Citizen Science Projects

View allocations map

Introduction

These projects were a few of over 22 projects which together formed the Carbon Landscape Programme. The Carbon Landscape Programme area, which can be viewed via the allocations map, enclosed 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 worked to enhance and restore.

Our Citizen Science Projects, supported by the Heritage Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, built upon existing survey work being undertaken, and recruited and trained new recorders (our Citizen Scientists), to measure the success of restoration works delivered by the Carbon Landscape Partners. This project significantly increased survey coverage for target species across the habitat restoration areas and the wider Carbon Landscape.

Target species

Bitterns (CL01)

Survey handbook

Habitat survey form


Survey period: Apr to May

Spring survey form


Survey period: Nov to Jan

Winter survey form

Image David Winnard ©2018

Dragonflies (CL02)

Survey period: May to Sep


Survey handbook

Guide to common species

Habitat survey form

Combined transect & ponds survey form

Image Ken Gartside ©2018

Farmland breeding birds (CL03)

Survey period: Apr to Jun


Survey handbook

Habitat codes

Habitat survey form

Bird survey form

View recording compartments map

Image Adrian Dancy ©2018

Water vole (CL05)

Survey period: Apr to Sep


Survey handbook

Habitat survey form

Survey form

PTES field signs guide

Image Peter Trimming cc-by-sa

Wetland birds
breeding (CL06A)

Survey period: Apr to Jul


Survey handbook

Habitat survey form

Wetland breeding bird survey form

Wetland birds
non breeding (CL06B)

Survey period: Sep to Mar. Habitat data is submitted via this portal and bird data via the BTO WeBS portal.


BTO WeBS portal

Survey handbook

Habitat survey form

Non-breeding bird survey form

Image Adrian Dancy ©2018

Willow tit (CL07)

Survey period: Mar to May


Survey handbook

Crib sheet

Survey checklist

Survey form

Image F. C. Franklin CC BY-SA

Winter farmland birds (CL08)

Survey period: Nov to Feb


Instructions for surveyors

Habitat codes

Habitat survey form

Bird survey form

View recording compartments map

Image Adrian Dancy ©2018

About the surveys

Each survey methodology was developed 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 rolled-out during these projects ensured that monitoring activities are structured and repeatable, allowing valuable data to be collected, not only during the life of the projects, but 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 GM Wetlands NIA, whilst providing ecologists and conservationists with biological data that can be analysed at landscape scale.

Between 2017 and 2022 Greater Manchester Local Record Centre (GMLRC) ran a series of species identification and survey training courses. These courses equipped 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 info@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 interests 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. This consent form can be used to capture the landowner's, or tenant's, response to a request for access to their land to conduct surveys.

Greater Manchester Ecology Unit,
Dukinfield Town Hall,
King Street,
Dukinfield,
SK16 4LA

0161 342 3123
info@gmwildlife.org.uk

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