HabiMappers

Citizen Scientists

As there is precious little funding for survey and monitoring work, the HabiMap programme needs a large, well trained and well coordinated Citizen Science volunteer team.

HabiMap Citizen Scientists are friendly and varied. They come from all over Gloucestershire (and beyond) and are linked by their love of nature.

There are two main Citizen Science roles within HabiMap.

• Surveyor: in the countryside completing habitat assessments.
• Data/GIS volunteer: mainly office based with GIS mapping, database, or administrative skills.

Full training and support is provided, including survey methodology, using the survey app, species identification and H&S for surveyors.

Working alongside and supported by GWT staff, the HabiMap team undertake tasks including:

• Coordination - Organising systems, people, data and resources.
• Training - Arranging & delivering peer to peer training & mentoring
• Surveying - In the field ground truthing habitats and ecological integrity using UK Habs and other measures.
• Analysis and Interpretation - Updating systems, identifying data trends and opportunities for nature recovery, report writing.
• Recommendation - Working with land managers to define and implement management changes, and decision makers to inform development.

To join the HabiMap Citizen Scientist volunteer community you should:

• be over 18
• have at least 5 days a year to offer (min. 1 day training and 4 days surveying etc)
• have a recent-ish smart phone or tablet (or happy to buddy up)
• have basic plant identification skills, GIS/data skills or organisational skills
• be interested in learning
• be able to get to survey sites or GWT offices. A vehicle is useful, but not essential.

We are recruiting for new HabiMap volunteers on a monthly basis for survey season 2024, please fill in the form below to register your interest.

There are active HabiMap WhatsApp groups, free training courses, free botanical ID courses, mapping blitzes, regular online meetings and a monthly bulletin, as well as the exceptional support normally offered to GWT volunteers.