Become a Wildlife Detective for Somerset's Big Count

Residents across Somerset are encouraged to participate in the Big Count, an initiative by the Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) aimed at enhancing wildlife conservation efforts through citizen science. The project, running from June 18 to June 27, 2026, invites individuals to record sightings of animals in their immediate surroundings, including gardens and local green spaces.

SWT highlights that current records for some common species, such as snails and foxes, have notable gaps. This lack of comprehensive data impacts the ability to provide targeted conservation support for these animals. Becky Fisher, head of engagement at SWT, emphasized the importance of knowing species distribution and population numbers for effective protection.

Over the last four years, the Big Count has successfully gathered close to 3,000 species records. This year, the trust is particularly interested in sightings of rabbits, slow worms, fungi, and specific butterfly varieties like the Marbled White. No specialized knowledge is needed, and observations can be submitted via the iNaturalist app or a worksheet.

The project, a collaboration between SWT and the Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC), relies on data to assess species trends and population sizes. Ellen Phillpot from SERC stated that the information collected will guide future conservation and survey initiatives throughout the county. SERC currently holds over four million data records but emphasizes the continuous need for more.