Pollinator Monitoring in Local Green Spaces: Finding a Scheme and Taking Part

Pollinator monitoring in local green spaces is a rewarding way to contribute to citizen science while enjoying a park or natural area. In the UK, the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) is the main scheme, while Ireland has its own Irish pollinator monitoring scheme, and several EU-wide initiatives exist. You can take part by doing timed flower-insect counts or pan trapping, and no prior experience is needed—training materials are provided. This guide explains how to find a scheme, what each involves, and how to plan an enjoyable monitoring day with a practical picnic.

What is Pollinator Monitoring and Why Does It Matter?

Pollinator monitoring involves systematically recording the visits of bees, hoverflies, butterflies, and other insects to flowers. This data helps scientists track changes in pollinator populations and plant-pollinator interactions. Citizen science projects make this possible at a large scale, and local green spaces—parks, community gardens, churchyards, and roadside verges—are ideal study sites because they are accessible and often under-recorded.

Choosing a Pollinator Monitoring Scheme

Several schemes are available depending on your location and interests. The table below compares the main options.

All schemes provide clear protocols and identification guides, so beginners are welcome. Choose based on where you live, how much time you have, and whether you prefer a quick count or a more detailed survey.

UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS)

The UK pollinator monitoring scheme poms is run by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and partners. The easiest way to take part is the Flower-Insect Timed Count (FIT Count). You choose a patch of target flowers, set a 10-minute timer, and count all insects that visit the flowers within that time. You can do this anywhere, including your local park. You submit results online or via a mobile-friendly form. Pan trapping is more involved: you set out coloured bowls filled with soapy water, leave them for a few hours, and then identify and count the insects caught. This method requires more equipment and careful handling, but it provides valuable data on less conspicuous pollinators.

Irish Pollinator Monitoring Scheme

The irish pollinator monitoring scheme is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. It offers two main activities: FIT Counts and fixed route transects. FIT Counts are identical in method to those in the UK. Fixed route transects involve walking a set path (about 1 km) regularly and recording all pollinators seen. You need to be able to identify common species, but training is provided. This scheme is perfect for those who want a more structured, long-term commitment and enjoy walking.

EU Pollinator Monitoring Scheme and Other Options

The EU pollinator monitoring scheme is still being developed, but several pilot projects and national schemes across Europe welcome volunteers. For example, the national pollinator monitoring scheme in your country may have similar protocols. If you are outside the UK or Ireland, search for 'pollinator monitoring scheme' plus your country name. Many schemes accept opportunistic records via apps like iNaturalist, which is a flexible way to contribute.

How to Get Started: Step-by-Step for a FIT Count

FIT Counts are the simplest way to join, and you can do them alone, with friends, or with children. Here’s how to prepare for a smooth and enjoyable session.

1. Choose your green space: Pick a local park, community garden, or any area with flowering plants. Ensure you have permission if it is private land.
2. Get your materials: You don’t need any special equipment. A smartphone with internet access is ideal because you can use the online form. Otherwise, print a paper recording sheet and bring a pen. A timer or watch is essential.
3. Learn the target flowers: PoMS lists 14 target flower species, such as dandelion, bramble, and lavender. Choose one that is abundant in your spot. You don’t need to identify the insects to species level, only to broad groups (e.g., bumblebee, honeybee, hoverfly, butterfly, other insect).
4. On the day: Find a patch of your chosen flower where you can stand comfortably for 10 minutes. Start the timer and count every insect that lands on a flower within your view. If an insect leaves and returns, count it again. Record the number of each group.
5. Submit your results: Go to the PoMS website or use the app to enter your count, along with the date, time, location, and weather conditions (sun, cloud, wind).

That’s it! You’ve contributed valuable data. Repeat as often as you like, at different times and places, to build a picture of pollinator activity.

Planning an Enjoyable Pollinator Monitoring Day

Combining monitoring with a leisurely picnic makes the activity more enjoyable and means you can involve the whole family. Here are practical tips to reduce effort and increase fun.

Timing and Weather

Pollinators are most active on warm, sunny days with little wind. Aim for between 10am and 4pm. Check the forecast and choose a day when the temperature is at least 15°C (60°F) and winds are light. Avoid rainy or very overcast days. Early morning and late evening are less productive. If you’re monitoring with children, plan shorter sessions and bring extra activities.

What to Bring

• Monitoring kit: Smartphone or recording sheets, pen, timer, identification guide (print or download).
• Picnic essentials: Easy-to-eat food that doesn’t require much preparation. Sandwiches, fruit, cheese, crackers, and a bottle of water are ideal. Bring a blanket or portable chairs.
• Comfort items: Sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (applied after monitoring to avoid affecting insects), and a lightweight foldable table if you prefer not to sit on the ground.
• For groups: Clipboards for each person, extra snacks, and a camera for fun photos.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Do your FIT Count first, then relax with your picnic. Or, spread out several counts during the day with breaks in between. If you’re in a larger group, split into pairs: one person counts while the other records. Rotate roles to keep everyone engaged. Afterward, explore the green space, look for other wildlife, or play simple nature games like 'I spy a pollinator'.

Budget-Friendly Options

Pollinator monitoring is already low-cost, but you can make it even cheaper. Use a free app instead of printing forms. Bring homemade food and drinks from home. If you don’t have a picnic blanket, use an old shower curtain or a large towel. Many green spaces are free to enter, so the only cost is your travel.

Adapting to Different Situations

Limited mobility: Choose a location with paved paths and benches. You can do FIT Counts from a seated position if you can reach a flower patch. Many parks have accessible gardens designed for this.

Bad weather backup: If rain is forecast, postpone your monitoring. But you can still visit the green space with a raincoat and maybe do a shorter count if the rain stops briefly. Alternatively, use the time to plan future sites or practice insect identification indoors.

Group needs: If you’re with young children, keep the monitoring session to one 10-minute count. Bring toys or books for downtime. For a more serious group, you can do multiple counts and compare results.

Understanding the Impact of Your Data

Every count adds to a growing dataset that tracks pollinator trends across the UK, Ireland, and the EU. Your local green space is part of a network that helps scientists understand how urbanization, climate change, and land management affect pollinators. By taking part, you are contributing to conservation efforts and can see patterns emerge over time in your own neighbourhood.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Few insects visiting: This is still valuable data. Ensure your flower patch is in full sun and that the flowers are not past their prime. Try a different flower species or come back at another time.
• Identifying insects: Focus on broad groups. The guides use simple pictures and descriptions. With practice, you’ll improve.
• Staying still for 10 minutes: Find a comfortable spot to stand or sit. Use a camera or binoculars to observe from a distance.
• Forgetting to submit data: Set a reminder on your phone to submit as soon as you finish, or enter data on the spot using the app.

Final Thoughts

Pollinator monitoring in local green spaces is a simple, flexible, and meaningful outdoor activity. Whether you join the uk pollinator monitoring scheme, the irish pollinator monitoring scheme, or an EU-wide initiative, you’ll be part of a large community of citizen scientists making a real difference. Pack a picnic, grab a friend or the family, and enjoy a day in nature while helping protect the pollinators that sustain our ecosystems.