People across Somerset are being asked to help track the arrival of spring by recording seasonal changes observed in nature.
The Signs of Spring survey invites residents across the county to report sightings of key seasonal indicators such as daffodils, snowdrops and bumblebees.
The nationwide survey, first launched in 2023, is led by environmental education charity the Field Studies Council in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology.
It has been launched as parts of the UK begin to warm up after a recent cold snap.
Dan Asaw, biodiversity training programme leader for the Field Studies Council, said: "The results from this survey give us a real critical overview of the UK’s springtime biodiversity, and we have been blown away by the response from the public over the last two years.
"The more data we collect, the more informed our research is, and we already know that citizen scientists have an important part to play in our work, seeking out the first annual sightings of plants and insects.
"Absolutely anyone can get involved, from school children to pensioners – and it’s a great reason for more people to get outside and enjoy the natural world around them.
"Despite the recent snow and icy conditions, people have already started logging their sightings, so we’re already off to a really great start."
The survey asks the public to record the first appearance of 10 signs of spring, including ladybirds, dragonflies and the year’s first lawn cut.
Sightings can be submitted through the Field Studies Council’s online portal at survey123.arcgis.com/share/ea91fe9f98e647c888a597d3273abecf.
In 2023, nearly 2,000 sightings were logged between January and mid-June.
Snowdrops were the most commonly reported indicator, followed by bumblebees.
Almost half of last year’s data was gathered over four weeks, between February 16 and March 18.
Although urban areas like London saw high participation, records were also collected from more remote parts of the UK, including the northern Isles.
Susie Rabin, director of communications and public affairs at the Royal Society of Biology, said: "A great way to lift the spirits in the early months of the New Year is by getting outside to spot the first signs of spring, such as the first snowdrops, daffodils or bumblebees.
"It can be really uplifting to take note of what you see, whether you’re walking to your local shops, visiting your local park, or heading out further afield into the countryside.
"The data collected through the survey is invaluable for documenting the effects of climate change on the natural world around us year on year."
More information about the Field Studies Council and its environmental education programmes can be found on its website.
Share