Public surveys
Cowslips, Primula veris, growing in the Museum's Wildlife Garden. This is one of many plants you can record in the Plantlife Wildflowers Count survey.
Whether you are interested in insects, birds, reptiles or amphibians, find out how you can help the UK's experts to map the biodiversity of the UK.
There are many national wildlife surveys happening all over the UK. Here are some examples that you can take part in. We will update this list as new ones launch.
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OPAL Bugs Count
Invertebrates play a vital role pollinating plants, recycling nutrients and providing food for birds. But which habitats do they prefer and how does the built environment affect them? Help scientists find out.
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OPAL biodiversity survey
Join in the OPAL biodiversity survey and discover the diverse range of wildlife that hedges support.
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OPAL water survey
Take part in the OPAL water survey and help scientists learn more about how polluted our lakes and ponds are - something we know surprisingly little about.
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OPAL air survey
Find out how much pollution there is in your local area by looking for lichens, which are natural indicators of air pollution.
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OPAL earthworm survey
Earthworms play a vital role in recycling plant nutrients and aerating the soil, but scientists still have a lot to learn about them. Help them find out more by joining the earthworm hunt in your local park or garden.
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The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch
The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world's biggest bird survey. It takes place every winter, run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
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Plant pest surveys
The Royal Horticultural Society wants you to help track 4 invasive insect species that are pests of British plants.
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Dragonflies in Focus
The dragonfly fauna of Britain is changing. Help the British Dragonfly Society gather up-to-date information about the distribution of British dragonflies and damselflies by recording species in your area.
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Great Nut Hunt
Britain’s only native dormouse species, the hazel dormouse, is now rare in the UK. By searching for nibbled hazel nuts you could help identify woods where they still occur.
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The harlequin ladybird survey
The harlequin ladybird is the most invasive ladybird species on Earth and it arrived in Britain in 2004. By taking part in this survey you can help to monitor its spread across Britain.
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BirdTrack survey
Find out how you can help fill gaps in scientists' knowledge about birds in the UK. You can record information online about your bird sightings, from common garden birds to rare migrants.
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Plantlife Wildflowers Count
Help scientists find out how healthy the countryside is, by monitoring common wildflowers. You will not only be helping plants but also the insects and other invertebrates that depend on them.
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Ancient tree hunt
What are ancient trees and why are they such perfect homes for other plants, animals and fungi? Find out the answers from the Woodland Trust and help them map the distribution of ancient trees in Britain.
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Reptile and amphibian surveys
The National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme runs a number of surveys. Seek out rare visitors to your local area, like the adder and great-crested newt, or spot more regular ones like the common frog.
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The Great Stag Hunt
The stag beetle is a protected species in the UK, following its extinction in many European countries. Help find out if its numbers are stable in the UK by joining the Great Stag Hunt.
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Hedgehog survey and project
Hedgehog populations are declining in some parts of the UK. Record your sightings in the Hogwatch survey to help track populations and join in the Hedgehog Street project to find out positive actions you can take.
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Recording Invasive Species counts (RISC)
Help record the distribution of 6 species that have been brought into the UK by humans and that have a negative impact on native wildlife.
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RSPB Swifts survey
Numbers of swifts have dropped dramatically in the past 10 years and they are now officially a Conservation Concern. Help scientists to help them by telling the RSPB about any swifts you see.
