Citizen science is at the heart of our approach. It simply means that members of the public take part in real scientific research. You don’t need to be a species expert — just curious, enthusiastic, and willing to learn. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife recorder or someone who just loves being outdoors, you can play a valuable role in helping us monitor the health of our landscapes.
How do we monitor species at Bore Place?
To monitor biodiversity in a way that is robust, manageable and repeatable, we focus on a carefully chosen set of indicator species. These species act as environmental signposts: their presence, absence, or abundance tells us a great deal about the condition of the wider ecosystem, including how it is responding to pressures such as pollution, land use, and climate change.
By tracking these species year on year, we build a powerful picture of the health of Bore Place’s habitats — from farmland and meadows to ancient woodland and wetlands.
You don’t need any scientific background to take part. Our aim is to create a diverse, supportive community of citizen scientists, learning together and contributing to a shared goal. Many volunteers tell us they gain just as much as they give: new skills, new confidence, new friends, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
And your involvement matters. The data you help us collect supports our land management decisions, informs our conservation priorities, and strengthens our case when applying for funding to restore habitats and protect wildlife.
By joining our citizen science programme, you’ll be helping to build a long-term record of biodiversity at Bore Place — supporting our vision for a vibrant, nature-rich landscape where wildlife can thrive and future generations can flourish.
Whether you come to one training session or become a regular recorder, you’ll be contributing to work that has real impact, both locally and nationally.
If you are interested in becoming a citizen scientist at Bore Place, please email volunteer@boreplace.org