Guernsey’s Nature Commission is looking for volunteers to help with two projects this spring tracking butterflies and bumblebees.
Volunteers will be asked to walk a designated route, either pre-set or your own choice, and count the bumblebees and/or butterflies seen from spring through to autumn, so the Nature Commission can better understand the populations of the species that call the Bailiwick home.
“In Guernsey and Herm there are 20 species of butterfly and six species of bumblebee seen regularly,” they said. “While we know what species are present, we need long-term consistent data to better understand population changes and to ensure that conservation measures are targeted and effective.”
The Nature Commission makes it clear that no prior experience is needed as they will train you on identification and useful methods, and they add that it’s also a fun way to get outdoors and connect with Guernsey’s beautiful nature.
However, it’s also made apparent that this community driven approach is needed to help spot a potentially worrying trend seen in other pollinator populations.
“Volunteering through citizen science is a great way to connect with our beautiful natural environment and collect important data on species and habitats. Data collected through the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and Bumblebee Conservation Trust’s BeeWalk projects will be used to help determine how our butterfly and bumblebee populations are faring.
“With many pollinators declining globally and nationally, it’s likely that declines may also be seen in Guernsey. It’s important that we capture this information in order to understand whether conservation measures are needed to protect our pollinator species.
“These citizen science projects are both national schemes so data collected will help to build a picture for the whole of the British Isles, as well as locally for Guernsey.”
If you’d like to find out more or get involved, you can email the Nature Commission at office@naturecommisson.gg, or head to the website HERE.