JISC

iSpot Local will be a new web-based tool designed to widen participation in citizen science by enabling volunteers who live near each other to record and build a broader picture of biodiversity in their area. They can then turn this knowledge into action through understanding the best way to preserve and enhance their natural environment.

 iSpot Local will build on the strengths of the Open University’s award-winning iSpot website. Volunteers will use geographic information provided by iSpot and use this new tool to share knowledge, record actions and to discuss conservation ideas. Links to other web sites and content within iSpot Local will offer suggestions on the most appropriate ways to preserve and improve local biodiversity. Our partners, Ambios Ltd & Learning South West will facilitate the use of iSpot Local among community groups in Devon and Somerset using workshops and Bioblitzes. iSpot Local will act as a repository for local, primary source digital, biodiversity data collected during the Bioblitzes and a tool for communication between the community groups to enable creation of co-created content. The project will be externally evaluated throughout and the evaluation will be used when extending the project nationally following this pilot.