Project finder
You can help to collect the data and information that will improve our understanding of Scotland’s environment by taking part in a ‘citizen science’ project. Or you can get involved in ‘citizen action’ projects that help to protect and improve our environment. Project finder helps you find the activity you would like to get involved in. If you would like to add a project to our list please contact us by email.
Project topics
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Bee Walk Survey Scheme
We are looking for volunteers to record bumblebees across Scotland by setting up and walking BeeWalk transects for The Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Biological recording in the Outer Hebrides
Our objective is to increase our knowledge of the nature and distribution of the animals, plants and fungi of the islands of the Outer Hebrides and make this information available to everyone.
BirdTrack
To participate, simply keep a record of the birds that you see. When you combined with records from thousands of other birdwatchers these records area extremely useful. Enter sightings via website of phone app.
Bog squad
Are you interested in helping to secure the future of Scotland’s lowland peatlands? The bog squad is a group of volunteers that undertake restoration work aimed at re-wetting peatlands, so that the natural flora & fauna can thrive and peat formation can take place again in the future.
Cairngorms volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get out into the countryside, meet like-mided people, keep fit and do your bit to look after this amazing place - no matter how big or small that may be.
Field survey
Use your knowledge of bat detecting by taking part in the field survey. We will allocate you a 1km survey square in which you walk a roughly triangular route on two evenings in July.
Footpaths
North Harris has an extensive network of paths and tracks which is unique in the Western Isles where there are otherwise few well established paths.
Gala Waterways Group
Gala Waterways Group exists to encourage access to, enjoyment and interest in and around the watercourses in Galashiels. The Group aims to create walking routes, clean up the environment and protect the industrial heritage.
Gardenwatch
Take part in citizen science in the UK's biggest nature reserve - our gardens. Help us understand how gardens can help our wildlife thrive.
Great British beach clean
Calling all beach lovers! Your beach needs you! The Marine Conservation Society is looking for volunteers to head to their local beach to help take part in a beach clean and litter survey to help turn the tide on marine litter.
Lichen air quality survey
Would you like to find out more about your local air quality? Why not use our simple introductory level lichen air survey to find out about the health of your local environment. A citizen science survey suitable for individuals, groups or schools.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park volunteering
Volunteers really make a difference. They are really important to the success of the National Park – they are an inspiration, giving valuable time to enhance the National Park for people and wildlife.
National plant monitoring scheme
The aim is to collect data to provide an annual indication of changes in plant abundance and diversity.
Roost count
If you have bats in your property then you can help us by taking part in the roost counts. You count the numbers of bats emerging from roosts at sunset on two evenings during the summer survey period.
Saving Scotlands red squirrels
A project to stop the decline of Scotland’s core red squirrel populations
Scotland counts
Citizen Science is about getting everyone, from experts to amateur biologists, school children or enthusiastic beginners, involved in science.
Scottish invasive species initiative
Work alongside other volunteers and project staff to remove target invasive non-native species from across northern Scotland.
Scottish marine animal stranding scheme
The principal requirement is to provide a co-ordinated approach to surveillance of marine species strandings and to investigate major causes of death.
Scottish speckled wood survey
Have you seen a speckled wood butterfly in Scotland? The speckled wood has a fascinating distribution in Scotland. In the past it must have occurred over most of Scotland, but then declined leaving ‘refuges’ around the Moray Firth and the west coast.
Silurian
Sail with us. Our research expeditions are not just about fantastic wildlife encounters, the data collected helps us improve our understanding of Hebridean marine wildlife.
Spawn Survey
Help us collect data on the whereabouts of frog and toad spawn across the country by taking part in our PondNet Spawn Survey!
The breeding bird survey
The BTO/JNCC/RSPB breeding bird survey is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s commoner breeding birds.
The great nurdle hunt
Take part in The Great Nurdle Hunt and help collect valuable data on the distribution and presence of nurdles along our coastlines.
The monster map of trees
Treezilla is an exciting new platform for citizen science that everyone from school children to university students and the general public can get involved with. The idea is to map every tree in Britain. This will create a data-rich platform on which a wide range of citizen science investigations can be built.
The wetland bird survey
WeBS aims to identify population sizes, determine trends in numbers and distribution and to identify important sites for waterbirds.
Volunteering with NatureScot
NatureScot really values the work of volunteers, and we offer a range of volunteering opportunities suitable for different interests, skills and time availability.
Walk in the park
Walk in the park health walks utilise the beautiful and nurturing surroundings of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. We are now one of the best examples of a successful health walk programme in Scotland.
Waterway survey
Help us find out how Daubenton’s bat populations are faring. You record bat activity using a bat detector to listen and a torch to observe simple visual clues.
Weather observations website (WOW)
The weather observations website (WOW) is a platform that enables anyone to get involved and submit, share and visualise their weather observations.
Whale Track
Join a community of citizen scientists monitoring whales and dolphins on the west coast of Scotland. Report your sightings to help track the movements of coastal species such as bottlenose dolphins and uncover the mysteries of rare visitors including humpback and killer whales.
Wider countryside butterfly survey
The wider countryside butterfly survey is the main scheme for monitoring the population changes of the UK’s common and widespread butterflies.
Wildlife sightings scheme
Marine Conservation Society is interested in hearing about your sightings of a number of different marine species - basking sharks, marine turtles and jellyfish in UK and Irish waters. If you enjoy spending time at the coast and looking out for wildlife then please read on and get involved!