Keeping yourself busy in the summer

So I have finished university for the summer and now I have lots of spare time on my hands. Despite attempting to get work experience in many places, those plans have fallen through and as August approaches (my busiest month), I see no point further perusing the chance for experience in my field. So, along with my craft stuff (more on the other blog) I am using my summer to do surveys of the wildlife in my area.

There are many surveys that anyone can take part of, as it is citizen science, which means anyone can contribute to the results. Most surveys do not take up a large proportion of time and some you can do on the go, whether your in a walk in the local park or out and about in the car and you manage to spot a bird.

So far I have taken part in the Big Butterfly Count and a bee survey. The Big Butterfly Count is done every year and is run by the Butterfly Conservation, it is to monitor the population and distribution of butterflies throughout the UK.

All of these surveys are vital as it is important to record the populations and distribution so that we can observe the impacts of the many potential detrimental factors to our wildlife, such as urbanization and climate change. So if you have the time to get involve even if it is just for one occassion then please do check out the links below and see if you could contribute to any of them, you never know you may find a new hobby!

Hope you are all enjoying your summers and coping with the warm weather we have at the moment. If you have any nice photos from surveying then please don't hesitate to post them in the comments.

Scottish Wildcat Project

Holt Blackbird Project

Parakeets

Hedgehogs

Gannets - you can do this one from home

Bioblitz

Ladybirds

Barn Owls

BeeWatch

Mud Pack - Wildlife Trust

Well I decided that I needed to do something with my summer, so what better to do than volunteering for trusts. I was told about a group which goes out once a week to a reserve and gets involved with some practical conservation. I thought this would gain me new skills and also allow me to meet new people.

So off I went to the meet up point at 9.30am, we left about 10 and head to Belmont which is towards Burnley. We spent the whole day fixing dry stone walls and digging up more stones. It was hard work, especially in the heat but well worth it!

Before

After

If you want to volunteer in your area then try looking at large trusts, like the Wildlife Trust or the BTO, you could also see if your council runs a volunteering site for you to apply to. Hope you get out and enjoy the summer!

Cows..cause why not!