Wildlife hide and seek

As part of the celebrations of the International Year of Biodiversity, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust have launched their 'Wildest Hide & Seek' study, a citizen science project investigating how wetlands improve local biodiversity. In true 'Hide & Seek' fashion, participants just need to hide quietly in their garden or nearby open space, and then spend a few minutes seeking and recording any wildlife they see.

Common Kingfisher, Rye Meads RSPB, Hertfordshire (Photo: Pixellence)

The UK-wide study is investigating whether having a pond or other wetland in a garden, local park, school grounds or allotment affects the range of wildlife found there. The survey will run from today [Friday 21st] to Monday 31st May. As a big 'Thank You' to all those taking part, you'll also receive a 2-for-1 voucher for entry to your local WWT centre.

Martin Spray, CEO of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, explains: "We're asking people to spend one hour looking for 14 species such as Hedgehogs, Foxes, Kingfishers, frogs and dragonflies, which will give us a guide to the health of wildlife habitats. Some animals might be spotted relatively easily; however, some may hide under rocks or logs so we do encourage people to be inquisitive! The feedback will help to paint a picture of the health of habitats across the country and will not only help our research work, but also the work WWT do to protect wetlands and wildlife worldwide."

Frogs are one of the 14 species WWT are asking citizen scientists to record (Photo: WWT)

To find out more about how to take part, and to download a survey guide, visit www.wwt.org.uk/hideandseek.