Volunteer Citizen Science
Calling Ely residents!
This project is for Ely residents and families and offers community volunteers FREE training in environmental surveying to help monitor and record biodiversity data on public sites in Ely. Your contributions will support evidence-based decision-making for habitat management, directly increasing the value of these green spaces.
The sessions are suitable for those aged 6+ as long as they are accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them and participating fully. (You will need to be 18+ to access the iNaturalist app).
Participants will develop expertise in species identification, biodiversity monitoring, and digital recording via the iNaturalist app. Your ongoing engagement will provide critical long-term data, supporting adaptive management strategies that enhance habitat quality, carbon storage, and ecosystem resilience.
This continuous monitoring significantly improve the ecological integrity of the public sites whilst also demonstrating measurable gains in natural capital.
After the session you will be able to use the iNaturalist app to record any findings when you are out and about in your local green spaces. Become an active member of the community by regularly adding IDs, comments and observations. Within a few months of using the app you can even create a project as a way to collate and display your observations and findings. Anyone can get involved! Whether out on your own or with family and friends it’s a great way to make a real impact and take care of your local green spaces.
We will be running 4 training sessions for volunteers (you only need to attend one):
Sessions
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday
30 March 2026
30 March 2026
31 March 2026
31 March 2026
10:00 – 12:00
13:00 – 15:00
10:00 – 12:00
13:00 – 15:00
Ely County Park
Ely County Park
Cherry Hill Park, Ely
Cherry Hill Park, Ely
Locations:
Ely County Park Ely, CB7 4PU
Cherry Hill Park, Fisherman’s Car Park, off Willow Walk CB7 4EB
The sessions are practical so please come dressed in suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
You can book your space via our eventbrite page
We will be using the free inaturalist app and ask that you download it to your phone ahead of the training day so it is ready to go. (It is possible to use the app without data but easier if you are able to upload the photos as you go).
Fantastic interactive session, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, lots of ideas for our biodiversity in our neighbourhood. We need help to manage land and develop more biodiversity. Training for all ages and types of people is important. Charlotte is amazing!
Lois, project participant
Very interesting and informative – I have the confidence to use the app and have had a good time focussing on the “little” things. I’m sure I will use the knowledge a lot! Thank you for this opportunity
Adele, project participant
If you would like more information about the project you can contact Charlotte Dicks on charlotte.dicks@groundwork.org.uk or phone: 07718 042744.
