There are lots of citizen science projects to get involved with across the world. I am sharing a few UK citizen science projects, but I’m sure you will be able to find others local to you! These projects are great because you don’t need any prior knowledge to take part. Citizen science projects are vital because they look at trends of large sets of data. These trends can assess how climate change is affecting them, or predict how they may be affected in the future. It would be really hard for scientists alone to collect this much data, which is why getting involved really does make a difference!
What is citizen science?
Citizen science is defined as:
The collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists.
Oxford languages
Citizen science projects in the UK
The following Citizen science projects are very simple to take part in. They require little preparation, and any member of the public should be able to do it, with minimal ID skills needed.
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place every January in the UK. It is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, with over 600,000 people taking part in 2024! It is really easy to take part, so if you can spare an hour I would really recommend doing it. Even if you don’t see anything, it is still really important to take part and submit your recordings as this helps monitor population changes.
This year the birdwatch takes place on the 24th – 26th January 2025 and you can do it on any of these days.
- Sign up via RSPB to receive your garden bird checklist
- Watch the birds in your garden for 1 hour on any of the above dates.
- Whilst birdwatching, record the maximum number of each species that you see and only ones that land in your garden/on your feeders.
- For example – If you see 3 blue tits at first and then later see 2, only record 3 not 5 as they are likely to be the same individuals.
- You may see other birds that are not listed on the checklist, there is space to add these when submitting your results so make sure you record them on the sheet.
- Submit your results online (or by post).
Once you have submitted your results, you will be able to see the top 10 counted birds in your area, and UK-wide. I find this so interesting as in 2024, the House Sparrow was most spotted and yet we rarely see them in our garden. Whereas we have over 10 goldfinches which doesn’t make the top 5!
The Big Butterfly Count
Another annual citizen science project to get involved with is The Big Butterfly Count. This survey runs for about a month across July and August, and you can take part multiple times.
- Download a butterfly ID chart
- Choose an area to watch butterflies for 15 minutes. This can be done anywhere such as your own garden, allotment or local green space.
- As you are watching, write down the number of each species you spot. As with The Big Garden Birdwatch, only record the maximum number you see.
- Upload your to the website or app.

Flower-Insect Timed Counts
The Flower-Insect Timed Counts (FIT Counts) are a project that the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (UK POMS) organises. Anyone can do this survey, you just need to set aside 10 minutes on a ‘good weather’ day between April 1st and September 30th. The survey collects data on the total number of insects that visit a particular flower, ideally chosen from their list of 14 target flowers. These flowers bloom in different months, so I would recommend checking the FIT Counts guide on the UK POMS website for correct information. FIT Counts can be undertaken anywhere such as a garden or park.
- Count every insect that lands on the flowers of your chosen target flower species.
- ‘Good weather’ is dry, and with temperature at least 13Β°C in sunny conditions, or at least 15Β°C when cloudy.
- Choose just one type of flower as your target flower – where possible use one of the FIT Count target flowers, but if you can’t find one from the list you can choose a different flower as the target.
- Mark out a 50 Γ 50 cm patch containing your target.
- Count the number of individual flowers for your target species that are within your patch.
- Set a timer for ten minutes, and count all insects that land on the target flowers (ignore other flowers, and do your best to count each individual insect once only!).
- Identify the insects into their broad groups (bumblebees, hoverflies, etc.) β any that you don’t recognise should be counted as “other insects”.
- Record some weather details.
- Fill in and submit this form to upload your results.
Related post: 8 ways to attract wildlife in an urban area
Living with Mammals survey
The Living with Mammals survey is a project to assess what mammals are found in town and cities. Do you have a fox or badger that you see locally? This is the perfect survey for you, as you have already noticed these mammals. Reporting where you have seen a mammal (small and big) can help fill in the bigger picture of wildlife on our doorstep. It is undertaken each week by simply recording what you see, or any signs of mammals, online. You can do this survey anywhere as long as it is within 200m of a building.
Other citizen science projects
The following citizen science projects are ones that require a bit more time, planning and dedication. I would still reccomend you take part, as they are quite fun and a great way to be outside more.
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)
The breeding bird survey is undertaken twice in the breeding season. The first survey is undertaken between early April and mid-May, and the second must be a minimum of 4 weeks later during mid-May to late-June. Both of these surveys take place between 6am and 7am (or no later than 9am) as this is when birds are most active. If there is heavy rain, very poor visibility or strong wind you are advised not to take part.
You will be assigned a 1km square where you will do both of the surveys. Within your 1km square, you will be provided with 2 transect routes which are each 1km long. Each transect is split into 200m sections to record the birds you see and hear accordingly. The method is a bit complicated, so I would recommend trialling it or watching a YouTube video!
- Note the date, and the start and finish times for each transect.
- Record birds in the appropriate 200-m transect section (1 β 10), as shown on your route map. Each transect section is a separate box on the Field Recording Sheet.
- Record bird species using the two-letter BTO species codes.
- Record all birds to the sides of your transect line, even if they are outside the square boundary.
- Donβt record birds that are behind you as you start a transect, or beyond the end of the transect as you finish.
- Donβt record the same bird twice. If a bird is at the boundary of two transect sections, record it in one or the other.
- Don’t record juvenile birds.
- Submit online via your account.
Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS)
The Wetland Bird Survey requires volunteers to visit their designated wetland site once a month. Surveys are welcomed throughout the year, but you should concentrate on the winter months (September to March). The aims of the WeBS survey is to assess the population of non-breeding wetland bird populations, assess population trends and understand the importance of key sites.
Once you have got in touch with your regional coordinator, you will be assigned a waterbody. This includes lakes, lochs/loughs, ponds, reservoirs, gravel pits, rivers, freshwater marshes, canals, sections of open coast and estuaries. The method for WeBS is a simple look and record method. You will need to survey all of the area that you have been assigned, and note down how many of each species you spot. Data is submitted online.
Will you be taking part in any of these citizen science projects?
Caroline β‘
I haven’t heard of citizen science projects before, but these sound amazing. I think I’d enjoy the birdwatching! I’m looking forward to seeing what’s available in my area. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you x
They are all informative. I knew the RSPB did a count annually. I wonder what they will all show in their results.
It will certainly be interesting
I love how we have these initiatives and science projects to participate in in the UK, I know a few people who take part in Birdwatch every year x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Definitely!
I hadn’t come across the term, “citizen science” before but I love all these projects. We do participate in the RSPB birdwatch and the butterfly count, but I didn’t know about the Flower-Insect Timed Counts – will definitely be doing that this year, thank you! x
Brilliant!
Ah I LOVE this blog post! We did the big butterfly count last summer unofficially with my toddler and it was amazing to see him really get into it. I want to raise a child who lives in nature and recognises animals and nature rather than designer clothes.
Rosie
Thank you! That’s so lovely to get your son involved in nature π x