Did you know that you can use your smart phone to contribute to our national wildlife records? The iNaturalist app is a free way to upload what you see out and about, benefitting national databases and improving the wildlife records for your local area. This is important for so many reasons and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere team are leading the charge locally, with six key species to focus on. Find out more about the ‘Biosphere’s Most Wanted’ initiative and how you can contribute at a short and fun event on 4th of February in Dalry Town Hall.
The ‘Biosphere’s Most Wanted’ project is trying to empower local communities to use the iNaturalist app to bolster knowledge of local wildlife. Six species have been selected for initial focus – Wych Elm, Grayling Butterfly, Red Squirrel, Nursehound, Adder & Swift – selected for their ease of identification and to showcase the value communities & individuals can have in improving local distribution knowledge. The records and knowledge are a key driving force behind subsequent conservation action.
For more information about the event and to book your free ticket, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-biospheres-most-wanted-tickets-512959544807.
The event is being led by Malcolm Haddow, Project Support Officer for the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Ahead of the event on 4th February, Malcolm said:
“Never before has it been more important, or easier, for us to record our local wildlife. In the midst of a climate and biodiversity crisis many previously common species are under threat, from human activity, habitat loss, global warming and disease. Using just our mobile phones we can play a vital role in improving understanding of local species, including population hotspots and pressure points. If you’re interested in supporting this endeavour while having fun with the iNaturalist app, come along and help track down the Biosphere’s Most Wanted in Dalry.”
The event forms part of the Fantastic Forest Festival, a series of event taking place over the next month. McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team Leader, added:
“Planning and undertaking conservation work is impossible without data – and making sure our wildlife records are up to date is a big job. Recent advances in smart phone technology mean that a humble walk in the Galloway landscape can now yield the collection of useful and accurate recording data.
This event will give attendees the confidence and knowledge on how they can help us record and track the progress of key species in Galloway.”
The Fantastic Forest Festival is a programme of 11 public events in January/February 2023 that allow people to engage with trees, woodland and forests in Galloway. Full programme info is here: https://gallowayglens.org/plans-revealed-for-galloways-fantastic-forest-festival/.
The Galloway Glens is a 5-year project based in the Stewartry region of Dumfries and Galloway. The scheme is an initiative of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team, funded by a range of partners including Drax, the owners of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Scheme aims to connect people to their heritage and to support modern rural communities. www.gallowayglens.org.
