Now that spring has most certainly sprung across the North East, and people are making the most of the outdoors, Northumbrian Water are inviting people to take part in a unique nature science project.
The water company is inviting customers and nature enthusiasts to take part in a data collection project from May until the end of July to help identify which plants, insects and animal species there are across the region.
The company’s team of conservation experts have set up the project on the iNaturalist app and website. The free app allows you to upload images of wildlife you have found while out and about and allows other members of the online community to help identify or confirm your identifications.
All you need to take part is your phone and access to the great outdoors. Download the iNaturalist app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account and join the ‘Friends of NWL Nature Focus 2022’.
Sarah Clarke, Conservation Advisor at Northumbrian Water said: “We want you to go out and take photos of wildlife you find and upload them as observations onto iNaturalist, using our ‘Friends of NWL Nature Focus 2022’ project page.
“This will allow Northumbrian Water conservation specialists to get a better idea of what is present on our sites that we may not know about, as well as what is in the areas around us!
“You don’t need to have great identification skills to take part or know exactly what species of plant or animal you’re uploading, so don’t let not knowing stop you from joining in, it is a fantastic way for you to learn more about nature and the habitats around you.”
Download the app from your app store and / or visit the web version
Apple App Store: iNaturalist on the App Store (apple.com)
Google Play Store: iNaturalist – Apps on Google Play
Website: Your Home · iNaturalist