Do you regularly visit and walk on the moors of the Peak District and South Pennines?
Would you like to take part in an innovative project?

If so why not become a MoorCitizen and get involved in the Community Science Project run by the Moors for the Future Partnership and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Gareth Roberts, Project Manager says, “By volunteering you have an opportunity to meet new people and have fun while out on the moors. You will be able to learn new skills, play a vital role in ensuring the success of the project, and feed into national climate change initiatives.”

As part of efforts to assess the long-term impact of climate change a survey is being carried out on Bumblebees that are key indicator species for climate change.

Following marked routes, or transects, over popular moorland routes including Kinder Scout, Holme Moss, Snake Summit, and the Eastern Moors, volunteers are being asked to help survey three distinct species, the Bilberry bumblebee, Tree bumblebee and Red-tailed bumblebee.

To get you started we are holding several Bumblebee Survey Training Days across the Peak District to equip you with the skills to do the surveys in your own spare time and to teach your friends and family so they can join you.

The training days are free and open to all. We only ask that you carry out some surveys during the summer months. The events are being held at the following venues and will last approximately three to four hours:-

Saturday April 5 – Moorland Discovery Centre, Longshaw Estate, 10am
Sunday April 6 – Dore Old School, Dore, 1pm
Saturday April 12 – Chapel Hall, Holme, 10am
Sunday April 27 – Longdendale Environmental Education Centre, Longdendale, 10am
Sunday May 4 – Meerbrook Village Hall, near Tittesworth Reservoir, 10am
Sunday May 11 – Greenfield Methodist Church, Greenfield, near Dovestones Reservoir, 1pm
Saturday May 17 – Bradbury Community House, Glossop, 10am
Sunday May 18 – St John’s Community Centre, Penistone, 10am

The events will provide all the training you need to get started as a Community Science volunteer. We will provide you with the information and training you need to survey Bumblebees and record the effects of climate change on your local moors. You will also have a chance to meet and get to know fellow volunteers.

Please bring a picnic lunch and a drink and make sure you have warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots.

Places are limited; if you would like to attend any of the training events listed above, please contact moorcitizens@peakdistrict.gov.uk to book your place. For more information about how to get involved in this or any other Community Science Projects visit http://www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk/get-involved/citizen-science-surveys-and-sightings2/bumblebee-survey