Our 2025 Biodiversity Survey Methodology

This year, we designed a simple, mobile‐friendly survey so anyone can quickly capture key indicators of our rewilding progress. Here’s how we did it:

Survey Design

We focused on rapid, easy-to-execute field observations that track the enhanced biodiversity generated by our rewilding process. At each designated zone, teams record:

• Survey location: GPS‐tagged

• Birds: Species count in 1 minute by using Merlin Sound ID

• Insect & pollinators: Species count in 1 min (by direct observation)

• Wildflower & non-grass plants: Total species in a 5 m radius

• Tree regeneration: Number of new saplings or shoots in a 5 m radius

• Mammals and Amphibians

• These 2 are harder to count in a short time frame (less chance of seeing a deer or fox randomly), so we,

  1. Also include data from our iNaturalist sitings where we have other photo / trailcam recordings

  2. Plus provide guidance on finding evidence of existence, such as tree browsing (deer), molehills, paw prints, etc.

  
  

• Microhabitats: Count of distinct features (hedgerows, ponds, woodpiles, etc.) to break up the “sea of grass”

• Bramble & thistle control: Assessment of invasive-species management in a 20 m radius

  
  

Lastly we ask for a subjective “ranger ambience” score, any free-form notes and a photo upload

The Field Process

• Teams: Small groups of two to three observers

• Timing: Late mornings in mid-June—consistent light and activity levels

• Sites: 25 fixed locations, each a 5 m circle

3. Tools & Data Flow

1. Mobile Form: https://formester.com is an excellent form building tool

2. Merlin Bird ID: To capture bird species

3. Google Sheets: Centralized database for all survey entries

4. Kepler.gl: Geo-visualization of sites and trends

   
   

4. Next Steps

• Publish our findings on our website

• Compare year-on-year trends

• Refine questions and devise metrics around items that are difficult to capture in a quick survey (e.g. add camera-trap mammal surveys)

By keeping it simple, consistent, and digital, we can engage volunteers, streamline reporting, and gain insight into what works and what doesnt.

What do you think of this methodology? Have you tried something similar in your project? We'd love to hear your feedback and happy to share additional details if you'd like to replicate the process.