People across Somerset are being invited to help record and protect wildlife through a growing citizen science project.
The Big Count, organised by Somerset Wildlife Trust, will run for its fourth year from Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 25.
The project invites people of all ages and experience levels to record sightings of wildlife in gardens, parks, and community green spaces.
Becky Fisher, head of engagement at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: "The Big Count is an amazing opportunity to get outside and learn more about your local wildlife.
"You can give a little or a lot of time to tell us what you’ve seen close to home."
The project is delivered in partnership with the Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) and focuses on recording 'common' species that are often under-reported.
These sightings help to fill data gaps and inform conservation strategies across Somerset.
Over the past three years, nearly 2,500 species records have been collected through The Big Count, covering around 150 different UK species.
The information gathered also feeds into Somerset’s State of Nature Report.
No specialist knowledge is required to take part.
Participants are encouraged to observe and photograph wildlife in their area and upload their sightings to the iNaturalist platform under The Big Count 2025 project.
Free information packs and identification guides are available on the Somerset Wildlife Trust website to support participants.
Ellen Phillpot, manager at SERC, said: "The data collected through The Big Count 2025 is absolutely critical.
"As we begin to further investigate the state of Somerset’s nature, we need more data records to accurately assess species trends across the county.
"Work on our Somerset State of Nature report identified a lack of records for common terrestrial mammals; due to this we have added the red fox, rabbits and hares to this year’s count.
"Records collected here will help in identifying population sizes and help direct our conservation and survey efforts."
SERC currently holds more than three million records, but there are still gaps in data—especially for everyday species such as snails, slow worms, and certain butterflies.
The organisers hope the event will raise awareness of declining wildlife and provide crucial data for conservation planning.
The Big Count is open to everyone in Somerset, including individuals, families, and school groups.
Organisers hope to build on the success of previous years by attracting even more participants in 2025. People can sign up at somersetwildlife.org/big-count-2025.
Ms Fisher encouraged the public to spread the word and get as many people involved as possible to make a real impact for wildlife in the region.
She said: "This year we’d like it to be bigger and better than ever before so as well as taking part yourself don’t forget to share with your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues.
"From sharing on your neighbourhood chat group to sending a photo to your best friend of what you’ve spotted, or even adding it to the work noticeboard, there are lots of ways you can inspire others to take part."
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