Carbon Landscape Citizen Science Project

View available survey squares

Introduction

This project is one of the 22 projects which together form the Carbon Landscape Programme. The Carbon Landscape Programme area, which can be viewed via the survey squares map, encloses the core of the Great Manchester Wetlands Nature Improvement Area (NIA). The NIA supports a host of European and UK protected species, as well as UK Biodiversity Priority Species, all of which depend upon the mossland and wetland habitats which the Carbon Landscape Programme will enhance and restore.

Our Citizen Science Project, supported by the Heritage Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, will build upon existing survey work being undertaken, and will also recruit and train new recorders (our Citizen Scientists), to measure the success of restoration works delivered by the Carbon Landscape partners. This project will significantly increase survey coverage for target species across the habitat restoration areas and the wider Carbon Landscape.

Target species

About the surveys

Each survey methodology has been designed with guidance from specialist county and vice-county recorders who between them have a wealth of experience in structured species monitoring in the North-west of England. The survey methods we are rolling-out through this project will ensure that monitoring activities are structured and repeatable, allowing valuable data to be collected, not only during the three year life of this project, but well into the future.

Biological datasets are of most value when collected over a long period of time. Monitoring the abundance and distribution of the target species into the future is an important mechanism for measuring the success of habitat works on the ground and changes to the landscape over time. This will be of particular benefit to those owning or managing land within the Carbon Landscape, whilst providing ecologists and conservationists with biological data that can be analysed at landscape scale.

Between now and 2020 Greater Manchester Local Record Centre (GMLRC) will be running a series of species identification and survey training courses. These courses will equip volunteer Citizen Scientists with the necessary skills to undertake these structured surveys. If you are interested in biological recording and would like to get involved then please email carbonlandscape@gmwildlife.org.uk for further information.

Habitats photo guide

Want to know how to identify your different types of grassland? Or perhaps you want to know the differences between bogs, flushes and swamps? We've got you covered with this simplified habitat photo id guide.

Surveying code of conduct

Whilst gaining accurate records is important, the interest of the species you are recording and the respect of other people, especially land owners, comes first. Download the code of conduct.

Landowners' permission

We rely very much on the good will of farmers and landowners. Permission for access onto private land where there are no public rights of way must be obtained prior to conducting surveys. If you are unsure if you have permission to walk onto land please check with GMEU first. This letter briefly explains that you require access to carry out ecological surveys and may assist with your opening discussions with landowners.

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