Get involved! Eglinton Community Gardens nature survey
Have you ever observed a beautiful insect or plant in the wild and thought “I need to tell someone all about this”? Well, the upcoming Citizen Science BioBlitz Nature Survey at Eglinton Community Gardens will allow you to do just that.
North Ayrshire Ranger Service is teaming up with South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre (SWSEIC) with support from Nectar Networks for an action-packed day of nature surveying and information gathering on Thursday 31 July.
Aimed at adults interested in biodiversity and conservation, the event will take place within the community gardens between 10am and 3pm.
SWSEIC Support Officer Malcolm Haddow, a specialist in biological recording with a particular interest in insects and vascular plants, will be hosting the event alongside Ranger Linda, Lynne Bates and the volunteers from Nectar Networks Ayrshire.
Quote: “Wildlife recording is not only an enjoyable pastime, it is also vitally important, providing the essential data required for understanding biodiversity. Recording the species present, where they are, and how their populations change over time is crucial for conservation. Ecological surveys can evidence species in decline and the impact that environmental changes like climate can have. When we know where different plants and animals are living, the information helps us to improve our understanding of our natural environment and prioritise the vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife that we need to look out for first.
Quote from: Malcolm Haddow, South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre Support Officer
The purpose of the BioBlitz Nature Survey will be to empower people to record what they see and enable them to contribute towards national surveying databases.
It will also provide North Ayrshire Ranger Service with a baseline survey of Eglinton Community Gardens right now, in order that they may measure change from year to year, enabling them to continue to improve the biodiversity of the gardens.
Ranger Linda Tedford from North Ayrshire Ranger Service is urging local people to come along and take part, no experience necessary – just an interest in wildlife. She said: “This is a brilliant opportunity this summer to make a direct contribution to vital citizen science projects here at Eglinton Community Gardens and Eglinton Country Park.
“Not only will the wildlife survey session help us to better understand the current presence of local species, it also gives us enhanced understanding of the behaviours, habitats and ecology of the species recorded, so that we can do all that we can to protect them.”
Part of the council’s #SustainableNA strategy, the all-day event at Eglinton Community Gardens invites attendees along to:
- Learn about how to conduct nature surveys
- Hone the skills required for focused observation, structured surveying and data collection using recording apps
- Increase awareness of local flora and fauna and their habitats
- Spend time outdoors to boost wellbeing
- Develop a stronger connection to nature
Eglinton Community Gardens is also home to the North Ayrshire Native Plant Nursery where many local plant and tree species are being protected, so the results from the survey should also hopefully bring some positive results and reinforce the continued conservation efforts underway.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands added: “Our Countryside Rangers play a pivotal role in ensuring we have the correct conservation planning in place to protect local biodiversity and prevent nature loss.
“The information gained from the upcoming survey is vital for them to continue to plan and appropriately implement the conservation actions required for the future. So why not get involved and play your part?”
Spaces are limited for the session, book now via the online form or call Eglinton Country Park during business hours on 01294 551776.
The BioBlitz Nature Survey is on Thursday 31 July (10am until 2pm). You should meet at Eglinton Community Gardens – look for NAC Ranger Service Flag. This event is for over-18s and you should wear appropriate clothing as the session will take place offside the main pathways on uneven natural terrain. Appropriate footwear and long trousers should be worn – no shorts due to long grass and presence of ticks at this time of year.
Stay tuned to North Ayrshire Ranger Service and Eglinton Community Gardens on Facebook to keep up to date with other citizen science and volunteering opportunities happening at Eglinton Country Park.
Published: 21 July 2025