The Biggest Ever Quantock Wildlife Survey ‘Quantocks Wildlife Watch’

The Biggest Ever Quantock Wildlife Survey ‘Quantocks Wildlife Watch’

Members of the public are being asked to take part in the biggest wildlife survey ever seen in the Quantocks. 

Friends of Quantock, in conjunction with the Quantock Hills AONB and the Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme are asking the c4,000 people using the Quantocks every day to get involved in the ‘Quantocks Wildlife Watch’; a long term citizen science project which will help prioritise the future management and wildlife conservation for the Quantocks.

The project will use the iNaturalist application developed by National Geographic and the California Academy of Sciences to capture the varied and diverse range of wildlife found on the Quantocks. People are asked to register on iNaturalist and simply photograph any living species they see; plants, animals, insects, fungi, lichen etc. on or around the Quantocks and use the iNaturalist application to identify and record it. The application geolocates the photograph and helps identify what it is, whilst also making the record available to all users.  The mapping of all sightings allows individuals to explore where others have recorded things e.g. the best spots for certain butterflies or plants etc. 

Recorded sightings, which iNaturalist calls ‘observations’, will provide important information to the organisations and land owners involved in the management and conservation of the Quantocks and will also contribute to important national wildlife monitoring programmes.

Robin Stamp, Friends of Quantock project lead says “There are many species on the Quantocks we know very little about in terms of distribution, location, density etc; there are probably some we do not even know are there!  The more we know about what wildlife we have, the better we can protect it.”

Friends of Quantock is the only conservation charity for the Quantocks and owns some of the land within the Quantock Hills AONB.  The charity wants to use the Quantocks Wildlife Watch to help prioritise future conservation efforts whilst helping people understand quite how special the Quantocks are.  It is anticipated not only will the project benefit the wildlife of the Quantocks, but also benefit the individuals taking part; helping people develop their knowledge of the wildlife around them, not to mention the mental health benefits of getting immersed in nature.

Iain Porter, Quantock Hills AONB manager says ““The AONB Service is pleased to be working with and supporting Friends of Quantock with the Quantock Wildlife Watch. The initiative will enable our communities to not only record the wildlife they see but also to provide incredibly valuable data to inform management that will conserve and enhance the Quantock Hills and wider landscape into the future. We have already used the data captured when made aware of an invasive species in one of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest.  Left unattended it would have caused significant damage to the fragile habitat and through iNaturalist the project team were able to locate and remove all of the invasive plants and protect the area from further harm.”

Robin states, “We are asking the regular walkers, dog owners, the day visitors; everyone; just add a few observations each time you are out, especially if you notice something new.  Give your walks a focus, one day plants, another day insects etc; it is incredible how many insects you can see when you really look for them.  Make your walks more interesting and know you are providing valuable information too.”

Together through greater understanding, everyone can play a part in the future conservation of our Quantock wildlife.

If you would like to find out more about the project, or how to get involved visit www.friendsofquantock.com or email info@friendsofquantock.com

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Grant Application Kings Coronation Form

The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will take place on Saturday 6th May 2023, with an additional bank holiday on Monday 8th May 2023.

We are keen to hear from groups/organisations in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge that are looking to celebrate the Coronation. The Town Council has £1500 available to allocate to events being organised to celebrate the Kings Coronation. The maximum grant to be allocated per event will be £500.

You must meet the following criteria for your application to be considered:

– The event will be open to all members of the public

– The event will be free of charge

– The event will take place within the Coronation weekend

– The event will take place within Burnham on Sea or Highbridge

 

Applications will close on Monday 6th March at midday. 

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Applications will be considered at the Finance and Resources Committee Meeting on Monday 13th March 2023. You will be notified after this date whether your application has been successful.
Burnham & Highbridge Town Council takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information for the purposes of contacting you about this grant. The Council’s privacy notice can be found here.

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