Citizen science
Citizen Science is the involvement of the general public in the collection of data which helps to provide information about our natural world.
By becoming a citizen scientist, not only can you play a part in contributing to real life science and species monitoring, but it is also a fantastic way to spend time in your local environment and really connect with the nature around you.
There are lots of ways to get involved, from downloading an App like iRecord or iNaturalist to record what you see, to taking part in an annual survey, like RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.
We would love you to get involved and play a part in helping us find out more about nature in the National Park, so we have collated this list of citizen science opportunities for you to enjoy when visiting. Anybody can become a Citizen Scientist!
Winter
The Great Nurdle Hunt
Nurdles are small plastic pellets about the size of a lentil. Billions are used each year to make plastic products, but many end up washing up on shores. They can also be eaten accidently by wildlife and end up in our food chain.
With 98 water bodies including 22 larger lochs, and 39 miles of coastline around 3 sea lochs, the National Park is a great place to help improve water quality by removing nurdles from the environment.
Visit the Great Nurdle Hunt for more information on how to search for, count and record your nurdles.
Beavers
Beavers are well known for their amazing engineering skills and bring many benefits to the environment around them, including helping to restore depleted wetland habitats, supporting multiple species and contributing to flood mitigation.
Beavers are established in several areas of the National Park, including those that were the first to be translocated in 2023. NatureScot are currently carrying out Scotland’s most comprehensive beaver survey, and you can help by report sightings or activity, which will help inform future beaver work.
