identify species with guidance, one of the monthly surveys or studying the subject in your own time. Keep a record of what you do using the personal training progress form enclosed in the pack.
What type of surveys will be carried out?
The aim is to survey most major animal and plant groups within all of our sites. This year, the survey programme is designed to demonstrate selected survey methods on key sites whilst including other useful public events which may help you gain experience. In following years we will extend this to include more survey types and sites.
How difficult is the survey?
There are two levels of survey for each wildlife group: basic survey and detailed survey. Basic survey records are taken ad-hoc whenever you visit the site using the wildlife survey form and this does not require special methods. The detailed surveys are specific to each wildlife group and need more experience through attending the training surveys.
The most important thing to remember is that wildlife surveying should be enjoyable and interesting! You can decide how much time you can spare and what types of survey interest you.
About the Survey Information Pack
This pack provides you with the basics needed to survey wildlife in the Borough. Through collecting information about the wildlife in your local green spaces you will be helping the Parks & Countryside Service to manage our sites better and contributing towards the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan. Survey information packs are available from the Biodiversity Officer and contain the following:
- Survey Programme/ Personal training progress form
- Wildlife survey form- for Basic Wildlife Surveys
- Virtual survey guide
- Bird survey form & guidance
- Amphibian survey form
- Reptiles survey form
- Butterfly survey form
- Water Vole survey form
- Plant survey form & guidance
You can also use our online form to tell us about your sightings.
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