What is Citizen Science?
Citizen Science, sometimes referred to as Community Science, or Crowd Science, is open to people from all walks of life to participate in scientific research, without prior knowledge or experience in the study of the topic.
Research scientists working on their own to collect the data they need for their research can at times struggle to collect that data without support. By working with a range of individuals, such as volunteers and conservationists, undertaking citizen science projects can facilitate more information gathering, developing a wider range of valid and reliable data sets.
Citizen scientists working in collaboration with research scientists, can help in the field of identifying challenges such as climate change, or environmental and health issues.
Having such data sets can also support the monitoring of how the subjects of study may change over time, identifying trends, both negative and positive, including impacts resulting from mitigation measures, leading to the identification of issues that need addressing.
Where a level of specialist knowledge is required for a particular research project, then citizen scientists can be offered training by the lead organisations that are seeking the data sets for their research. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology state their “research also shows that taking part in nature-based citizen science is good for your wellbeing - another great reason to get involved”.
The Conservation Volunteers state on their website “There are many ways we can all ‘do our bit’ for the environment, from recycling our bottles and cans, to caring for a local beauty spot. Increasing numbers of people are getting involved in ‘citizen science’, the term used to describe public participation in scientific research”.
Natural history provides many opportunities to contribute. In our area there are volunteers who monitor numbers of bats, birds, reptiles, butterflies, insects and undoubtedly more! Joining a local natural history society can be a good place to start.
Benefits of Citizen Science for You
Participating in Citizen Science projects is not only good for your well-being, it is also an opportunity to learn more about your field of interest, it provides an opportunity to meet and learn from like-minded people of all ages. It is also motivating to share your interest and know others care as much as you do. Spending time outdoors is good for your physical and mental health, an opportunity to appreciate what our planet has to offer and how working together enables progress towards protecting it for future generations.
ERA’s contribution
ERA - Eco Rother Action is always looking for volunteers to help with our projects, including testing the health of the water in the Rother catchment, by participating in ERA’s testing and recording of levels of E.coli. In collaboration with the Western Sussex Rivers Trust, we also test levels of, nitrates, phosphates, turbidity, ammonia, total dissolved solids, and make observations of the river ecology.
Reduction in funding for the Environment Agency (EA) has led to a reduction in their ability to carry out the volume of such testing that they used to do. Hence the ever increasing number of citizen science groups undertaking this kind of work. We can identify local issues which the EA can then direct their attention towards.
At our October talk, Dr. Peter Cruddas, from Portsmouth University, spoke on the increasingly important work of citizen scientists and how ERA’s work sits within that growing area. He showed how the early results from this collaboration show the validity of our data, by comparing our results with lab based testing.
If you enjoy walking you could be our eyes and ears when you are out and about. If you see anything which you feel is detrimental to our local environment such as fly tipping, sources of water pollution, or invasive species, these need noting and following up on. We can advise you on this, or follow up on your behalf.
Western Sussex Rivers Trust (WSRT)
WSRT are ”the Rivers Trust for Western Sussex, a team striving to protect and restore resilient, vibrant riverscapes for wildlife and people. From the bold sweeping Arun in the east to the precious Ems in the west, we care for our rivers and the landscapes with which they are entwined - our riverscape” See their website for more details on how you can volunteer.
Other Websites you might consider visiting
Earth Watch Offer a very wide range of species recording projects where Citizen Science volunteers play a key role.
The Wildlife Trusts have a range of National, Regional and Local Projects as do the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lost Woods, the Natural History Museum, Kew Gardens and The Conservation Volunteers.