The Natural History Museum have a new citizen science project Orchid Observers.
Orchid Observers brings together photography, biological recording and the online analysis of museum specimens to better understand the effects that climate change is having on the flowering times of UK orchid populations. The project invites nature enthusiasts and photographers alike to take pictures of orchids from across the UK and contribute their images to the project website http://www.orchidobservers.org/. Here, participants can also help to identify orchid photos that have been uploaded by others and help to extract data from more than 10,000 historical orchid specimens, spanning three centuries. By bringing this data together, we hope to develop a deeper understanding of the effects that climate change is having on this charismatic and much-loved group, some of which are declining - even in protected sites, which in turn may help inform how we can plan and protect key populations and areas. Please could you contact me if you think that this project will be of interest to your WT membership and Trusts and nature reserves across the UK? I would be very happy to supply further information. Kath Castillo Orchid Observers Project Officer k.casti...@nhm.ac.uk Sussex Wildlife Trust is a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. Registered in England, Company No. 698851. Registered Charity No. 207005. VAT Registration No. 191 305969. Registered Office: Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex BN5 9SD. Telephone 01273 492630
